Every entry is cited to a federal record, a federal opinion, a statute, or a newspaper page dated 1930 or earlier, opened and quote-checked during research. The exceptions are stated on the entry: one New York State court opinion (a government edict, not copyrightable) and three later Chronicling America pages cited for the fact only. The group label under each entry is a filter label taken from the source’s wording. It fills no chart seat, and the family charts stay as they are. A title links to the page this archive has filed for it. Where two sources give different dates, the entry says so.
1890s
1890 · La Cosa Nostra comes to national attention after New Orleans police chief is killed
The FBI’s history dates national attention to the Italian-American Mafia to the 1890 killing of the head of the New Orleans police department.
New Orleans · La Cosa Nostra (FBI attribution) · FBI, History of the FBI: “Crime and Corruption Across America, 1972-1988”
1890-10 · New Orleans police chief David Hennessy shot
An Associated Press dispatch reported that Chief of Police David C. Hennessy was fatally shot near Basin and Girod streets in New Orleans. (sources differ: the dispatch dateline reads October 10; this archive’s map record dates the shooting October 15)
New Orleans · New Orleans (Hennessy case) · Arizona Republican (Phoenix, Ariz.), 1890-10-17, page 1 (Library of Congress, Chronicling America)
1891-03-14 · Mob kills eleven Italian prisoners in New Orleans
A mob broke into the Parish Prison and killed eleven Italian prisoners held in the Hennessy case, including men acquitted by a jury and others not yet tried.
New Orleans · New Orleans (Hennessy case) · The Sun (New York, N.Y.), 1891-03-15, page 2 (Library of Congress, Chronicling America)
1899-01-17 · Alphonse Capone born in Brooklyn
The Alcatraz warden’s notebook record for inmate 85 gives Capone’s birth date and a Brooklyn birthplace.
Brooklyn, N.Y. · Chicago Outfit · National Archives catalog, NAID 236736566: CAPONE, ALPHONSE GABRIEL “SCARFACE” - Alcatraz Number 85 - Warden’s Notebook
1900s
1903-04 · New York ‘barrel murder’ arrests
New York police arrested twelve men on suspicion in the East Side barrel murder.
New York · The Evening World (New York, N.Y.), 1903-04-16, page 1 (Library of Congress, Chronicling America)
1908 · Bureau of Investigation founded (context)
The FBI’s history describes 1908 as the year a new federal investigative agency was created, as big-city crime grew.
Washington, D.C. · Federal law enforcement · FBI, History of the FBI: “The Nation Calls, 1908-1923”
1909-03 · NYPD Lieutenant Joseph Petrosino killed in Palermo
Petrosino, sent to Italy to start a campaign against the Black Hand, was killed in Palermo.
Palermo, Italy · Black Hand · New-York Tribune (New York, N.Y.), 1909-03-15, page 1 (Library of Congress, Chronicling America)
1910s
1910-02 · Lupo and Morello sentenced for counterfeiting
Eight Sicilians, including Ignazio Lupo and Giuseppe Morello, were convicted of counterfeiting in federal court in New York and sentenced to terms at Atlanta.
New York · Black Hand (as reported) · Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), 1910-02-20, page 5 (Library of Congress, Chronicling America)
1912-07-16 · Gambler Herman Rosenthal shot in New York
Gambler Herman Rosenthal was shot and killed in front of the Hotel Metropole in New York.
New York · New York gambling · The Bennington Evening Banner (Bennington, Vt.), 1912-07-16, page 1 (Library of Congress, Chronicling America)
1919-01-16 · Eighteenth Amendment ratified
Ratification of the Eighteenth Amendment, which prohibited the manufacture, sale and transport of intoxicating liquors one year after ratification, was completed.
Prohibition · Constitution of the United States, As Amended (H. Doc. 110-50), govinfo
1919-10-28 · National Prohibition Act (Volstead Act) enacted
Congress enacted the National Prohibition Act, the enforcement statute for Prohibition, as chapter 85 of the 66th Congress.
Washington, D.C. · Prohibition · U.S. Statutes at Large, vol. 41, p. 305 (66th Cong., Sess. I, ch. 85), Library of Congress
1920s
1920 · Capone joins Torrio in Chicago
The FBI’s history says that about 1920 Capone came to Chicago at Torrio’s invitation, where Torrio was a lieutenant in the Colosimo mob.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “Al Capone”
1920 · Prohibition takes effect
The FBI’s history of the gangster era says Prohibition turned the nation dry in 1920 and enriched professional criminals.
Prohibition · FBI, History of the FBI: “The FBI and the American Gangster, 1924-1938”
1920-05-11 · James Colosimo killed in Chicago
An FBI memorandum drawing on a Chicago office crime survey records Colosimo’s murder and the Chicago police allegation that Torrio planned it.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · FBI Records: The Vault, John Torrio, Part 01 (Final) (FBI memorandum of April 19, 1947) (viewer OCR text)
1924-11 · Dean O’Banion killed in Chicago
The United Press reported that North Side gang leader Dean O’Banion was dead and police expected further gang violence.
Chicago · North Side gang · The Indianapolis Times (Indianapolis, Ind.), 1924-11-11, page 11 (Library of Congress, Chronicling America)
1925 · Capone succeeds Torrio
After Torrio was seriously wounded in an assassination attempt, he surrendered control to Capone and retired to Brooklyn.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “Al Capone”
1925-01 · Torrio arrested in the Sieben Brewery raid
An FBI memorandum records that Chicago police arrested Torrio in January 1925 in a raid on the Sieben Brewery and that he was sentenced to nine months.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · FBI Records: The Vault, John Torrio, Part 01 (Final) (FBI memorandum of April 19, 1947) (viewer OCR text)
1925-01-24 · Gunmen wound John Torrio
The Associated Press reported an attack on John Torrio in Chicago, two months after O’Banion was killed in his flower shop.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · South Bend News-Times (South Bend, Ind.), 1925-01-25, page 1 (Library of Congress, Chronicling America)
1926-04-27 · Assistant State’s Attorney McSwiggin killed
William McSwiggin and two companions were killed by machine-gun fire on the Chicago-Cicero line.
