Paul Kelly (criminal)

Paul Kelly (c. 1870 – 1936), born Paolo Antonio Vaccarelli, was an Italian-American gangster and boxer who founded and led the Five Points Gang in New York City. His gang, operating primarily in the Five Points neighborhood of Lower Manhattan, was one of the most powerful and influential criminal organizations of the early 20th century.

Kelly, unlike many of his contemporaries in organized crime, cultivated an image of respectability and sophistication. He spoke multiple languages and maintained connections with politicians and prominent members of society. This allowed him to wield considerable influence and protection for his criminal activities.

The Five Points Gang, under Kelly’s leadership, engaged in various illicit enterprises including gambling, prostitution, robbery, and extortion. Kelly was known for his ability to recruit and train young men into his organization, many of whom would later become prominent figures in the American underworld. Notable members included Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, Johnny Torrio, and Frankie Yale.

Kelly's leadership style was characterized by a focus on organization and discipline within the gang. He established a hierarchical structure and imposed rules of conduct. He also encouraged his members to learn new skills, including boxing, which he taught himself.

In the late 1900s and early 1910s, the Five Points Gang became embroiled in violent conflicts with rival gangs, most notably the Monk Eastman Gang. These gang wars resulted in numerous casualties and contributed to a period of intense lawlessness in New York City.

Despite his criminal activities, Kelly enjoyed a degree of immunity from prosecution due to his political connections and the protection he received from corrupt officials. However, law enforcement efforts eventually led to increased scrutiny of his activities.

In the later years of his life, Kelly reportedly distanced himself from organized crime and attempted to portray himself as a legitimate businessman. He died of natural causes in 1936. While his efforts to erase his criminal past were only partially successful, his legacy as a significant figure in the history of American organized crime remains. He is remembered as a cunning and influential leader who shaped the landscape of the criminal underworld in the early 20th century.