Arthur Flegenheimer, also known as Dutch Schultz, was a notorious American mobster during the Prohibition era. Born on August 6, 1902, in The Bronx, New York, Schultz rose through the ranks of organized crime to become one of the most powerful and feared figures of his time.
Schultz began his criminal career as a teenager, engaging in petty theft and burglary. However, he soon discovered his talent for bootlegging during the Prohibition era, when the production and sale of alcohol were prohibited in the United States. Schultz quickly seized the opportunity to build a criminal empire by supplying illegal alcohol to speakeasies and establishing his own network of breweries.
Known for his flamboyant personality and ruthless tactics, Schultz quickly earned a reputation as a feared and respected mobster. He expanded his criminal operations into various other illegal activities such as gambling, prostitution, and racketeering. With his wealth and power, Schultz became a major player in New York City's criminal underworld.
However, his extravagant lifestyle and disregard for authority eventually caught up with him. Schultz's rise to power attracted the attention of law enforcement, particularly legendary prosecutor Thomas E. Dewey. Determined to bring down the mobster, Dewey launched an investigation that led to Schultz's indictment on charges of income tax evasion.
In an attempt to avoid prosecution, Schultz devised a plan to assassinate Dewey. However, the plot was foiled, and Schultz's actions drew even more attention from law enforcement. On October 23, 1935, Schultz was shot and mortally wounded in a Newark, New Jersey, restaurant. He died the following day at the age of 33.
Arthur Flegenheimer, or Dutch Schultz, left behind a legacy of violence, corruption, and intrigue. His short but eventful life demonstrated the ruthlessness and audacity of the American mobsters during the Prohibition era. Today, Schultz's story continues to captivate the public's imagination, offering a glimpse into the dark underbelly of American history.