Anthony Spilotro, often nicknamed “Tony the Ant,” was a notorious mobster who played a significant role in the operations of the Chicago Outfit in Las Vegas during the 1970s and early 1980s. His life was marked by violent episodes, criminal enterprise, and an eventual grisly end that cemented his legacy in the annals of organized crime.
Early Life and Entry into Crime
Born on May 19, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, Anthony Spilotro entered a world steeped in the allure of organized crime. Raised in a tough neighborhood, he was exposed to the underbelly of the city’s criminal elements from a young age. Spilotro was not the only one in his family to be drawn to this dark world; his brother Michael would also become deeply involved in the mob.
By his twenties, Spilotro had already made a name for himself through various criminal activities, including theft and robbery. However, his ruthless demeanor and unwavering loyalty to the Chicago Outfit quickly escalated his standing within the organization.
The Move to Las Vegas
In 1971, the leaders of the Chicago Outfit saw potential in the burgeoning casino industry in Las Vegas and decided to send Spilotro to the city to protect their interests. Officially, Spilotro ran a gift shop called the Gold Rush, but his real job was far more sinister. He was tasked with overseeing the Outfit’s illegal casino profits, which involved skimming money from casinos.
Spilotro took to his new role viciously, using intimidation and violence to maintain control and order. His reputation as a fearsome enforcer grew, and he became a feared figure in Las Vegas and Chicago.
The Hole in the Wall Gang
During his time in Las Vegas, Spilotro formed a burglary ring known as the “Hole in the Wall Gang,” so named because of their method of breaking into buildings by drilling through exterior walls and ceilings. This crew was involved in many high-profile robberies, which only added to Spilotro’s notoriety.
However, the activities of the Hole in the Wall Gang eventually led to increased law enforcement scrutiny. On July 4, 1981, a burglary attempt ended in arrests when the gang was caught in the act. This event marked the beginning of the end of Spilotro’s reign in Las Vegas.
Legal Troubles and Downfall
Throughout the 1980s, Anthony Spilotro faced a series of legal challenges, including multiple indictments on charges ranging from murder to racketeering. The increased pressure from law enforcement and internal strife within the Chicago Outfit about his handling of affairs in Las Vegas led to his diminishing influence and standing.
Mysterious Death
Anthony Spilotro’s life came to a brutal and abrupt end in 1986. In June of that year, he and his brother Michael disappeared. Their bodies were later discovered buried in a cornfield in Enos, Indiana. Autopsies revealed that both brothers had been severely beaten, presumably as a message from the mob over perceived disloyalty or the troubles they had brought upon the organization.
Legacy
Anthony Spilotro’s life story has been depicted in various media, most notably in the 1995 film Casino, where Joe Pesci played his character. His career is often cited as a stark example of the violent life and inevitable downfall that many mobsters face.
Through his ruthless actions and dramatic demise, Anthony Spilotro left a lasting impression on the history of organized crime. His life serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of a life of crime and the inevitable justice, often brutal, that such a path can attract. Spilotro’s violent legacy serves as a grim chapter in the storied history of the American mafia, a testament to the destructive power of greed and violence.