http://www.westcoastgangster.com/portraiture daily 0.75 2016-08-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1458253342543-JL7JCZM534AA6H20CBQU/image-asset.jpeg Chuck O'Connor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1458253342543-JL7JCZM534AA6H20CBQU/image-asset.jpeg Chuck O'Connor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1458509053446-XI07O2BPW9ZVDDVRADXZ/image-asset.jpeg Chuck O'Connor When you think about gangs and organized crime in the early to mid 20th century, you might think of Dillinger, Capone, Pretty Boy Floyd and Babyface Nelson. The “name” gangsters were on the East Coast and in the Midwest. But they were in California as well. And one of the most active was Chuck O’Connor. San Francisco Chronicle http://www.westcoastgangster.com/blog daily 0.75 2016-03-21 http://www.westcoastgangster.com/blog/radiointerview monthly 0.5 2016-08-03 http://www.westcoastgangster.com/retrospect daily 0.75 2016-08-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1461113638780-F1XTLXL4CHQI9CRI9V0Z/train+%281%29.jpg Retrospective Charles “Chuck” O’Conner is born on January 23, 1909, to Alice, a young Irish American girl, and Fred, his abusive alcoholic father. The second of two children, Chuck is born on a train heading up to Sparks, Nevada, where his father holds a job as a brakeman for the Southern Pacific Railroad.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1461113638780-F1XTLXL4CHQI9CRI9V0Z/train+%281%29.jpg Retrospective Charles “Chuck” O’Conner is born on January 23, 1909, to Alice, a young Irish American girl, and Fred, his abusive alcoholic father. The second of two children, Chuck is born on a train heading up to Sparks, Nevada, where his father holds a job as a brakeman for the Southern Pacific Railroad.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471043350336-JTVXJ88BWS3G1MCCPE69/folsom+street+shot.jpg Retrospective In 1916, Chuck is seven years old and witnesses the brutal murder of his mother at the hands of his drunken father. Chuck and his sister are subsequently separated, and he is taken in by his destitute grandparents. This marks a major turning point in Chuck’s life.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471043396822-PV860QWXOQ9TQLXOMWIJ/Dahlia+Hotel+-+building.jpg Retrospective Because of his grandparents’ financial difficulties, Chuck is forced to earn a living at the age of seven. He lands a job as a newsboy just as the U.S. is entering World War One, and hustles his sheets in the heart of San Francisco's Tenderloin District. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471043531060-PTLXRTBPIK8K8O32WT9L/Dahlia+Hotel+Sign+%281%29+copy.jpg Retrospective He sells his papers next to a famous brothel known as the Dahlia Hotel, and Chuck is eventually taken in by the hotel’s Madame, Marie “Mama” Pappens. She takes an instant liking to young Chuck, and quickly becomes a second mother to him - helping Chuck and his grandparents out with gifts, overpaying for Chuck’s newspapers, and introducing the young boy to San Francisco’s elite. Chuck is raised part-time in this bordello and, at seven years, quickly gains a level of street wisdom well beyond his years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471047643973-P8Y4FPAE62L10M47A87X/Pacific_Street_Docks_Ferry_Boat_1860s_San_Francisco_LibraryCode_AAC-2278.jpg Retrospective After his stint at Oregon State Penitentiary, Chuck moves back to San Francisco and gets involved with a young woman (and fellow syndicate member) named Lou, and the two move back into the Dahlia Hotel. He soon links up with a young man named Scarface Murphy, and the boys run a crime racket across the entire city. After a botched armed robbery, Chuck is charged for a stolen car, and sentenced to Folsom State Prison. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1472167181578-DBITXXC44NZ2UEIEC21N/image-asset.png Retrospective Chuck enters Folsom State Prison, and once again is the youngest inmate to enter the prison - he is just 18 years old. