Dallas Public Library

Last gangster in Austin, Frank Smith, Ronnie Earle, and the end of a junkyard mafia, Jesse Sublett

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 190-205) and index

contains biographical information

illustrations

index present

non fiction

Last gangster in Austin

bibliography

1268983226

Jesse Sublett

Jess and Betty Jo Hay series

Frank Smith, Ronnie Earle, and the end of a junkyard mafia

"In the mid 1970s, one of Austin's biggest criminals was getting rich on bail bonds and auto salvage (he owned a junkyard). With the help of corrupt local officials, including the sheriff, Frank Smith had a small empire, but he had one rival in the salvage business and one day he sent some tough guys to take care of the problem. The "Fellini-esque" shootout eventually led to Smith's arrest and indictment, setting up a courtroom battle with the new DA, Ronnie Earle. Earle would go on to serve 32 years as Travis County's top prosecutor, indicting figures as notorious as congressman Tom DeLay, but always maintained that the Smith case was the biggest of his career. This book tells the story of Frank Smith, his rise to local infamy, the subsequent trial, and its fallout. Along the way, Sublett paints a picture of the seedier side of 1970s Austin, with appearances from Willie Nelson, private eyes, brothel owners, and hired guns"--, Provided by publisher

Author's note. A deep dive -- Introduction. Junkyard owner shotguns robber: was it a setup? -- Baptist preacher's son -- The Eagle Scout -- Texas package -- The big hassle -- Best job he ever had -- The Two Franks -- This is war -- He can always go step on bugs -- A is for arson -- The robbery -- Power -- Star time -- The trial - Aftermath