Frank Battaglia

I grew up in some of the toughest neighborhoods in Brooklyn, N.Y. I was always fighting my way through various elementary and high schools since my parents were always moving. Eventually they divorced and my anger grew even more. I tried to contain it by lifting weights but that only brought further attention as people wanted to challenge me for my size. I was almost beaten to death at the age of 16 years old. After looking in the mirror that day I told myself that I wouldn't allow this to happen anymore. I would now be even more aggressive than ever in my attempt to survive this concrete jungle. I beat up many people, some in self-defense and others I was paid to do so. I obtained all the necessary connections to survive in a tough environment. I strived for success, but since I barely graduated high school, making money illegally was more lucrative. I started out small selling by buying and reselling weed and anything else I could get my hands on. I became a respectable middle man with many mob connections. Although I was never in the mob, I was respected my those who were made men as I conducted business deals with them. After getting hired at the N.Y.C. Dept. of Sanitation I still had to conduct my illegal business on the side to pay my bills. I started selling guns and cocaine amongst everything else on my list just to make a quick buck. This led to my downfall as I was set up, surveilled for one year, and then busted by A.T.F and N.Y.P.D. Major Cases Task Force agents. Although I was given the opportunity to cooperate, it was a tough decision as it broke every code that I knew.
The WITNESS is a true story about this part of my life and how I was truly rescued and totally changed by God.