When it comes to the enforcement of Prohibition laws in the United States, there were several key figures who played significant roles. These figures include both law enforcement officials who worked to uphold the Prohibition laws, as well as notorious gangsters who defied them.
Eliot Ness
Eliot Ness was a Prohibition agent who is perhaps best known for his work as the leader of the “Untouchables,” a group of agents tasked with taking down Al Capone’s bootlegging operation in Chicago. Ness was known for his honesty and incorruptibility, which earned him the nickname “Untouchable.” He was relentless in his pursuit of Capone and was instrumental in bringing him to justice.
After the downfall of Capone, Ness continued to work in law enforcement, taking on various roles in different cities. Although he is most famous for his efforts during Prohibition, Ness’s legacy extends beyond that period, as he continued to fight against organized crime throughout his career.
Al Capone
On the other side of the law was Al Capone, one of the most notorious gangsters of the Prohibition era. Capone rose to power in Chicago through his bootlegging and smuggling operations, becoming a symbol of the lawlessness that characterized the Prohibition era. Despite his criminal activities, Capone was able to evade law enforcement for many years due to his wealth, power, and influence.
Capone’s reign of terror came to an end when he was finally brought to justice by Eliot Ness and the Untouchables. In 1931, Capone was convicted of tax evasion and sentenced to prison, effectively ending his control over Chicago’s underworld.
Other key figures
- Joseph Kennedy: While he is better known as the patriarch of the Kennedy political dynasty, Joseph Kennedy also played a significant role in the Prohibition era. He was a bootlegger who made a fortune smuggling alcohol into the country during Prohibition.
- William McCoy: McCoy was a rumrunner who became famous for his high-quality liquor that he smuggled into the United States during Prohibition. The term “the real McCoy” is said to have originated from his reputation for selling genuine, unadulterated alcohol.
- George Remus: Known as the “King of the Bootleggers,” George Remus was a notorious figure in the Prohibition era. He was a criminal defense attorney who became a bootlegger himself, amassing a fortune by smuggling alcohol and bribing law enforcement officials.