Al Capone

Alphonse Gabriel Capone, born on January 17, 1899, in New York City to Italian immigrants, emerged as one of America's most notorious gangsters during the Prohibition era. Known as 'Scarface', he co-founded and led the Chicago Outfit from 1925 until 1931, a period marked by his ruthless expansion of the bootlegging business and violent confrontations with rival gangs.

Capone's rise to power was facilitated by his early involvement with the Five Points Gang and his role as a bodyguard for Johnny Torrio, the head of a criminal syndicate that supplied illegal alcohol. Following an assassination attempt on Torrio, Capone took control of the organization, leveraging his connections with local politicians and law enforcement to operate with relative impunity.

Despite his criminal activities, Capone cultivated a public persona that resonated with many, often likened to a 'modern-day Robin Hood' for his charitable donations. However, his reputation suffered significantly after the infamous Saint Valentine's Day Massacre, which led to increased scrutiny from law enforcement and the media, dubbing him 'Public Enemy No. 1'.

In 1931, federal authorities charged Capone with tax evasion, ultimately convicting him on five counts. He was sentenced to eleven years in federal prison, where he began to show signs of neurosyphilis. After serving nearly eight years, he was released but continued to face health issues. Capone passed away on January 25, 1947, due to cardiac arrest following a stroke.