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American racketeer in the Chicago Outfit From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Frank "Frankie" LaPorte (October 7, 1901 – October 30, 1972) was an Italian–American racketeer in the Chicago Outfit.[1] He was the Chicago Heights caporegime during the early 20th century. His closest associates in bootlegging included Ross Prio, Louis Campagna and onetime Outfit boss, Al Capone.[2]
Frank LaPorte | |
---|---|
Born | |
Died | October 30, 1972 71) | (aged
Other names | Frankie Frank Liperetto Frank Lipperatti Francesco Liparotta |
Known for | Organized crime Chicago Outfit boss for Chicago Heights |
Title | Caporegime of the Chicago Heights crew |
Predecessor | Vincenzo "Jim Emery" Amaratti (late 1920s - 1956) |
Allegiance | Chicago Outfit |
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]
Frank LaPorte is believed to have been the member of the Chicago Outfit who was most responsible for developing and maintaining the "Sin Strip" area of Calumet City.[4] Police avoided Sin Strip and risked violence if they tried to make an arrest.[5] In 1959, the state of Illinois conducted a police raid that resulted in 98 arrests and the seizure of business records.[6] An article published in Chicago Daily News on June 2, 1959, exposed LaPorte as being instrumental in the illegal activities in Calumet City.[6]
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