CRIME: This is Lepke

For two years New York City police hunted halfheartedly for a big-eared little racketeer called Lepke (Jewish diminutive for Louis) Buchalter. But the U. S. public did not become Lepke-conscious until last month, when Presidentially ambitious District Attorney Thomas Edmund Dewey branded Lepke as "probably the most dangerous criminal in the U. S." and posted a $25,000 reward for his capture dead or alive. Lepke was supposed to have preyed on the fur, garment, painting, trucking and other trades. After that Lepke became a pawn in a political game between Republican District...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!