Thrillers and police procedurals captivate us with intricate mysteries. We love watching detectives piece together clues, building a puzzle of what-ifs and alibis. Law enforcement uses advanced techniques to catch criminals, but sometimes, they need an edge.
That’s where criminals come in. Who better to understand the underworld than those who’ve lived in it? Here are ten hardened criminals who helped police crack hard-to-solve cases.
Paul Skalnik
Paul Skalnik, jailed for bad checks and draining his wife’s accounts, is a prolific prison informant. He first snitched on anti-police-brutality activists, leading to their conviction based on his testimony. Skalnik supplied information in about 37 cases between 1981 and 1987.
His most controversial involvement was in the conviction of James Dailey, accused of murdering Shelley Boggio. With no forensic evidence, the prosecution relied on Skalnik’s testimony. [1]
Sammy Gravano
Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano, a notorious mobster and Gambino Family underboss, earned his nickname early. He participated in hits and enforced mob rule for decades. When a regime change led to racketeering charges against him and John Gotti, Gravano turned on Gotti.
Gravano’s testimony convicted Gotti and forty other mobsters. This was one of history’s biggest organized crime crackdowns. Sammy the Bull even has his own podcast. [2]
Frank Abagnale
Frank Abagnale, made famous by Catch Me if You Can, forged fraudulent checks worth millions. Between 16 and 21, he impersonated a Pan Am pilot, a lawyer, and even a doctor. However, his check forgery landed him in jail for 12 years.
Abagnale escaped prison but returned to serve the rest of his sentence. In exchange for a reduced sentence, he helped the federal government teach law enforcement agencies. He’s been involved with the FBI for over 35 years and is an authority in securities and check fraud. [3]
Frank Lucas
Frank Lucas, also immortalized in film, was a drug kingpin in the 1970s. He made almost $1 million a day from his heroin trade. He smuggled drugs into America using the coffins of dead soldiers returning from Vietnam.
Lucas was arrested and sentenced to 70 years. However, he had his sentence reduced by becoming a police informant, notably against the NYPD’s Special Investigations Unit. Fifty-two SIU members were jailed or indicted. [4]
Kevin Mitnick
Kevin Mitnick was a most-wanted hacker, circumventing cybersecurity and stealing computer code. He pleaded guilty and spent almost five years in jail. His actions cost companies like Nokia and Motorola about $300 million.
After his release, Mitnick appeared before the U.S. Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs. He then turned his talents to good use.
Mitnick started a consultancy firm, using his skills as a cybersecurity expert. [5]
Frank Calabrese Jr.
Frank Calabrese Sr. was sentenced to life for his involvement in a racketeering conspiracy. His son, Frank Calabrese Jr., turned him in. While in prison with his father, Calabrese Jr. decided to leave the mob life.
Calabrese Jr. offered to cooperate in keeping his father behind bars. He wore a wire to record conversations with his father. Calabrese Sr., in a rage, confessed everything. Calabrese Sr. and his accomplices were found guilty. [6]
Wayne Bradshaw
Wayne “Big Chuck” Bradshaw is the only outlaw biker to become a police officer. After Army brawls and joining the Pagans motorcycle gang, he grew disillusioned with violence.
After a violent incident at a bar, he turned his life around and became a cop. Bradshaw retired a hero with 20 years of criminal takedowns. [7]
Joseph Valachi
Joseph Valachi was the first to publicly acknowledge the existence of the Italian-American mob. A member of the Genovese family, he had in-depth knowledge of their operations. After being locked up for drug charges, he turned state witness.
Valachi revealed the term “Cosa Nostra” and spoke of the Death Kiss. He cemented the mob’s existence in the public eye, helping the Feds understand how the mafia worked. [8]
Kenyel William Brown
Kenyel William Brown, involved in drugs, assault, and violent crimes, was a seasoned informant. After his first arrest, he violated parole multiple times. He was arrested again but released under federal order.
Brown provided information on a local narcotics gang. However, he was implicated in multiple homicides, so he was deactivated. Brown committed suicide while fleeing from the police. [9]
John Martorano
John Martorano, a hitman, served only 12 years after admitting to killing 20 people. He testified against James “Whitey” Bulger, his old partner, who was charged with 19 murders, extortion, and drug trafficking.
Bulger was an FBI informant himself. This betrayal led Martorano to become an informant. Bulger was found guilty and sentenced to life. [10]
These ten criminals each played a unique role in solving crimes, whether motivated by self-preservation, a desire for redemption, or revenge. Their stories highlight the complex and often surprising ways justice can be served.
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