Dan "Danno" Hanks, a multifaceted individual with a rich and storied past, proudly presents a seven-page rap sheet, meticulously chronicling over fifty arrests and four stints in state and federal correctional facilities.
Born on July 13th, 1946, to Cheerful Louise Kappes and Daniel Joseph Portley III, Dan was the youngest of ten siblings.
Tragedy struck at a tender age, as his birth father, Daniel Joseph Portley III, took his own life when Dan was still just a toddler.
This profoundly disturbing event would leave an indelible mark on Dan's life, forever shaping his trajectory and influencing the path he would eventually take.
Dan's teenage years were marked by a desperate attempt to flee the confines of his home, seeking solace on the streets as a means of escape from the clutches of his sexually abusive stepfather, Charles Hanks. The traumatic experiences that unfolded during this tumultuous period would subsequently influence the trajectory of his life, leaving an indelible mark on his decision-making process and shaping the course of his future endeavors.
In 1976, while serving time at the notorious San Quentin prison, Dan bore witness to a senseless and tragic fatal stabbing that occurred in the chow line, an event that would forever etch itself into his psyche, leaving a lasting and profound impression that would linger long after his release.
Upon being freed from the confines of prison, Dan found himself at a crossroads, where he was compelled to reassess his life's trajectory and identify new avenues for financial sustenance and personal fulfillment.
In a remarkable turn of events, Dan discovered that his unique set of skills, honed during his incarceration, could be leveraged to secure a more lucrative and fulfilling career path.
As he transitioned out of the penal system, Dan found himself being courted by various law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),who recognized the value he could bring as a Confidential Informant.
This marked the beginning of a highly successful and lucrative career in the private investigation sector, one that would see Dan leveraging his expertise to help bring criminals to justice and earn a handsome living in the process.
Through his work as a private investigator and Confidential Informant, Dan was able to turn his life around, avoiding further incarceration and instead, building a reputation as a trusted and reliable asset for law enforcement agencies.
As his career continued to flourish, Dan became known for his unwavering dedication to his work, his exceptional investigative skills, and his ability to navigate the complex and often treacherous world of organized crime.
Through his experiences, Dan was able to demonstrate that even in the darkest of times, it is possible to find redemption and build a successful and fulfilling life.
Dan's imprisonment was a peculiar chapter in his life, as he found himself amidst a co-ed federal prison in Pleasanton, California, a unique environment that would shape his experiences and creative endeavors. Notably, he was the first and, for an extended period, the sole male prisoner within the institution, a circumstance that would later influence his writing.
After serving his prison term, Dan joined forces with Fred Valis, and the duo went on to establish the reputable detective agency, Backstreet Investigations.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dan has been instrumental in resolving a staggering number of theft, fraud, and drug-related cases, with a cumulative total exceeding one thousand.
Dan's extraordinary achievements in the field of investigation ultimately led to him being awarded a Certificate of Rehabilitation, which paved the way for him to obtain his own private investigator's license, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication to his craft.
Dan, a stalwart successor to the esteemed legacy of Backstreet Investigations, has steadfastly upheld the torch of excellence, assuming the roles of story consultant to the renowned writer George Gallo and technical advisor on a plethora of police and crime dramas. His remarkable expertise has not gone unnoticed, as he has become a regular fixture as a commentator on the popular television program "Geraldo at Large". With a storied career as a private investigator now behind him, Dan has taken a well-deserved retirement, yet has chosen to re-activate his Sag-Aftra card, ready to take on new challenges and make his mark in the world of entertainment once more. His forthcoming appearance in the upcoming George Gallo film, "The Comeback Trail", is a testament to his enduring talent and versatility, as he continues to captivate audiences with his unique blend of wit, wisdom, and expertise.
