I Was an FBI Agent — Then I Survived Prison

Aug 18, 2025 Locked In with Ian Bick
Bob Lustyik spent nearly 25 years in the FBI’s elite intelligence division tracking foreign spies and protecting national security, earning a highly decorated career in the process — until it all came crashing down. Just before retirement, he was arrested and sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit bribery. In this gripping interview, Bob shares what it was like to join and train at the FBI Academy, the high-pressure reality of working in counterespionage, the moment everything unraveled, and what prison was really like for a former federal agent. From chasing criminals to becoming one, this is a rare inside look at both sides of the law, told with raw honesty, shocking details, and powerful lessons about loyalty, mistakes, and redemption.

#FBI #TrueCrime #PrisonStories #LawEnforcement #SpyStories #FederalAgent #CrimeDocumentary #PrisonLife

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Timestamps:
00:00 Why I Had to Set Prison Precedent
00:33 Introducing Bob Lustyik: FBI Agent Turned Inmate
01:59 Early Life in Sleepy Hollow
03:37 Family, Upbringing, and Childhood Influences
04:35 High School Years: Sports and Reputation
05:28 Struggles in School & Setting Sights on FBI
06:38 Path to FBI: College and Early Career Steps
08:38 Getting into the FBI: Tests and Interviews
11:04 FBI Academy: Experiences and Training
16:07 Inside the FBI: Job Assignment and Early Days
18:07 Counterintelligence Work Explained
22:29 Inside the Spy Game: Missions and Techniques
26:55 FBI vs. CIA: Operations and Culture
29:20 Learning the Craft: Undercover Case Stories
33:53 Awards, Achievements, and FBI Stats System
37:59 Bonuses, Arrests, and Controversies in Federal Cases
43:00 The Unexpected Downfall: How It All Went Wrong
50:00 The Investigation and Indictment
01:00:06 Trials, Solitary, and Adapting to Incarceration
01:09:41 Life in Danbury: Entering Federal Prison
01:16:32 Navigating Prison Life: Groups, Routines, and Respect
01:24:53 What Surprised Me About Prison & Its People
01:33:02 Changing Perspective: Justice System Realities
01:42:42 Release, Home Confinement, and Moving Forward
01:53:04 Reflections & Takeaways: Lessons from Both Sides
02:01:03 Humility, Judging Others & Final Thoughts
02:01:37 Closing Words and Thanks

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