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1461115132952-QLF2TCWBPYNGE4CTZ8GJ/folsom+street+shot.jpg Retrospective In 1916, Chuck is seven years old and witnesses the brutal murder of his mother at the hands of his drunken father. Chuck and his sister are subsequently separated, and he is taken in by his destitute grandparents. This marks a major turning point in Chuck’s life.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1458254308055-G98UIWJJ1M0730W2OSSU/A_train_of_the_Southern_Pacific_Railroad_passing_over_a_trestle_and_into_a_snow_shed_in_the_mountains%2C_California%2C_ca.1909_%28CHS-5696%29.jpg Retrospective In the early morning hours of January 23, 1909, high up in the snowy Sierra Mountains, Charles “Chuck” Edward O’Connor was born on a train on the way to Sparks, Nevada. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1461117643741-GFW7BXK2XAFEL5VLQI8U/a26e4745d368f6fdd4838c6460dc873d+%281%29.jpg Retrospective In 1927, Chuck is caught up in the middle of the infamous Thanksgiving Day prison massacre. After a failed escape attempt, six desperate prisoners rush into the prison library and hold their fellow inmates captive. The state militia surrounds the prison and fires a hail of machine-gun bullets at all the hostage prisoners, while the six ringleaders hide safely behind a concrete wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1461117754293-L9137Z5WN37HNZS2ZYVN/2487ce40f0d7dba3e93375a476045d06+%281%29+copy.jpg Retrospective Shaken, Chuck is consequently given his first shot of morphine by a fellow inmate. For the first time in his life, Chuck escapes his emotional pain. He is instantly hooked, resulting in a thirty-five-year addiction to morphine and heroin. He is eventually paroled from Folsom by age twenty, now carrying the burden of his newly acquired addiction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471045979228-NQDQO7S5Y42A0A7M44FG/chuckoconnor.jpg Retrospective Chuck gets into more trouble in San Francisco and violates his parole. He heads to Aberdeen, Washington, where he opens up a speakeasy called “Chuck’s Place.” The speakeasy gets raided, and Chuck is arrested for possession of counterfeit checks. He is sentenced to McNeil Island Penitentiary in Washington. He spends a short stint and makes some new friends, including Al Capone’s older brother, Ralph “Bottles” Capone. A few of his old friends are there as well, including Scarface Murphy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471042634443-K89T30EHWQ9S765H6D09/O%27Connor%2BCharles%2B-%2BSeptember%2B12%2B1958%2B-%2BVegas%2BArrest%2B-%2BThe%2BEvening%2BStar%2BWashington%2BD%2BC.jpg Retrospective Chuck’s bank heists continue, and he is eventually caught and charged with four counts of conspiracy. Turning down an offer to act as an informant for a lighter sentence, he now faces life without the hope of parole. Chuck hires his old attorney to pay off some higher-ups and gets his sentence reduced to five years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1461118445139-NGWB4Y0SE69TJK37XWGN/dsc03188+%281%29+copy.jpg Retrospective Chuck swallows two packets of heroin en route to Folsom Prison, where he serves a third term. He soon figures out how to smuggle heroin balloons through the plumbing system and into the sewage plant. The drugs are then gathered by convict workers, to be sold (and consumed) by Chuck. This becomes one of the most successful drug smuggling rings in Folsom Prison history. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1461118797876-4AXRFCIGAQYBY2L54H31/O%27Connor%2C+Charles+-+1927+Folsom+close.jpg Retrospective Chuck tends bar at an underworld nightclub in San Francisco and runs a successful steakhouse. He also meets the love of his life, Millie – the most sought-after escort in town. They are married within weeks and move to Long Beach, California. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471047751871-22NA15RLSRHUPQ3GPU0D/5211990775_b25cfdbd39_b.jpg Retrospective He ultimately makes his way to Mexico City and begins purchasing large amounts of heroin from a one-time Mexican president, Abelardo L Rodriguez - now Governor of the state of Sonora. