Ep 7. Lawless

In the fifth season of The FBI Files, episode 7 titled "Lawless," the audience is taken on a journey through the world of organized crime in Louisville, Kentucky. The episode highlights the FBI's investigation into a notorious gang of criminals called the "Cornbread Mafia," who had been terrorizing the community for years with their massive drug operation.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the group of criminals who came together in the 1960s in rural Kentucky. The organization's roots were based on the production and distribution of marijuana, and the group consisted of farmers who had developed an efficient system to grow, process, and distribute the illegal drug in various parts of the country. As the years went on, the operation grew larger, and the members expanded their reach by adding new drugs to their illicit business.

The FBI's investigation into the Cornbread Mafia began in the late 1980s, when they received a tip about a massive marijuana growing operation in the middle of rural Kentucky. The tip led them to a farm owned by Johnny Boone, who was rumored to be the leader of the Cornbread Mafia. When agents raided the farm, they discovered an elaborate network of tunnels that were used to hide the crops. The operation was so large that it required the use of trucks to transport the drugs from the farm to various distribution points across the country.

Through the use of interviews with FBI agents, local law enforcement, and former members of the Cornbread Mafia, the episode explores in detail the tactics used by the organization to evade the police and how the FBI was eventually able to bring them down. The episode also highlights the difficulties faced by the law enforcement agencies tasked with tracking down such dangerous criminals, from dealing with corrupt police officers to keeping their informants safe.

The episode is particularly focused on the role played by a special FBI agent named Gary Blankenship, who went undercover as a member of the Cornbread Mafia. Blankenship was tasked with gathering intelligence on the inner workings of the organization, and his work played a vital role in the eventual takedown of the group. The episode explores in detail how Blankenship infiltrated the group, gained their trust, and ultimately helped the FBI bring them to justice.

Throughout the episode, viewers are provided with a detailed look at the complex and dangerous world of organized crime and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in their efforts to fight it. From the intricate web of networks established by the Cornbread Mafia to the risks faced by undercover agents, the episode highlights the many obstacles that must be overcome in the pursuit of justice.

Overall, The FBI Files season 5, episode 7, "Lawless," is a fascinating and informative look at one of the most notorious criminal organizations in recent history and the efforts of law enforcement to take them down. With vivid interviews and compelling storytelling, the episode captures the tension, danger, and drama inherent in the world of organized crime.