Frankie LaPorte

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Frank "Frankie" LaPorte (October 7, 1901 – October 30, 1972) was an Italian–American racketeer in the Chicago Outfit.[1] He was the Chicago Heights boss during the early 20th century. His closest associates in bootlegging included Ross Prio, Louis Campagna and onetime Outfit boss, Alphonse Capone.[2]

Frank LaPorte
Born(1901-10-07)October 7, 1901
Sambiase, Italy
Died(1972-10-30)October 30, 1972
Flossmoor, Illinois
Other namesFrankie
Frank Liperetto
Frank Lipperatti
Francesco Liparotta
Known forOrganized crime
Chicago Outfit boss for Chicago Heights
TitleCaporegime of the Chicago Heights crew
PredecessorGiacomo Ammirato
Dominic Roberto
AllegianceChicago Outfit

Background and relationship with Outfit boss Al Capone[]

Historians have little information on LaPorte's early life and background. Even his role in the Chicago Outfit is currently unclear.[2]

However, what is known is that LaPorte was considered a "power broker" in the Outfit and a powerful mobster, who kept a relatively low profile.[2] According to some, LaPorte and other Chicago Heights gangsters held seats on the Commission for bosses.[citation needed]

According to Laurance Begreen, Al Capone biographer and author of the book Capone: The Man and the Era, Capone was merely a "front boss" for the Outfit, while LaPorte and other Sicilian racketeers managed the Outfit behind the scenes.[2][3]

References[]

  1. ^ J., Luzi, Matthew. The boys in Chicago Heights : the forgotten crew of the Chicago Outfit. ISBN 978-1-61423-726-6. OCLC 944952020.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b c d "Who was Frankie La Porte? : A new biography claims Al Capone shared power with an even tougher, but publicity-shy, gangster : CAPONE: The Man and the Era, By Laurence Bergreen (Simon & Schuster: $30; 720 pp.)". Missing or empty |url= (help)
  3. ^ Hoffman, Dennis (September 1994). "Book Review : Capone: The Man and the Era by Laurence Bergreen New York, NY: Simon and Schuster, 1994, 701 pages". Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice. 10 (3): 227–230. doi:10.1177/104398629401000308. ISSN 1043-9862.
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