COMMENTARY: deep dive into my world as I explore loose ends

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    In June 1979, with her husband’s urging, Elaine Smith applied, took the qualifying tests, survived an intensive interview process, passed a physical exam, and after being approved for a top-secret clearance, she received an appointment as a Special Agent in training, Quantico Marine Base,  Quantico, Virginia.  After completing 4 months of the physically,  mentally, and psychologically grueling training school of the FBI, Elaine was sent to Chicago to begin her career as a Special Agent. 

    A Gun in My Gucci is a true story of two “outsiders” who helped bring down the Chicago Mob — the middle-aged mobster Ken “Tokyo Joe”  Eto, and a determined young woman, Elaine Corbitt Smith. In the early  1980s, Joe Eto was the highest-ranking Asian-American mobster in the country. His nemesis, rookie Elaine Smith was one of only a few female  Special Agents in the FBI at that time. Her relentless pursuit of Eto resulted in his detention by the Bureau on interstate gambling charges.  Afraid that he would “spill his guts”, Eto's Mob bosses decided not to gamble on Joe’s ability to remain silent. He had to be eliminated and a  “hit” was ordered. Joe Eto never talked, nevertheless, the Mob still tried to kill him. But the “hit” was botched, and Tokyo Joe walked away with three bullets in his head. Alive, with his honor intact, he sought revenge. He was ready to talk, but only to Special Agent Elaine Smith.  Over time, Eto's testimony released a waterfall of evidential information, leading to arrests, convictions, and longer sentences for many of Chicago’s top mobsters. A Gun in My Gucci reveals the special relationship between Joe Eto and his FBI handler Elaine Smith, who went from school teacher to crime-buster. Smith’s story exposes her tough climb up the ladder of acceptance and ultimate success as she broke into the macho, male-dominated criminal justice system, and helped take down the Chicago Outfit.