Cicero, Ill. · Chicago Outfit · Brownsville Herald (Brownsville, Tex.), 1926-04-28, page 1 (Library of Congress, Chronicling America)
1926-09-20 · Motorcade attack on the Hawthorne Inn, Cicero
Gunmen in a line of cars fired on the Hawthorne Inn in Cicero, described as Capone’s reputed headquarters; Capone escaped through a rear door.
Cicero, Ill. · Chicago Outfit · Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), 1926-09-21, page 18 (Library of Congress, Chronicling America)
1926-10-11 · Hymie Weiss killed near Holy Name Cathedral
North Side gang leader Earl ‘Hymie’ Weiss and Patrick Murray were killed by machine-gun fire on North State Street across from Holy Name Cathedral.
Chicago · North Side gang · Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), 1926-10-12, page 1 (Library of Congress, Chronicling America)
1928 · Castellammarese War begins in New York
According to the FBI, Joseph Masseria’s attempt to control organized crime nationally set off the so-called Castellammarese War in 1928.
New York · New York Mafia · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “La Cosa Nostra”
1928-07-01 · Frank Yale killed in Brooklyn
Frank Yale, described as a friend of Capone and blamed by Chicago police for earlier killings, was shot dead on a Brooklyn street.
Brooklyn, N.Y. · Brownsville Herald (Brownsville, Tex.), 1928-07-02, page 1 (Library of Congress, Chronicling America)
1928-11-04 · Arnold Rothstein shot at the Park Central Hotel
Gambler Arnold Rothstein was fatally shot in the Park Central Hotel in New York; bookmaker George McManus was to be indicted.
New York · New York gambling · The Washington Daily News (Washington, D.C.), 1928-11-30, page 5 (Library of Congress, Chronicling America)
1929-02-14 · Saint Valentine’s Day killings in Chicago
Seven members of George Moran’s North Side gang were lined up and shot in the S. M. C. Cartage Co. garage at 2122 North Clark Street by men posing as police.
Chicago · North Side gang · Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), 1929-02-14, page 1 (Library of Congress, Chronicling America)
1929-03-20 · Capone appears before federal grand jury
Capone appeared before a federal grand jury in Chicago on March 20, 1929 and finished testifying on March 27.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “Al Capone”
1929-03-27 · Capone arrested for contempt of court
As he left the courtroom, Bureau of Investigation agents arrested Capone for contempt of court over his delayed grand jury appearance; he posted bond.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “Al Capone”
1929-05 · Atlantic City ‘peace conference’
After his Philadelphia arrest, Capone told reporters he had gone to Atlantic City for a gang peace conference that he said he arranged.
Atlantic City, N.J. · Chicago Outfit · Brownsville Herald (Brownsville, Tex.), 1929-05-18, page 1 (Library of Congress, Chronicling America)
1929-05 · Wickersham Commission set up
President Hoover set up the Wickersham Commission in May 1929 to study law enforcement during Prohibition.
Washington, D.C. · Federal law enforcement · FBI, History of the FBI: “The FBI and the American Gangster, 1924-1938”
1929-05-17 · Capone arrested in Philadelphia on a weapons charge
Capone and his bodyguard were arrested in Philadelphia for carrying concealed weapons and sentenced within 16 hours to one year each. (sources differ: the FBI image repository dates the Philadelphia mug shot May 16)
Philadelphia · Chicago Outfit · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “Al Capone”
1929-12-23 · Ballistics link Burke guns to the Clark Street killings
Ballistics expert Calvin Goddard testified that test bullets from submachine guns found at Fred Burke’s Michigan home matched bullets from the February victims.
Chicago · North Side gang · Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), 1929-12-23, page 1 (Library of Congress, Chronicling America)
1930s
1930-03-14 · Frank Nitti indicted for income tax evasion
A Bureau of Investigation letter records that a federal grand jury in Chicago indicted Frank Nitto (Nitti) for evading income tax.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · FBI Records: The Vault, Frank Nitti, Part 01 (Final) (viewer OCR text)
1930-03-17 · Capone released from Philadelphia sentence
Capone served his weapons sentence and was released for good behavior after nine months.
Philadelphia · Chicago Outfit · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “Al Capone”
1930-04-08 · Jake Guzik sentenced for income tax violation
An FBI memorandum records that Guzik was sentenced to five years and a day and fined for income tax violation.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · FBI Records: The Vault, Jake Guzik (Final) (viewer OCR text)
1930-04-24 · Chicago Crime Commission names 28 ‘public enemies’
The Chicago Crime Commission published a list of 28 gangsters, headed by Capone, and sent it to law enforcement agencies calling them public enemies.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), 1930-04-24, page 25 (Library of Congress, Chronicling America)
1930-06-09 · Chicago Tribune reporter Jake Lingle killed
Alfred ‘Jake’ Lingle, a Chicago Tribune reporter, was shot in the Randolph Street subway while on his way to the Washington Park race track.
Chicago · The Indianapolis Times (Indianapolis, Ind.), 1930-06-10, page 1 (Library of Congress, Chronicling America)
1930-10-23 · Joe Aiello killed in Chicago
Joe Aiello, a rival of Capone allied with George Moran, was killed by machine-gun fire in the courtyard of a North Side apartment building.
Chicago · Aiello / North Side · The Washington Times (Washington, D.C.), 1930-10-24, page 1 (Library of Congress, Chronicling America)
1931 · Maranzano sets up five New York groups
The FBI states that Maranzano emerged as the most powerful Mafia boss and set up five separate criminal groups in New York.
