The Federal Bureau of Investigation
announced today that it has added the following new subject matters
to the Gangster Era, Famous Persons, Historical
Interest and Violent Crime categories of its Freedom
of Information Act (FOIA) Electronic Reading Room:
GANGSTER ERA
Barker-Karpis Gang
(Summary) 57 pages
Kate "Ma" Barker and
her sons, Herman, Lloyd, Arthur, and Fred teamed up with Alvin
Karpis (whom Fred met in the penitentiary) and several other
criminals. This summary gives an account of their criminal careers,
including the 1934 kidnaping of Edward G. Bremer, a wealthy Minnesota
businessman.
FAMOUS PERSONS
Walter Winchell 3908
pages
Walter Winchell maintained a
steady exchange of correspondence with J. Edgar Hoover for over
thirty years. The famous newspaper columnist discussed FBI cases
with former Director Hoover and publicized FBI accomplishments.
HISTORICAL INTEREST
Black Legion 964 pages
This cult-type organization operated
in the midwest in the 1930's supposedly to protect the country
from various forms of "isms". Members wore black costumes
with skull and crossbones insignia and were allegedly responsible
for numerous murders.
Custodial Detention
647 pages
World War II era records dealing
with the apprehension of individuals of German, Japanese, Italian,
Rumanian, Hungarian and Bulgarian nationality.
VIOLENT CRIME
Atlanta Child Murders
2825 pages
On November 6, 1980, the Attorney
General directed the FBI to participate in the investigation
of several missing and murdered children in Atlanta, Georgia.
In addition to working an independent investigation, the FBI
assisted the local task force with manpower, guidance and technical
assistance. On February 27, 1982, Wayne Bertram Williams was
found guilty on two counts of murder in Fulton County Superior
Court, Atlanta, Georgia. He was sentenced to two consecutive
life terms.
Carlo Gambino 1239
pages
Carlo Gambino was investigated
by the FBI for various criminal violations. In 1970, Gambino,
said to be the "Boss of Bosses" was described as the
most powerful racketeer in the country.
There are now a total of 52 subject
matters available to the public on this website. These documents
are a representative sampling of those in the FOIA Reading Room
located at FBI Headquarters. Portions have been blacked out to
protect personal privacy, confidential sources, national security,
etc., in accordance with the exemption provisions of the FOIA.
The FBI plans to add several new subjects to the Electronic Reading
Room on a monthly basis.