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471047865122-ED9SN974GVXQR18HJON3/Judy_Garland_The_Harvey_Girls_MGM_Publicity_still.jpg Retrospective This begins Chuck’s foray into a massive heroin smuggling operation, moving drugs into the United States from Mexico. The drugs are hand delivered to him by the Chief Inspector of Airports for Mexico. He and an ex-con friend, Sammy Goldstein, become two of the biggest heroin suppliers on the West Coast, with celebrity customers like Judy Garland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471047826149-N362TTR716BVD0OJ6YDQ/web_9611.jpg Retrospective Eventually, Chuck flees the state and is picked up by police during a cross-country trip. Although charged with a crime that he has not committed, he pleads guilty in order to avoid extradition to California and is taken into federal custody. Chuck claims that his drug dependency led him to commit the so-called crime, and as a result, he is locked up in the United States Public Health Service Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471047914238-TJ56QBHVD6V3JEVN0OY3/Alcatraz.jpg Retrospective Chuck has been an escaped federal prisoner for two years when he is finally captured and held at Alcatraz while awaiting transfer to the East Coast. He is placed in solitary confinement. He befriends Robert Stroud, the “Birdman of Alcatraz,” who is located two cells away. The two of them communicate in Morse code by tapping on the water pipes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471047944267-BLNG29GWJH6KGAM4IX3Y/District+of+Columbia+Jail.jpg Retrospective Chuck is transferred to the District of Columbia Jail – one of the most brutal prisons he has experienced. He witnesses gang rapes and other depraved acts, but nothing is ever reported. Chuck appears for his sentence and winds up with a four to fourteen-year term, to be served at the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471047988594-YAKPPTY4PRCDH023PECY/cover1-3_29.jpg Retrospective During the 1960’s, the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary is known as a Mafia haven. Chuck is assigned to an eight-man cell with seven notorious Italian Mafia members. At various points in time, his cellmates are Godfather Vito Genovese, Frank Costello, Johnny Dio and mob hitman Joe Beck Di Palermo (Chuck’s soon to be best friend). Chuck’s new Mafia friends accept him due to his criminal reputation, coupled with a good word put in by infamous gangster and O'Connell kidnapper, John "Sonny" McGlone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471048081045-J7RXOPTWZYMBGXZ049H8/St.+Elizabeth%27s+Hospital+%281%29.jpg Retrospective On April 1, 1968 he was released on conditional and/or mandatory release. Gone too was his devil-may-care attitude. The penal system had finally managed to rehabilitate him, or at least convince him that he never wanted to see the inside of a jailhouse again. Clearly, then, his old way of life was over, which meant that he was a thief who wasn’t stealing, a drug addict who wasn’t using, and a gambler who wasn’t gambling. Without his old life he wasn’t sure what or who he was. All he knew was that he was old, alone, and nearly broke. Yet, he also knew that he was alive and free. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471048120251-BWHSZCBMVZ5ZQR0H2RA5/b55e37f3c30128b8663b562cfae9f88e.jpg Retrospective Before Frank Costello gave him his first Screwdriver at the Copacabana club in New York City for his coming home party, he had never had a problem with alcohol. As time progressed, so did his alcoholism. At no time would he allow himself to be too far away from a drink. He woke up every half-hour on the hour and drank at least a half of a water glass of vodka. As long as he had at least two fifths of vodka, he could make it through the night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471055941026-Y27IB3MEMH7JAY21K1VJ/Alano+Club+-+Cropped.jpg Retrospective When Chuck walked into the Alano Club in 1982, he was seventy-three years of age. Emotionally, he was completely bankrupt. His self-respect was nil, and he always knew that some impending doom of his making would catch up with him on that day. Each dawn he died. