CRIME DOESN'T PAY

Description:

This issue of "Milestones of the Century", entitled "Crime Doesn't Pay", provides a historical overview of the early 1930s in the United States, focusing on the widespread economic hardship during the Great Depression. It describes the increase in crime and lawlessness, the end of Prohibition, and the struggles of unemployed men who turned to alcohol and crime. The text also highlights a significant legal case in 1934, where Roger Touhy and his gang were tried and convicted for the kidnapping of John Factor, marking a notable victory for law enforcement against organized crime. Overall, it paints a picture of a challenging era marked by economic distress and efforts to combat criminal activities.

00:00: Introduction to the "Milestones of the Century."

0:30 - 0:48: Description of the early 1930s, highlighting the widespread hunger and depression affecting both rural and urban areas, leading to increased lawlessness and crime.

0:48 - 1:12: Mention of children imitating criminals in their games, the end of the speakeasy era, and the rise in alcohol consumption due to the economic hardships. Unemployment figures are given, showing a significant increase from 1931 to 1932.

1:12 - 1:31: Discussion of the end of Prohibition in 1933, but the continuation of crime. Despite efforts to combat organized crime, it continued to grow in power.

1:31 - 2:02: Reflection on the lives of criminals, with some expressing regret for their actions. An interview snippet suggests that a life of crime does not pay.

2:02 - 2:14: Introduction to the trial of Roger Touhy and his gang in March 1934 for the kidnapping of John Factor.

2:14 - 2:54: Detailed courtroom testimony from John Factor, identifying his kidnappers and describing the abuse he suffered during his captivity.

2:54 - 3:27: Conclusion with the verdict of 99 years in prison for Roger Touhy, marking a victory for law and order.

Roger Touhy was an Irish American mob boss and prohibition-era Chicago bootlegger. He is best remembered for having been framed by his rivals in Chicago organized crime for the fake 1933 kidnapping of Jewish-American organized crime figure and Chicago Outfit associate John "Jake the Barber" Factor, a brother of cosmetics manufacturer Max Factor Sr.. Despite numerous appeals and at least one federal court ruling freeing him, Touhy spent 26 years in prison until he was finally exonerated and released in November 1959. In retaliation for filing a lawsuit against acting boss Tony Accardo and other senior Mafiosi, Touhy was murdered in an alleged contract killing by the Chicago Outfit less than a month after his release.