Dutch Schultz

Dutch Schultz (born Arthur Simon Flegenheimer, August 6, 1901 – October 24, 1935) was a prominent American gangster during the Prohibition era. He gained notoriety in the criminal underworld for his operations in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, which included bootlegging, illegal gambling, and extortion. Schultz was also known for his violent methods and his unpredictable, often irrational behavior.

Early Life

Schultz was born to German Jewish immigrants Herman and Emma Flegenheimer in The Bronx, New York City. After his father abandoned the family, Schultz left school and began engaging in petty crime, eventually adopting the moniker "Dutch Schultz".

Criminal Career

In the early 1920s, Schultz began working for Italian-American mob boss Francesco Ioele, also known as Frankie Yale, in his bootlegging operation. Schultz quickly rose through the ranks, eventually establishing his own operation in Harlem.

Schultz's operation was highly successful, and he became one of the wealthiest gangsters of the Prohibition era. However, his violent methods and erratic behavior made him many enemies, both within the criminal underworld and in law enforcement.

In 1933, Schultz was indicted for income tax evasion, a charge famously used to bring down Al Capone. However, Schultz managed to avoid conviction by tampering with the jury, an act that further increased his notoriety.

Death and Legacy

In 1935, Schultz was shot in a hit ordered by the Commission, the governing body of the American Mafia. He died from his injuries the following day.

Schultz's life and career have been the subject of numerous books and films. Despite his criminal activities, he is often romanticized as a symbol of the lawless Prohibition era.

See Also

• Prohibition in the United States
• Organized crime in the United States
• American Mafia