In Atlanta, Georgia, mobster Al Capone begins serving an 11-year prison sentence for tax evasion

On May 4, 1932, the infamous mobster Al Capone commenced his eleven-year prison sentence for tax evasion at the U.S. Penitentiary in Atlanta, Georgia. This marked a pivotal moment in the decline of one of the most notorious figures of the Prohibition era.

Al Capone, often referred to by his nickname “Scarface,” was a central figure in the organized crime world of the 1920s and early 1930s. He amassed a vast empire engaging in illegal activities such as bootlegging, gambling, and prostitution. Despite his criminal involvement, it was Capone’s evasion of taxes on his illicit earnings that ultimately led to his imprisonment.

The Man Behind the Myth: A Visual Description

Al Capone was a man of imposing stature with a pockmarked face—a reminder of his youthful brawls—that earned him the nickname “Scarface.” Though he was known to despise the nickname, it became an integral part of his tough-guy persona. Capone often appeared in tailored suits that spoke of his wealth and status, creating a stark contrast to his brutal reputation.

Trial and Sentencing

Capone’s legal battles peaked in 1931 when the IRS successfully indicted him for tax evasion. The trial was a media circus, capturing public attention nationwide. He was found guilty on five counts and, on June 17, 1931, received an eleven-year sentence, along with substantial fines and back taxes.

Life in Atlanta Penitentiary

Upon his arrival at the Atlanta Penitentiary, Capone faced a life far removed from the luxury he was accustomed to, despite receiving some special privileges. He could furnish his cell with comforts like a rug, a radio, and a typewriter—unheard of for regular inmates. His health deteriorated in prison due to syphilis, which he had contracted years earlier.

Despite these comforts, Capone’s time in Atlanta was fraught with dangers from fellow inmates and declining health, prompting a transfer to Alcatraz in 1934. This transfer marked the end of his lenient treatment and his exposure to harsher prison conditions.

Misconceptions: ‘Scarface’ and Tony Montana

It’s important to note that Al Capone and Tony Montana, the fictional character from the movie “Scarface,” are often conflated due to their shared nickname. Tony Montana, a character portrayed by Al Pacino in the 1983 film, is a Cuban refugee who rises through the drug trade in Miami—an entirely fictional story inspired loosely by the original 1932 movie, not Capone’s life.

Legacy and Release

Capone was released in 1939 for good behavior after serving most of his sentence. He spent his final years in seclusion, severely affected by his illness, until his death in 1947. His imprisonment remains a significant chapter in the history of American law enforcement’s battle against organized crime, illustrating the reach of the IRS and the eventual downfall of one of America’s most infamous criminals.

Capone’s story is not just about crime but also about the era he influenced and the complex interplay of image and reality in the public consciousness. His life invites us to reflect on the enduring impact of the American criminal legends and the potent mix of myth and reality that surrounds them.