Joseph Persails
Joseph Persails has served as the Special Agent in Charge of the St. Paul Field Division since October 2026. In this capacity, he is responsible for overseeing ATF operations throughout North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Prior to his selection, he served as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) of the Professional Responsibility Division.
Persails began his ATF career in 2013 as a Special Agent in the Louisville Field Division. Throughout his tenure with ATF, he has served in numerous leadership positions, including CGIC Supervisor and Group Supervisor in the Louisville Field Division; ASAC of the Baltimore Field Division; Acting Division Chief for the Firearms Operations Division; and ASAC of the Internal Affairs Division.
Persails began his law enforcement career as a police officer with the Hollywood, Florida Police Department. He served in the U.S. Army and is a veteran of the Global War on Terrorism. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Union Institute & University and a master’s degree in criminology from Florida Atlantic University.
