Robert Cooley (born 1943) is a former Mafia lawyer, government informant and author of the 2004 autobiography, "When Corruption was King."
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Cooley was born to an Irish-American family and lived in the Greater Grand Crossing section of Chicago's Southeast Side.[1] His father was a Chicago Police officer, as were both of his grandfathers - both of whom had died in the line of duty.
After graduating from Mt. Carmel High School, Cooley first worked as a Chicago patrol officer to earn his way through college and law school before becoming a criminal defense attorney. His association with Chicago Outfit capo Marco D'Amico dates from his time as a Chicago police officer. He quickly developed a reputation as a lawyer who would take any necessary action to get his clients acquitted. He used legitimate means to win almost all of his jury trials, but he was also prepared to bribe judges and court officials in the corrupt Cook County court system. His success as a criminal attorney brought him both significant wealth and access to the highest levels of the Chicago Mafia, known as the Outfit. His fearlessness, love for gambling, and carefree attitude also brought him social and professional contacts with Mob street crews. He shared in their nightlife at the city’s hottest bars and played cards in their private clubs. His ability to fix the 1977 trial of a notorious Hit Man Harry Aleman gained him entry to the Inner Circle of the First Ward, a group of Democratic Party officials, elected politicians, and mobsters who controlled Chicago’s city government and court system.
In 1986 Cooley, becoming deeply disgusted by the people he worked for after being given a contract to kill a police officer, approached the U.S. Justice Department’s Organized Crime Strike Force and declared,
"I'd like to help you destroy the First Ward. I want to help you destroy Pat Marcy."[2]
He proceeded to work undercover as part of an FBI probe known as Operation Gambat (for Gambling Attorney). His work ultimately sent 24 men to prison, including Outfit mobsters, politicians, cops, and judges. It also led to significant political and judicial reforms.
Cooley has never been part of the Witness Protection Program nor has he profited from his ties to the government. He now lives under an assumed name.