Frank Milano (mobster)

Frank "Frankie Mils" Milano (born Francesco Milano; October 10, 1891 – October 15, 1970) was an Italian-American mobster who was a prominent figure in the Cleveland crime family during the Prohibition era and beyond.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Milano rose through the ranks of the Cleveland underworld in the 1920s, becoming a key player in bootlegging operations during Prohibition. He worked closely with other Cleveland mob figures, including the Porrello brothers, who dominated the city's Italian criminal activities. Milano was known for his intelligence, organizational skills, and ability to mediate disputes between rival factions.

Following the end of Prohibition, Milano expanded his criminal activities into other areas, including gambling, extortion, and labor racketeering. He eventually rose to become the boss of the Cleveland crime family in the 1930s, consolidating his power through violence and strategic alliances. He was also a founding member of the National Crime Syndicate, a coalition of Mafia bosses from across the United States that aimed to coordinate criminal activities and resolve territorial disputes.

Milano was indicted in 1935 for income tax evasion and fled to Mexico to avoid prosecution. He remained a fugitive for several years, but eventually returned to the United States in 1939 and pleaded guilty to the charges. He was sentenced to a year in prison.

After his release from prison, Milano relocated to California, where he maintained ties to organized crime. He lived a relatively quiet life, although he remained a respected figure in the underworld. Frank Milano died of natural causes in California in 1970. He is remembered as one of the most powerful and influential mob bosses in Cleveland history.