Talk with Dutch Schultz

Dutch Schultz, born Arthur Flegenheimer on August 6, 1902, was a notorious American gangster during the Prohibition era. He made his fortune in illegal activities such as bootlegging alcohol and running a numbers racket, which is an illegal lottery. Schultz was known for his violent methods and his unpredictable behavior. His criminal operations were mainly based in New York City, and he was a contemporary of other famous gangsters like Lucky Luciano and Al Capone.

During his time, Schultz was one of the major organized crime figures, and he had significant influence and power. However, his career was marked by numerous legal troubles and conflicts with other criminals. In an attempt to evade conviction for tax evasion, Schultz famously planned to kill Thomas Dewey, who was at that time a prosecutor actively fighting organized crime. However, the mob's governing body, The Commission, denied his request to go through with the assassination, fearing it would lead to increased law enforcement pressure.

Dutch Schultz's life of crime came to an end in 1935 when he was assassinated by fellow gangsters, possibly on orders from The Commission. He was shot in a restaurant in Newark, New Jersey, and died shortly after from his wounds. His death marked the decline of his criminal empire and a significant moment in the history of organized crime in the United States.

Dutch Schultz, born Arthur Flegenheimer, acquired his nickname as a young man involved in crime. Schultz wanted a moniker that would shield his family from the disgrace associated with his criminal activities. He chose "Dutch Schultz" for its tough-sounding ring, which reflected the German-Jewish heritage ("Dutch" was a common misnomer for "Deutsch," meaning German) prevalent in his neighborhood. The name quickly became synonymous with his reputation in the underworld. This nickname, along with his ruthless behavior, became a significant part of his public and criminal identity.

Dutch Schultz, whose real name was Arthur Flegenheimer, did have a family, including a wife and children. However, there is no substantial evidence to suggest that his family was actively involved in his criminal enterprises. Schultz was known for his secretive nature regarding his illicit activities, and it appears he largely kept his family life separate from his business dealings, which included bootlegging, gambling, and racketeering during the Prohibition era.

Schultz married Irma Hertogs in 1927, and they had two children. Given the criminal nature of Schultz's operations and the common practice among mob figures to shield their families from their business activities, it is unlikely that his wife or children played any significant role in his criminal organization.

Dutch Schultz, born Arthur Flegenheimer, was a prominent figure in the American organized crime scene during the Prohibition era. His main criminal activities included bootlegging, illegal gambling, and extortion.

1. Bootlegging: During Prohibition, when the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were illegal in the United States, Schultz capitalized on the lucrative opportunity to produce and distribute alcohol. He set up and ran numerous speakeasies and illegal breweries, generating significant profits.

2. Illegal Gambling: Schultz was heavily involved in the numbers racket, a form of illegal lottery. His operation primarily targeted Harlem, earning immense profits by controlling the betting among the local populace.

3. Extortion and Loan Sharking: To protect his business ventures and expand his influence, Schultz engaged in extortion, demanding protection money from various businesses. He also loaned money at exorbitant interest rates, a practice known as loan sharking.

These activities not only amassed a significant fortune for Schultz but also made him a prominent target for law enforcement and rival gangsters.

Dutch Schultz's final words were famously incoherent and delirious, spoken while he was dying from gunshot wounds in October 1935. After he was shot in Newark, New Jersey, Schultz was taken to a hospital where he drifted in and out of consciousness and muttered a series of disjointed, rambling statements. These final words were transcribed by a police stenographer and included nonsensical and fragmented thoughts, touching on topics from his criminal activities to personal grievances and random musings.

Some of his ramblings included statements like "A boy has never wept...nor dashed a thousand kim," and "Please, please, Eddie, don't tell my father." These surreal utterances reflected the chaotic state of his mind in his final moments. His words didn't follow a coherent narrative and were likely influenced by the severity of his injuries and the medical interventions he was undergoing at the time.

There is a long-standing rumor that Dutch Schultz, a notorious Prohibition-era gangster, buried a cache of treasures, which includes gold coins, somewhere in the Catskill Mountains in New York. However, despite extensive searches and much speculation, no verifiable evidence has been found to confirm that Schultz actually buried any gold or other treasures. The story remains part of the lore surrounding his life and criminal activities.

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