New York · Five Families · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “La Cosa Nostra”
1931 · Maranzano killed; Luciano sets up the Commission
The FBI states that Luciano had Maranzano murdered less than five months after the reorganization and then set up the Commission to rule the families.
New York · Commission · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “La Cosa Nostra”
1931 · Masseria killed; Castellammarese War ends
The FBI states that the war ended in 1931 when Salvatore Maranzano conspired with Charles Luciano to have Joseph Masseria killed.
New York · New York Mafia · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “La Cosa Nostra”
1931-02 · Capone soup kitchen photographed in Chicago
A National Archives photograph dated February 1931 shows unemployed men lined up outside a soup kitchen opened by Capone.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · National Archives catalog, NAID 541927: Unemployed men queued outside a depression soup kitchen opened in Chicago by Al Capone
1931-02-28 · Capone sentenced to six months for contempt
Capone was found guilty in federal court on the contempt charge and sentenced to six months in the Cook County Jail. (sources differ: FBI Vault Part 26 dates the finding February 27)
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “Al Capone”
1931-03-13 · First Capone tax indictment returned
The National Archives holds the indictment in case number 22852 against Capone, dated March 13, 1931.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · National Archives catalog, NAID 55311008: Indictment in Case Number 22852
1931-06 · Capone and others indicted on Prohibition charges
A federal criminal case file records the indictment of Capone and dozens of others for possessing intoxicating alcohol.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · National Archives catalog, NAID 32597091: The United States of America vs. Alphonse Capone et al.
1931-06-05 · Second Capone tax indictment returned
The National Archives holds the indictment in case number 23232, dated June 5, 1931, on which Capone was later convicted.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · National Archives catalog, NAID 55311014: Indictment in Case Number 23232
1931-06-16 · Capone pleads guilty, then withdraws the plea
Capone pleaded guilty to tax and Prohibition charges, then changed his plea to not guilty after the judge said he was not bound by any sentencing deal.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “Al Capone”
1931-10-17 · Jury convicts Capone of tax charges
The jury’s signed verdict in the consolidated Capone tax cases, held by the National Archives, is dated October 17, 1931. (sources differ: the FBI history page gives October 18)
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · National Archives catalog, NAID 628966: Al Capone’s Guilty Verdict
1931-10-24 · Capone sentenced to eleven years
Judge Wilkerson’s judgment imposed prison terms totaling eleven years and fines totaling $50,000 on five counts of indictment 23232. (sources differ: the FBI history page says November 24)
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · National Archives catalog, NAID 55311708: Judgment and Sentence on Verdict and Exception as per Draft
1932-02-27 · Seventh Circuit affirms Capone conviction
The Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit affirmed Capone’s income tax conviction.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · Capone v. United States, 56 F.2d 927 (7th Cir. 1932) (CourtListener)
1933-06-17 · Kansas City Massacre
Gunmen attempting to free federal prisoner Frank Nash killed four peace officers and Nash outside Union Station in Kansas City.
Kansas City · Public enemies · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “Kansas City Massacre and ‘Pretty Boy’ Floyd”
1933-12-05 · Twenty-first Amendment repeals Prohibition
Ratification of the Twenty-first Amendment, which repealed the Eighteenth, was completed.
Prohibition · Constitution of the United States, As Amended (H. Doc. 110-50), govinfo
1934-06-18 · Anti-Racketeering Act approved
Congress approved an act to protect trade and commerce against interference by violence, threats, coercion or intimidation, later amended by the Hobbs Act.
Washington, D.C. · Federal law enforcement · U.S. Statutes at Large, vol. 60, p. 420 (Public Law 486, ch. 537), Library of Congress
1934-06-18 · Congress gives Bureau agents arrest and firearms powers
The May-June 1934 federal crime bills, passed partly in response to the Kansas City Massacre, gave special agents the power of arrest and authority to carry firearms.
Washington, D.C. · Federal law enforcement · FBI, History: Timeline
1934-06-26 · National Firearms Act enacted
Congress enacted the National Firearms Act; its definitions section covers firearms including machine guns.
Washington, D.C. · Federal law enforcement · U.S. Statutes at Large, vol. 48, p. 1236 (73d Cong., Sess. II, ch. 757), Library of Congress
1934-07-10 · John Lazia shot in Kansas City
Kansas City North Side political leader John Lazia, a lieutenant of Tom Pendergast, was shot in front of the Park Central hotel. (citation only; page not reproduced)
Kansas City · Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), 1934-07-10, page 1 (Library of Congress, Chronicling America)
1934-07-22 · John Dillinger killed in Chicago (context)
Dillinger resisted arrest outside the Biograph Theater in Chicago and was killed by special agents.
Chicago · Public enemies · FBI, History: Timeline
1934-08-22 · Capone received at Alcatraz
The warden’s notebook records that Capone, inmate 85, was received at Alcatraz from the U.S. Penitentiary at Atlanta.
San Francisco · Chicago Outfit · National Archives catalog, NAID 236736566: CAPONE, ALPHONSE GABRIEL “SCARFACE” - Alcatraz Number 85 - Warden’s Notebook
1936 · Luciano sentenced to 30 to 50 years
Charles Luciano was sentenced to 30 to 50 years in prison for operating a prostitution ring, and Frank Costello became acting boss.
New York · Genovese · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “La Cosa Nostra”
1936-06-23 · Capone attacked at Alcatraz
Inmate James Lucas attacked Capone in the Alcatraz shower room with half of a pair of scissors; Capone suffered minor wounds.
San Francisco · Chicago Outfit · National Park Service, Alcatraz Island, “The Man Who Tried to Kill Al Capone”
1938-04-12 · New York’s highest court affirms Luciano conviction
The New York Court of Appeals affirmed the compulsory-prostitution convictions of Charles Luciano and five co-defendants.
