National Archives Document for Today, October 17th: Verdict in United States of America v. Alphonse Capone, October 17, 1931
Today’s Document from the National Archives
Verdict in United States of America v. Alphonse Capone, October 17, 1931; Records of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division at Chicago, Consolidated Criminal Case File 22852 and 23232/22852; Records of the District Courts of the United States; Record Group 21; National Archives.
In June 1930, after an exhaustive investigation by the federal government, notorious Chicago gangster Al Capone was indicted for income tax evasion. During a highly publicized trial, the prosecution documented Capone's lavish spending and proof that Capone was aware of his obligation to pay federal income tax but failed to do so. After nearly 9 hours of deliberation, the jurors found Capone guilty of three felonies and two misdemeanors. Capone was sentenced to serve 11 years in prison and to pay $80,000 in fines and court costs.
Read more in American Originals...:
On April 23, 1930, the Chicago Crime Commission issued its first Public Enemies List; there were 28 names on it, and Al Capone's was the first. Capone headed an enormous crime organization that netted huge profits from the illegal liquor trade and he became a legendary symbol of the violent gangsterism of the Prohibition era.
For years Capone remained immune to prosecution for his criminal activities. In June 1930, after an exhaustive investigation by the federal government, Capone was indicted for income tax evasion. One of the most notorious criminals of the 20th century — the man held most responsible for the bloody lawlessness of Prohibition-era Chicago — was imprisoned for tax evasion.
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