Waxey Gordon

Waxey Gordon (born Irving Wexler; January 19, 1888 – June 24, 1952) was an American Prohibition era gangster who specialized in the bootlegging of alcohol. He was also involved in various other criminal activities, including gambling, narcotics, and murder.

Early Life

Gordon was born as Irving Wexler in New York City's Lower East Side. He grew up in a poor Jewish family and turned to crime at an early age. His nickname "Waxey" was said to have been derived from his skill as a pickpocket, as his fingers were as smooth as wax.

Criminal Career

Gordon began his criminal career as a pickpocket and thief, but he soon graduated to more serious crimes. During the Prohibition era, he became a major bootlegger, working for such notorious gangsters as Arnold Rothstein and Lucky Luciano. He was known for his ruthless tactics and was feared by many in the criminal underworld.

In the late 1920s, Gordon moved to California, where he continued his bootlegging operations. He also became involved in the narcotics trade, which ultimately led to his downfall.

Arrest and Imprisonment

In 1933, Gordon was arrested on charges of tax evasion. He was convicted and sentenced to ten years in prison. After his release, he returned to his criminal activities, but was arrested again in 1951 on narcotics charges. He was convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison. He died in prison a year later.

Legacy

Despite his criminal activities, Gordon is often remembered as a symbol of the Prohibition era. His life and crimes have been the subject of several books and films, and he is often mentioned in discussions about the history of organized crime in the United States.

See Also

• Prohibition in the United States
• Organized crime
• Arnold Rothstein
• Lucky Luciano

References

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