New York · Genovese · People v. Luciano, 277 N.Y. 348 (1938) (CourtListener)
1939 · Louis Buchalter surrenders to Hoover
The FBI’s New York history records that Buchalter, whose organization it calls Murder Inc., surrendered to Director Hoover in New York through Walter Winchell.
New York · Murder, Inc. · FBI, Field Office Histories: New York
1939-01-04 · Capone transferred from Alcatraz
The warden’s notebook records Capone’s transfer from Alcatraz in January 1939.
San Francisco · Chicago Outfit · National Archives catalog, NAID 236736566: CAPONE, ALPHONSE GABRIEL “SCARFACE” - Alcatraz Number 85 - Warden’s Notebook
1939-11-16 · Capone released from federal custody
Capone was released after serving seven years, six months and fifteen days and paying his fines and back taxes.
Lewisburg, Pa. · Chicago Outfit · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “Al Capone”
1940s
1941 · Government sues Capone and associates for unpaid taxes
A civil case file at the National Archives records the federal suit against Alphonse Capone, Ralph Capone, Jack Guzik and others for unpaid taxes.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · National Archives catalog, NAID 406126090: United States of America vs. Alphonse Capone, Ralph Capone, … et al. (civil)
1943-06-01 · Supreme Court upholds Buchalter murder convictions
The Supreme Court affirmed the Kings County first-degree murder convictions of Louis Buchalter and co-defendants Weiss and Capone (Louis Capone).
Brooklyn, N.Y. · Murder, Inc. · Buchalter v. New York, 319 U.S. 427 (1943) (CourtListener)
1944-12-20 · Hollywood extortion convictions affirmed
The Second Circuit affirmed the convictions of Louis Compagna, Paul deLucia and others for conspiring to extort money from movie producers and exhibitors from 1935 to 1940.
New York · Chicago Outfit · United States v. Compagna, 146 F.2d 524 (2d Cir. 1944) (CourtListener)
1946 · Luciano released and deported to Italy
Ten years after his 1936 sentence, Luciano was released from prison and deported to Italy.
New York · Genovese · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “La Cosa Nostra”
1946-07-03 · Hobbs Act amends the Anti-Racketeering Act
Congress rewrote the 1934 Anti-Racketeering Act, adding definitions such as robbery affecting commerce (the Hobbs Act).
Washington, D.C. · Federal law enforcement · U.S. Statutes at Large, vol. 60, p. 420 (Public Law 486, ch. 537), Library of Congress
1946-08 · Federal stop order on Flamingo Hotel construction
An FBI memorandum in the Siegel file records a federal ‘stop order’ against Benjamin Siegel and associates over construction of the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas · Siegel group · FBI Records: The Vault, Bugsy Siegel, Part 01 (viewer OCR text)
1947-01-25 · Capone dies at Palm Island
Capone died at his Palm Island home in Florida of a stroke and pneumonia.
Miami Beach, Fla. · Chicago Outfit · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “Al Capone”
1950s
1950-04-06 · Charles Binaggio and Charles Gargotta killed
Kansas City political figure Charles Binaggio and Charles Gargotta were shot to death in Binaggio’s political club rooms on Truman Road. (citation only; page not reproduced)
Kansas City · Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), 1950-04-07, page 1 (Library of Congress, Chronicling America)
1950-10-06 · Kefauver Committee sits in Chicago
The Senate crime committee held executive sessions in room 267 of the U.S. Courthouse in Chicago.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · U.S. Senate, Special Committee to Investigate Organized Crime in Interstate Commerce, Hearings, Part 5 (Illinois), Internet Archive full text
1950-11 · Kefauver Committee holds one-day session in Las Vegas
The Senate crime committee held a one-day session in Las Vegas and heard that a Cleveland gambling syndicate owned most of the Desert Inn. (citation only; page not reproduced)
Las Vegas · Cleveland syndicate · Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), 1950-11-16, page 27 (Library of Congress, Chronicling America)
1951 · Senate committee finds a ‘sinister criminal organization’
The FBI’s history of La Cosa Nostra dates official recognition of a national Mafia organization to a 1951 U.S. Senate committee finding.
Washington, D.C. · La Cosa Nostra · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “La Cosa Nostra”
1951-01-05 · Accardo refuses to answer the Kefauver Committee
Committee counsel stated for the record that the leadership of the Capone gang had passed to Tony Accardo and Paul Ricca, while Accardo refused to answer.
Washington, D.C. · Chicago Outfit · U.S. Senate, Special Committee to Investigate Organized Crime in Interstate Commerce, Hearings, Part 5 (Illinois), Internet Archive full text
1951-01-17 · Phil Kastel served at the Beverly Club
A Senate crime committee subpoena was served on Phil Kastel at the Beverly Club in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.
Jefferson Parish, La. · S. Rept. 82-124, Proceedings Against Phil Kastel for Contempt of the Senate (1951), govinfo Serial Set
1951-01-25 · Carlos Marcello refuses Senate committee in New Orleans
Subpoenaed to the committee’s New Orleans hearing, Carlos Marcello refused to produce records or answer questions, leading to a contempt report.
New Orleans · New Orleans crime family · S. Rept. 82-120, Proceedings Against Carlos Marcello for Contempt of the Senate (1951), govinfo Serial Set
1952-07-03 · Costello’s Senate contempt conviction partly affirmed
Frank Costello had been convicted on ten counts of contempt of the Senate crime committee and sentenced to eighteen months; the Second Circuit affirmed on three counts and reversed the rest.
