Al Capone, also known as “Scarface,” remains one of the most infamous figures in American history. During the Prohibition era, he ruled Chicago’s underworld with an iron fist, amassing wealth and power through bootlegging, gambling, and violence. This article delves into Capone’s life, criminal activities, and eventual downfall.
Early Life and Rise to Power
Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1899, Al Capone dropped out of school after the sixth grade and joined a street gang led by Johnny Torrio. Around 1920, Capone followed Torrio to Chicago, where he became a key figure in the city’s burgeoning organized crime scene. Prohibition, which outlawed the manufacture and sale of alcohol, created a lucrative opportunity for bootleggers, and Capone quickly rose through the ranks.
Al Capone’s mugshot, taken during his time in law enforcement custody.
Following Torrio’s retirement in 1925, Capone became the head of the Chicago Outfit. He consolidated his power through ruthless tactics, eliminating rivals and establishing control over various illegal activities. The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in 1929, in which seven members of a rival gang were murdered, solidified Capone’s reputation for brutality, though his direct involvement remains unproven.
The FBI and Tax Evasion
While local law enforcement struggled to bring Capone down, the FBI focused on building a case against him for tax evasion. This strategy proved successful, as Capone’s lavish lifestyle and lack of legitimate income provided ample evidence. In 1929, Capone was subpoenaed to appear before a federal grand jury but initially tried to avoid testifying by claiming illness. The FBI investigated these claims and found them to be false.
Al Capone’s fingerprints, part of his law enforcement record.
Ultimately, Capone’s attempts to evade justice failed. He was arrested for contempt of court in 1929 and later convicted of tax evasion in 1931.
Imprisonment and Decline
Capone was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison and served time in Atlanta and Alcatraz. His health deteriorated significantly during his incarceration due to paresis, a consequence of untreated syphilis. He was released in 1939 and spent his remaining years in Florida, a shadow of his former self.
Arrest record for Al Capone dated May 4. 1932.Al Capone’s criminal record, documenting his various offenses.
Legacy
Alphonse Gabriel “Al” Capone rose to infamy as a gangster in Chicago during the 1920s and early 1930s.A later mugshot of Al Capone, showing the effects of his declining health.
Al Capone died in 1947, but his name remains synonymous with organized crime and the excesses of the Roaring Twenties. He became a cultural icon, representing both the allure and the dangers of the gangster lifestyle. His story continues to fascinate, serving as a reminder of a turbulent era in American history.
