Gus Alex (born April 1, 1916 - 1998), known under the aliases of John Alex, Gus Johnson, Sam Taylor, Slim and Paul Benson, was a Chicago mobster and member of the Chicago Outfit, who succeeded Jake Guzik as the syndicate's main political "fixer". April 1 is the 91st day of the year (92nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 274 days remaining. ... 1916 (MCMXVI) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar). ... 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated the International Year of the Ocean. ... Outfit leadership in 1978. ...

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 1, 1916, Alex joined the Chicago Outfit in the late 1920s, after dropping out of high school in his second year. Working primarily for Capone lieutenant Jake "Greasy Thumb" Guzik, he would later become his protégé as he rose through the ranks of the Chicago crime syndicate. By 1930, he was suspected in the deaths of at least five unsolved murder cases. Two of the alleged victims, later dying of their injuries in hospital, identified Alex as their assailant as well as three others who were killed after reporting to police extortion and death threats sent by Alex. Jake Greasy Thumb Guzik (May 20, 1886-February 21, 1956) was the financial and legal advisor, and later political “fixer”, for the Chicago Outfit. ...

Under Guzik's guidance, Alex became experienced in securing syndicate protection through bribery of city officials. By the mid-1940s, Alex was the main liaison between the Chicago Outfit and city hall officials. Granted control of the Loop's illegal gambling and prostitution operations, including a lucrative call girl operation out of prominent downtown hotels (of which many call girls were paid up to $500 to $1,000) Alex's operations brought in an estimated $1 million a month for the syndicate.

Described as "one of the wiliest and slickest crooks" within the Chicago Outfit, Alex would decline to answer questions under the Fifth Amendment over thirty nine times during his appearance before the McClellan Committee. During the 1960s, Alex would come under suspicion during his annual ski trips to Switzerland as the US government accused Alex of depositing syndicate money in unnumbered Swiss bank accounts. As a result of the US governments protest (although Illinois Senator Everett Dirksen and Congressman William M. Dawson opposed government action calling to allow Alex to continue his "sporting trips"), Swiss officials banned Alex from entering Switzerland for ten years. The Fifth Amendment may refer to the: Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution - part of the Bill of Rights. ... John L. McClellan. ... The 1960s decade refers to the years from 1960 to 1969, inclusive. ... Everett McKinley Dirksen Everett McKinley Dirksen (January 4, 1896 – September 7, 1969) was a Republican U.S. Congressman and Senator from Illinois. ...

Remaining a high ranking member of the Chicago Outfit for over thirty years, Alex would retain his position throughout the reigns of Paul "The Waiter" Ricca, Anthony Accardo, and Sam Giancana. Alex would continue to consolidate his political influence during the 1970s and 1980s not only within Chicago but expanding into the state capital Springfield, Illinois. An invaluable resource, Alex's political connections would ensure his position with the organization during the unstable leadership of the decade. Paul The Waiter Ricca (1897-October 11, 1972) was an American Mafia figure based within Chicago. ... Tony Accardo, born Anthony Joseph Accardo, (April 28, 1906 - May 22, 1992) was the boss of the Chicago Outfit from about 1945 until shortly before he died of natural causes. ... A picture of Sam Giancana Salvatore Sam Mo Momo Mooney Sam the Cigar Giancana (June 15, 1908 — June 19, 1975) was a famous and powerful mafioso and boss of the Chicago Outfit from 1957-66. ... Motto: Nickname: Map Political Statistics Founded 1819 Incorporated Sangamon County Mayor Timothy Davlin Geographic Statistics Area  - Total  - Land  - Water 156. ...

During syndicate leader Joseph Aiuppa imprisonment, Alex would share overseeing day-to-day activities with Underboss Sam Scarlisi (being supervised by former leader Accardo based in Palm Springs, California). Joseph John Aiuppa (December 1, 1907 - February 2, 1997), also known as Ha Ha, Doves, Mourning Doves, OBrien, or Joey Doves, was a member of the Chicago Mafia organization known as the Chicago Outfit. ... Palm Springs is located in Riverside County, California, the U.S.A.. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 42,807. ...

References

• Nash, Robert Jay. Encyclopedia of World Crime (A-C) Vol. I, CrimeBooks Inc., Wilmette, 1990.
• http://www.ipsn.org/court_cases/us_v_rainone_alex.htm
• http://www.thelaborers.net/newspapers/chicago_tribune/alex_gus_obit.htm