New York · Genovese · United States v. Costello, 198 F.2d 200 (2d Cir. 1952) (CourtListener)
1953-08-25 · FBI launches the Top Hoodlum Program
The FBI asked all field offices to gather information on mobsters in their territories and report it to headquarters. (sources differ: the FBI’s online timeline ties the program to Apalachin in 1957)
Washington, D.C. · Federal law enforcement · FBI, History of the FBI: “And Justice for All, 1954-1971”
1955-05-31 · Supreme Court upholds Marcello deportation order
The Supreme Court considered the deportation order against Carlos Marcello, based on a 1938 Marihuana Tax Act conviction, and upheld it.
New Orleans · New Orleans crime family · Marcello v. Bonds, 349 U.S. 302 (1955) (CourtListener)
1956-02-21 · Jake Guzik dies
An FBI report relays a Chicago Sun-Times account that Guzik died of a heart attack on the evening of February 21, 1956.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · FBI Records: The Vault, Jake Guzik (Final) (viewer OCR text)
1956-03-05 · Supreme Court upholds Costello tax conviction
The Supreme Court rejected Frank Costello’s challenge to his income tax evasion indictment for 1947 through 1949.
New York · Genovese · Costello v. United States, 350 U.S. 359 (1956) (CourtListener)
1957 · Costello shot; Genovese takes control
The FBI states that in 1957 Vito Genovese took control of the family after sending Vincent Gigante to murder Frank Costello, who survived.
New York · Genovese · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “La Cosa Nostra”
1957-06-11 · Paul DeLucia (Ricca) denaturalized
A federal decree revoked Paul DeLucia’s 1928 naturalization; the Seventh Circuit later affirmed it.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · United States v. Paul De Lucia, 256 F.2d 487 (7th Cir. 1958) (CourtListener)
1957-11-14 · Apalachin meeting exposed
New York State Trooper Edgar Croswell uncovered a gathering of crime figures from across the country at Joseph Barbara’s estate in Apalachin, New York.
Apalachin, N.Y. · La Cosa Nostra · FBI, History: Timeline
1959 · Vito Genovese convicted on narcotics conspiracy
Genovese received a 15-year sentence for conspiracy to violate narcotics laws and, according to the FBI, continued to run the family from prison in Atlanta.
New York · Genovese · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “La Cosa Nostra”
1959-05-13 · Apalachin attendees indicted
Federal prosecutors indicted attendees of the Apalachin gathering for conspiring to obstruct justice by false and evasive grand jury testimony.
New York · La Cosa Nostra · United States v. Bufalino, 285 F.2d 408 (2d Cir. 1960) (CourtListener)
1960s
1960-04-25 · Tony Accardo indicted on tax charges
A Chicago federal grand jury indicted Accardo on three counts of false statements on tax returns; his conviction was reversed by the Seventh Circuit on January 5, 1962 because of prejudicial publicity.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · United States v. Accardo, 298 F.2d 133 (7th Cir. 1962) (CourtListener)
1960-11-28 · Apalachin conspiracy convictions reversed
The Second Circuit reversed the conspiracy convictions of Apalachin attendees who had been sentenced to three to five years.
New York · La Cosa Nostra · United States v. Bufalino, 285 F.2d 408 (2d Cir. 1960) (CourtListener)
1962 · Valachi kills a fellow inmate
Still in prison in 1962, Valachi killed a man he believed Genovese had sent to kill him and was sentenced to life, after which he chose to cooperate.
Atlanta · La Cosa Nostra · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “La Cosa Nostra”
1963-03-21 · Alcatraz closes
The federal penitentiary on Alcatraz, which had held Capone, closed after 29 years.
San Francisco · Federal prisons · Federal Bureau of Prisons, Historical Information: “Alcatraz”
1963-09-27 · Joseph Valachi testifies before Senate subcommittee
Valachi told the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations that he was a member of a secret criminal society called La Cosa Nostra. (sources differ: an FBI photo caption dates a Valachi appearance October 1)
Washington, D.C. · La Cosa Nostra · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “La Cosa Nostra”
1964 · Hoffa convicted of jury tampering
Teamsters president James Hoffa and three others were convicted in 1964 of trying to bribe jurors in his 1962 Test Fleet trial in Nashville.
Nashville · Teamsters · Hoffa v. United States, 385 U.S. 293 (1966) (CourtListener)
1965-06-01 · Sam Giancana held in contempt
A federal court in Chicago held Giancana in contempt for refusing to obey an order to testify before a grand jury.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · In re Grand Jury Investigation of Sam Giancana, 352 F.2d 921 (7th Cir. 1965) (CourtListener)
1966-07 · Giacalone and Corrado arrested in Canada
An FBI Detroit investigation enabled Canadian authorities to arrest Detroit mob figures Anthony Giacalone and Dominic Corrado on racketeering charges.
Detroit · Detroit · FBI, Field Office Histories: Detroit
1967-02 · Battaglia indicted under the Hobbs Act
Salvatore Battaglia and two others were indicted for conspiring to extort $48,500 from a Chicago-area builder in violation of the Hobbs Act.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · United States v. Battaglia, 394 F.2d 304 (7th Cir. 1968) (CourtListener)
1968 · Omnibus Crime Control Act
The FBI lists the Omnibus Crime Control Act of 1968 among the laws that helped its campaign against the mob.
Washington, D.C. · Federal law enforcement · FBI, History of the FBI: “And Justice for All, 1954-1971”
1969 · Vito Genovese dies in prison
The FBI records that Genovese died in his prison cell in 1969, by which time Philip Lombardo controlled the family.
Genovese · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “La Cosa Nostra”
1970s
1970-10-15 · Organized Crime Control Act of 1970 and RICO
Congress enacted the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970, whose Title IX created the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) chapter of the criminal code.
Washington, D.C. · Federal law enforcement · Public Law 91-452, Organized Crime Control Act of 1970, 84 Stat. 922 (govinfo)
1970-10-15 · Title V authorizes protected housing for government witnesses
Title V of the same act authorized the Attorney General to provide for the security of government witnesses in organized crime proceedings, the basis of the Witness Security Program.
