4.2.4 Al Capone 1

AI Capone was one of the most famous criminals in American history.

He came from an immigrant family.

His parents came from Italy, and his father was a barber.

As a boy, he belonged to a street gang.

He quit school after finishing the 6th grade.

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He built his career as a crime boss in Chicago.

He became boss at 26 when the previous leader was nearly killed.

His crime organization made a lot of money, more than 100 million dollars a year.

Most of the money came from illegal activities, especially the sale of illegal liquor.

His organization was also involved in gambling and prostitution.

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Capone was a flashy dresser who enjoyed being famous.

He protected himself by bribing police and public officials.

Though he was involved in the deaths of many, he was never convicted of a serious crime.

When he was finally arrested, it was for minor crimes.

In 1929 he and his bodyguard were arrested for carrying deadly weapons.

For that they were sentenced to a year in prison.

Capone was released in nine months for good behavior.

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