Dutch Schultz

Dutch Schultz was a notorious American gangster and bootlegger during the Prohibition era in the United States, closely associated with Lucky Luciano, Meyer Lansky, and Bugsy Siegel. He was involved in various organized crime activities, including extortion, gambling, and racketeering, often in collaboration with other infamous figures like Owney Madden and Vincent Coll. Schultz's life was marked by violence and controversy, drawing the attention of law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the New York City Police Department (NYPD). His activities were also influenced by the National Crime Syndicate and the Castellammarese War.

● Early Life

Dutch Schultz was born as Arthur Simon Flegenheimer on August 6, 1902, in The Bronx, New York City, to Herman Flegenheimer and Emma Flegenheimer, Jewish immigrants from Germany. He grew up in a poor family and was exposed to crime at a young age, often hanging out with street gangs in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Schultz's early life was influenced by the Five Points Gang and the Gopher Gang, and he eventually became involved with Charles "Lucky" Luciano and the Genovese crime family. He attended P.S. 12 in The Bronx and later worked as a bouncer at a nightclub in Harlem, where he met Dixie Davis, who would become his lawyer.

● Career

Schultz's career as a gangster began during the Prohibition era, when he started working as a bootlegger and extortionist in New York City. He quickly rose through the ranks and became a close associate of Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky, participating in the Castellammarese War against Salvatore Maranzano and the Bonanno crime family. Schultz was also involved in the murder of Vincent Coll, a rival gangster, and was suspected of being involved in the murder of Mad Dog Coll. He expanded his operations to include gambling and racketeering, often in collaboration with other infamous figures like Bugsy Siegel and Abe Reles. Schultz's activities drew the attention of law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the New York City Police Department (NYPD), and he was eventually indicted for tax evasion.

● Personal Life

Schultz's personal life was marked by controversy and violence, with multiple arrests and shootings throughout his career. He was known for his temper and was feared by his enemies, including Vincent Coll and Salvatore Maranzano. Schultz was also involved in a romantic relationship with Marie Baker, and the two had a daughter together. He was a frequent visitor to nightclubs and speakeasies in New York City, often in the company of other gangsters like Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky. Schultz's personal life was also influenced by his involvement with the National Crime Syndicate and his participation in the Apalachin Meeting.

● Death and Aftermath

Schultz was shot on October 23, 1935, in a restaurant in Newark, New Jersey, in a hit ordered by Lucky Luciano and carried out by Charles Workman and Emanuel Weiss. He died the next day, on October 24, 1935, at Newark City Hospital. Schultz's death was a significant blow to the National Crime Syndicate, and it led to a power struggle between Lucky Luciano and Vito Genovese. The investigation into Schultz's murder was led by the Newark Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and it resulted in the arrest and conviction of Charles Workman and Emanuel Weiss. Schultz's funeral was attended by many gangsters and organized crime figures, including Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky.

● Legacy

Dutch Schultz's legacy is that of a notorious gangster and bootlegger who played a significant role in the Prohibition era in the United States. He is often remembered for his involvement in the Castellammarese War and his association with other infamous figures like Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky. Schultz's life has been the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries, including The Gangster, The Untouchables, and American Gangster. His story has also been referenced in popular culture, including in music and television shows like The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire. Schultz's legacy continues to fascinate historians and true crime enthusiasts, and his name remains synonymous with organized crime and the Prohibition era in America. Category:American gangsters