Washington, D.C. · Federal law enforcement · Public Law 91-452, Organized Crime Control Act of 1970, 84 Stat. 922 (govinfo)
1972 · Thomas Eboli murdered
The FBI states that Lombardo’s first front-man underboss, Thomas Eboli, was murdered in 1972.
New York · Genovese · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “La Cosa Nostra”
1972 · Henry Trafficante and 62 associates arrested in Tampa
FBI Tampa arrested Santo Trafficante’s brother Henry and 62 associates on illegal gambling charges, then the office’s largest mob takedown.
Tampa · Trafficante · FBI, Field Office Histories: Tampa
1975 · James Hoffa disappears
The FBI’s Detroit history records that Teamsters president James Hoffa disappeared in 1975 and has never been located.
Detroit · Teamsters · FBI, Field Office Histories: Detroit
1975 · Unirac waterfront investigation begins
The FBI’s Unirac (union racketeering) case, begun in 1975, targeted mob influence in the shipping industry and led to more than 100 convictions.
Waterfront racketeering · FBI, History of the FBI: “Crime and Corruption Across America, 1972-1988”
1975-06-20 · Sam Giancana murdered
The Senate Church Committee report notes that Giancana was murdered in his home on June 20, 1975.
Chicago Outfit · U.S. Senate Select Committee (Church Committee), S. Rep. 94-465, Alleged Assassination Plots Involving Foreign Leaders (1975), p. 75 n. 2 (PDF)
1976 · Joseph Pistone infiltrates the Bonanno family
Undercover FBI agent Joe Pistone infiltrated the Bonanno family in 1976; his intelligence later helped start the Pizza Connection case.
New York · Bonanno · FBI News, “The Pizza Connection” (April 5, 2019)
1976 · FBI opens Teamsters Local 560 racketeering case
Newark agents began a racketeering investigation of Teamsters Local 560, where Genovese figures Anthony Provenzano and Salvatore Briguglio were key players.
Union City, N.J. · Genovese · FBI, Field Office Histories: Newark
1977 · Kansas City boss Nicholas Civella imprisoned
Kansas City mob boss Nicholas Civella was sent to prison in 1977 after a gambling conviction.
Kansas City · Kansas City (Civella) · FBI, Field Office Histories: Kansas City
1978 · Organized crime becomes an FBI priority
The FBI’s Philadelphia history states that organized crime became a Bureau priority in 1978.
Philadelphia · Federal law enforcement · FBI, Field Office Histories: Philadelphia
1978-06-07 · Unirac indictments in Miami
A federal grand jury in Miami indicted 22 labor union officials and shipping executives, surfacing the Unirac investigation.
Miami · Waterfront racketeering · FBI, History: Timeline
1979-02-14 · FBI raids the Tropicana
Las Vegas agents raided the Tropicana Hotel on Valentine’s Day 1979 in a probe of gaming executive Carl Thomas, believed linked to the Civella family.
Las Vegas · Kansas City (Civella) · FBI, Field Office Histories: Las Vegas
1979-07-12 · Carmine Galante killed in Brooklyn
The Second Circuit recounts that Galante and two others were shot on the terrace of a Brooklyn restaurant, allegedly by Anthony Indelicato and accomplices.
Brooklyn, N.Y. · Bonanno · United States v. Salerno, 868 F.2d 524 (2d Cir. 1989) (CourtListener)
1980s
1980 · Carlos Marcello convicted in BRILAB
The FBI’s New Orleans undercover BRILAB case led to Marcello’s conviction on racketeering charges in 1980.
New Orleans · New Orleans crime family · FBI, Field Office Histories: New Orleans
1981 · Strawman skimming indictments
Eleven people, including members of the Civella family, were indicted in 1981 in the Strawman investigation of mob control in Nevada gaming.
Kansas City · Kansas City (Civella) · FBI, Field Office Histories: Kansas City
1981-07-14 · Spilotro named in Gold Rush RICO indictment
Anthony Spilotro was named in a nine-count RICO indictment over the affairs of Gold Rush, Ltd., a Las Vegas jewelry store.
Las Vegas · Chicago Outfit · United States v. Spilotro, 680 F.2d 612 (9th Cir. 1982) (CourtListener)
1982 · Coldwater and King’s Court arrests
Sixty subjects, including members of five Mob families, were arrested in the Tampa-area Coldwater and related undercover cases.
Tampa · Bonanno · FBI, Field Office Histories: Tampa
1983 · Cleveland’s Angelo Lonardo sentenced, then cooperates
After a life sentence in 1983 from the Busmark RICO case, Cleveland figure Angelo Lonardo became a cooperating witness.
Cleveland · Cleveland · FBI, Field Office Histories: Cleveland
1984-04-08 · Badalamenti arrested in Madrid
Spanish authorities acting on FBI information arrested former Sicilian Mafia boss Gaetano Badalamenti in Madrid.
Madrid · Sicilian Mafia / Bonanno · FBI News, “The Pizza Connection” (April 5, 2019)
1984-04-09 · Pizza Connection arrests and charges
Charges were announced in the Pizza Connection heroin case, documenting links between American and Italian organized crime groups.
New York · Sicilian Mafia / Bonanno · FBI, History: Timeline
1984-06-08 · Teamsters bribery conspiracy convictions affirmed
The Seventh Circuit affirmed the convictions of Teamsters president Roy Williams, Joseph Lombardo and two others on an indictment charging conspiracy to bribe a United States Senator.
