Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. Gary and Camillus "Cam" Robinson compare and contrast the lifestyles, management styles, and organizational abilities of Scarface Al Capone and The Dapper Don, John Gotti.
Overview
Al Capone and John Gotti are two of the most infamous figures in the history of the American Mafia. They both rose to power through their involvement in dealing in contraband, racketeering, murder, gambling, and other crimes. However, they also had notable differences in their personalities, styles, and fates. Here are some points of comparison and contrast between them:
Early Years
Al Capone was born in Brooklyn, New York 1899, to Italian immigrants from Naples. He dropped out of school at 14 and joined a street gang led by Johnny Torrio, a mentor who later brought him to Chicago. John Gotti was also born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1940 to Italian-American parents with roots in Naples. He also dropped out of school at 16 and became involved in various gangs and criminal activities.
Rise to Power
Al Capone became the boss of the Chicago Outfit, one of America's most powerful crime syndicates, after he orchestrated the murder of his rival, Big Jim Colosimo, in 1920. He expanded his empire by eliminating or allying with other gangs, bribing public officials, and controlling all bootlegging activity and other Chicago illicit businesses. John Gotti became the boss of the Gambino crime family, the largest and most influential Mafia group in New York, after he ordered the assassination of his predecessor, Paul Castellano, in 1985. He consolidated his power by promoting loyal associates, intimidating rivals, and cultivating a public image as a charismatic and generous leader.
Publicity: Al Capone was known for his flamboyant lifestyle and lavish spending. He wore expensive suits, drove luxury cars, and frequented nightclubs and restaurants. He also donated money to charities and soup kitchens, earning him some popularity among the poor. He was often featured in newspapers and magazines as a celebrity gangster. John Gotti was also fond of dressing well and living large. He frequented social clubs, bars, and casinos, where he mingled with celebrities and politicians. He also enjoyed media attention and often gave interviews or made statements to reporters. He was nicknamed “The Dapper Don” for his style and “The Teflon Don” for his ability to evade prosecution.
Downfall
Al Capone’s downfall came because of his tax evasion. Despite being suspected of numerous crimes, he was never convicted of anything more severe than contempt of court until 1931, when he was found guilty of failing to pay taxes on his illegal income. He was sentenced to 11 years, where he contracted syphilis and suffered mental deterioration. He was released in 1939 and died in 1947. John Gotti’s downfall came because his underboss, Sammy Gravano, turned government informant and testified against him. After being acquitted in three previous trials, he was convicted of murder and racketeering in 1992. A Court sentenced Gotti to life without parole, where he died of cancer in 2022. It should be noted that no Outfit members testified against Capone, while several Mafia members testified against Gotti.

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