Chicago · Teamsters · United States v. Williams, 737 F.2d 594 (7th Cir. 1984) (CourtListener)
1984-08-10 · Operation Safebet search warrants
About 300 FBI and IRS agents executed 14 search warrants in suburban Chicago in a case on political corruption and organized-crime control of prostitution.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · FBI, Field Office Histories: Chicago
1985-05-10 · Tropicana skim convictions affirmed
The Eighth Circuit affirmed the convictions of Carl DeLuna, Carl Civella and others for a conspiracy to skim money from the Tropicana in Las Vegas.
Kansas City · Kansas City (Civella) · United States v. DeLuna, 763 F.2d 897 (8th Cir. 1985) (CourtListener)
1985-10-24 · Pizza Connection trial begins
The Pizza Connection trial opened with 22 Sicilian-born defendants and ran 16 months.
New York · Sicilian Mafia / Bonanno · FBI News, “The Pizza Connection” (April 5, 2019)
1985-11-19 · Indelicato added to the Commission case
The Second Circuit records that Anthony Indelicato was indicted on RICO conspiracy and substantive RICO counts on November 19, 1985.
New York · Commission · United States v. Salerno, 868 F.2d 524 (2d Cir. 1989) (CourtListener)
1985-12-16 · Paul Castellano and Thomas Bilotti killed
Castellano and Bilotti were shot and killed outside Sparks Steak House in Manhattan while Castellano was on trial in a car theft case.
New York · Gambino · United States v. Gaggi, 632 F. Supp. 1019 (S.D.N.Y. 1986) (CourtListener)
1986 · Vincent Cafaro cooperates with the FBI
Genovese soldier Vincent Cafaro, an aide to Anthony Salerno, decided in 1986 to cooperate with the FBI and testify.
New York · Genovese · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “La Cosa Nostra”
1986-01 · Nicodemo Scarfo arrested in Philadelphia
FBI agents arrested Nicodemo Scarfo in January 1986 along with 17 members of his organization.
Philadelphia · Philadelphia (Scarfo) · FBI, Field Office Histories: Philadelphia
1986-01 · Balistrieri and others convicted in Las Vegas skim
Five men, including Milwaukee leader Frank Balistrieri, were convicted of skimming more than two million dollars from Las Vegas casinos.
Kansas City · Milwaukee · FBI, Field Office Histories: Milwaukee
1986-02 · Gennaro Angiulo convicted in Boston
Gennaro Angiulo, described by the FBI as Boston chief of La Cosa Nostra, and two of his brothers were convicted of racketeering.
Boston · New England (Patriarca) · FBI, Field Office Histories: Boston
1986-03-21 · Anthony Salerno and Vincent Cafaro arrested
Salerno and Cafaro were arrested on a 29-count RICO indictment and held without bail under the Bail Reform Act, which the Supreme Court later upheld.
New York · Genovese · United States v. Salerno, 481 U.S. 739 (1987) (CourtListener)
1986-06-14 · Anthony and Michael Spilotro killed
The 2005 Family Secrets indictment lists the murders of Anthony and Michael Spilotro, on or about June 14, 1986, in DuPage County among the killings charged.
DuPage County, Ill. · Chicago Outfit · U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Illinois, press release, April 25, 2005
1986-11-19 · Commission case guilty verdicts
The Commission trial in the Southern District of New York ended with guilty verdicts against all defendants the day after the Second Circuit’s mandate issued. (sources differ: the FBI page dates the convictions to 1985)
New York · Commission · United States v. Salerno, 868 F.2d 524 (2d Cir. 1989) (CourtListener)
1987-03-02 · Pizza Connection verdict
After the longest criminal jury trial in U.S. history, the jury delivered its verdict on 19 remaining defendants; all but one were convicted.
New York · Sicilian Mafia / Bonanno · FBI News, “The Pizza Connection” (April 5, 2019)
1987-05-26 · Supreme Court upholds pretrial detention of Salerno
The Supreme Court upheld the Bail Reform Act’s pretrial detention provisions in the case of Anthony Salerno and Vincent Cafaro.
Washington, D.C. · Genovese · United States v. Salerno, 481 U.S. 739 (1987) (CourtListener)
1987-10-08 · Stardust skim convictions affirmed
The Eighth Circuit affirmed the convictions of Aiuppa, Cerone, Lombardo, LaPietra and Rockman after a four-month Kansas City trial on Las Vegas casino skimming.
Kansas City · Chicago Outfit · United States v. Cerone, 830 F.2d 938 (8th Cir. 1987) (CourtListener)
1987-10-27 · Colombo family RICO convictions affirmed
The Second Circuit affirmed the convictions of Carmine Persico and seven others arising from the Colombo family enterprise, except certain substantive RICO counts against two appellants.
New York · Colombo · United States v. Persico, 832 F.2d 705 (2d Cir. 1987) (CourtListener)
1988-05-04 · Genovese construction case trial ends
A thirteen-month trial in the Southern District of New York over rigging of concrete contracts concluded.
New York · Genovese · United States v. Salerno, 937 F.2d 797 (2d Cir. 1991) (CourtListener)
1988-11-19 · Scarfo family members convicted of racketeering
A ten-week federal trial in Philadelphia ended with members of the Scarfo family found guilty of RICO conspiracy and racketeering.
Philadelphia · Philadelphia (Scarfo) · United States v. Pungitore, 910 F.2d 1084 (3d Cir. 1990) (CourtListener)
1989–1990 · Ravenite Social Club conversations intercepted
The government’s key evidence against John Gotti came from conversations intercepted at 247 Mulberry Street from late 1989 to early 1990.
New York · Gambino · United States v. Locascio, 6 F.3d 924 (2d Cir. 1993) (CourtListener)
1989-01-31 · Second Circuit affirms Commission convictions
The Second Circuit affirmed the Commission case judgments, except that it reversed Anthony Indelicato’s substantive RICO conviction.
New York · Commission · United States v. Salerno, 868 F.2d 524 (2d Cir. 1989) (CourtListener)
1989-10 · FBI records a Mafia induction ceremony
Boston agents installed listening devices in a Providence home and recorded a complete New England Mafia induction ceremony.
Providence, R.I. · New England (Patriarca) · FBI, Field Office Histories: Boston
1990s
1990-03-05 · Angiulo convictions affirmed
The First Circuit affirmed the convictions and sentences of Gennaro Angiulo and relatives, described as members or associates of the Patriarca family, but reversed parts of the forfeiture orders.
Boston · New England (Patriarca) · United States v. Angiulo, 897 F.2d 1169 (1st Cir. 1990) (CourtListener)
1990-12 · John Gotti arrested
FBI agents and NYPD detectives arrested Gotti on racketeering, extortion, jury tampering and other charges.
New York · Gambino · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “John Gotti”
1992-03-10 · Infelise jury verdict in Chicago
A federal jury in Chicago found Rocco Infelise guilty on racketeering and related counts in a five-defendant trial.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · United States v. Infelise, 835 F. Supp. 1466 (N.D. Ill. 1993) (CourtListener)
1992-04-02 · John Gotti convicted
Gotti was convicted on 13 counts, including ordering the murders of Castellano and Bilotti.
New York · Gambino · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “John Gotti”
1992-12 · Carlisi street crew indicted
A federal grand jury indicted eleven members of the Chicago Outfit for gambling and loansharking by two street crews.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · United States v. Zizzo, 120 F.3d 1338 (7th Cir. 1997) (CourtListener)
1993 · CAT’S EYE arrests in Florida
FBI Tampa’s CAT’S EYE case against the ‘Ndrangheta and allied drug suppliers led to 23 arrests for racketeering, drug trafficking and money laundering.
Sarasota, Fla. · ‘Ndrangheta · FBI, Field Office Histories: Tampa
1993 · James Marcello convicted in Carlisi crew case
The Seventh Circuit later recounted that James Marcello was convicted in 1993 and sentenced to 150 months for the Carlisi street crew conspiracy.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · United States v. Schiro, 679 F.3d 521 (7th Cir. 2012) (CourtListener)
1995 · Frank Calabrese Sr. charged
Calabrese was charged in 1995 with a street-crew racketeering conspiracy covering 1978 through 1992; he pleaded guilty in 1997 and received 118 months.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · United States v. Schiro, 679 F.3d 521 (7th Cir. 2012) (CourtListener)
1995-01-10 · James ‘Whitey’ Bulger indicted
Bulger, a South Boston organized crime figure and FBI informant, was indicted under RICO and fled Boston.
Boston · South Boston (Bulger) · FBI, Field Office Histories: Boston
1996 · GAMTAX indictments in Detroit
A five-year FBI Detroit undercover case culminated in the indictment of 17 members of the Detroit mob, nearly its entire hierarchy.
Detroit · Detroit · FBI, Field Office Histories: Detroit
1997 · Operation Thin Crust
FBI Las Vegas’s 1997 Operation Thin Crust sought those who killed Herbert Blitzstein, the Las Vegas point man for a Chicago mob family.
Las Vegas · Chicago Outfit · FBI, Field Office Histories: Las Vegas
1997-12 · Vincent Gigante convicted
Genovese boss Vincent Gigante was convicted of racketeering and murder conspiracy and sentenced to 12 years.
New York · Genovese · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “La Cosa Nostra”
1998-12 · BUSICO arrests
The Buffalo-originated BUSICO case against Sicilian drug networks culminated in simultaneous arrests in several U.S. cities and Italy.
Buffalo · Sicilian Mafia · FBI, Field Office Histories: Newark
2000s
2002-01-17 · Gigante indicted for running family from prison
Gigante was indicted on charges of continuing to run the Genovese family from prison; he pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice in 2003.
New York · Genovese · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “La Cosa Nostra”
2002-06 · John Gotti dies in prison
The FBI notes that Gotti died in prison in June 2002.
Gambino · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “John Gotti”
2003 · Gigante pleads guilty to obstruction
Charged with running the Genovese family from prison, Vincent Gigante pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice.
New York · Genovese · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “La Cosa Nostra”
2005-04-25 · Family Secrets indictment unsealed
Federal prosecutors in Chicago unsealed a racketeering conspiracy indictment against 14 defendants spanning four decades.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Illinois, press release, April 25, 2005
2005-12 · Vincent Gigante dies in prison
Gigante died in December 2005 in the same federal prison hospital where Gotti had died.
Genovese · FBI, History: Cases and Criminals, “La Cosa Nostra”
2007-09-10 · Family Secrets defendants found guilty
All five Family Secrets trial defendants were found guilty of racketeering and related crimes.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · FBI, “Family Secrets Mob Case” (October 1, 2007)
2008-10-10 · Bonanno racketeering appeal decided
The Second Circuit decided the appeal of Patrick DeFilippo, a co-defendant in the Eastern District of New York case captioned United States v. Joseph Massino.
New York · Bonanno · United States v. Massino, 546 F.3d 123 (2d Cir. 2008) (CourtListener)
2009 · Frank Calabrese Sr. sentenced to life
The FBI reports that Calabrese was sentenced to life in prison in 2009 for his role in 18 gangland killings dating to 1970.
Chicago · Chicago Outfit · FBI News, “The Chicago Mafia” (2011)
2010s
2011-01-20 · Largest coordinated Mafia takedown
FBI agents and partners began arresting nearly 130 members of New York’s five families, the DeCavalcante family and the New England Mafia.
New York · Five Families · FBI News, “Mafia Takedown” (January 20, 2011)
2011-06-22 · Whitey Bulger arrested
Bulger, a fugitive since 1995 and on the Ten Most Wanted list since 1999, was arrested on June 22, 2011.
Boston · South Boston (Bulger) · FBI, Field Office Histories: Boston