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1461120156478-XXCBYFQQ543K69WZ61BE/huey_trufan220x337+copy.jpg Retrospective In 1984, with the financial backing of rock star Huey Lewis, Chuck started a non-profit halfway house and rehabilitation center called the O'Connor House Marin Services For Men in Marin County, California. It helped hundreds of recovering addicts and ex-convicts find a path to a better, healthier life. http://www.westcoastgangster.com/chucks-paintings daily 0.75 2016-10-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470375002946-UYZ6WUD9KRQ1LH9FY9XB/Painting+13.jpg Chuck's Paintings SAILBOATS 1997 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470375002946-UYZ6WUD9KRQ1LH9FY9XB/Painting+13.jpg Chuck's Paintings SAILBOATS 1997 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470374956041-DIU4K23NYO1GCME5P3FN/Painting+1.jpg Chuck's Paintings https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470374996978-MTO82HHPGZ42IKI10YDD/Painting+11.jpg Chuck's Paintings SNOWY RIVER 1997 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471828885209-2S0XV29XTX7BG3CR4YTO/Painting+12.jpg Chuck's Paintings TIBURON & GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE 1999 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470374988317-RF5HNEGBBKXE1A494F1X/Painting+10.jpg Chuck's Paintings SUNFLOWERS 1999 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470375394919-JUWI3RY777WH1MQPP2DM/Painting+14.jpg Chuck's Paintings RUSHING RIVER 1996 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470375406216-ZOU0S56LQXR6QZ82HBBR/Painting+15.jpg Chuck's Paintings TIBURON, CALIFORNA 1999 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1472789883816-T75DW4HJP6W0ZKI7DMMJ/Painting+18.jpg Chuck's Paintings JERRY GARCIA, 1998 http://www.westcoastgangster.com/chucks-images daily 0.75 2016-12-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470369176132-2OHWSNC48X7FERD7M2DA/1926+-+Oregon+Penitentiary+Mugshot+-+closeup+2.jpg Chuck's Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470369176132-2OHWSNC48X7FERD7M2DA/1926+-+Oregon+Penitentiary+Mugshot+-+closeup+2.jpg Chuck's Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470369249620-UNEUZ8LLUVHZ0H69LJXT/1926+-+Oregon+Penitentiary+Mugshot.jpg Chuck's Images OREGON STATE PENITENTIARY 1926 Crime: Grand Larceny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470369262088-BOMZW81E5ZAPGYCAWMAA/1927+-+Chuck+-+Folsom+ID+Card.pdf.jpg Chuck's Images FOLSOM STATE PRISON 1927 Crime: Grand Larceny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470369773761-PAPGTS6JCNPXF4K9HIF0/1934+-+O%27Connor%2C+Charles%3B+Davis%2C+Ed+%28Deafy%29+-+February.jpg Chuck's Images From Left to Right (according to Chuck): Mamie Floyd (Pretty Boy Floyd's Mother), Ed "Deafy" Davis, Brother of Pretty Boy Floyd, Child unknown, Chuck O'Connor (holding Floyd family dog). Floyd Family Home, Cookson Hills, Oklahoma 1934. Photo by: Charles Arthur "Pretty Boy Floyd" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470369792811-KC0GWBCSI515LZCBHBDN/1937+-+Chuck+mug+close.jpg Chuck's Images FOLSOM STATE PRISON 1937-1941 Crime: Forgery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470369798178-YGQDKV93M89Z7T0HMF2M/1944+-+O%27Connor%2C+Charles+-+with+Millie.jpg Chuck's Images Chuck and Millie, circa 1940's https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470369805756-TXP05P7DPJ6OM4ZMXY3B/1948+-+Chuck+Mugshot.jpg Chuck's Images “Charles O’Connor: One of Four Arrested.” Long Beach Independent. July 20, 1948. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470369825231-C27YJU6VQZP6B47GFSDY/1948+Camera+Shy+Trio.jpg Chuck's Images “Beach Raid Snaps Narcotic Ring Trap: Three Men and Woman Arrested, Ending Two-Year Far-Flung Hunt.” Los Angeles Times. July 19, 1948. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470369859865-7UGBG5M07KKR4HVUA4R9/1951+-+O%27Connor+Charles+-+FBI+Mug+Shot.jpg Chuck's Images Chuck O'Connor, Federal Correctional Institution, Milan, Michigan, 1951 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470369891951-KI9G0O7EC3YJTANXZHFS/1958+-+O%27Connor+Charles+-+September+12+1958+-+Vegas+Arrest+-+The+Evening+Star+Washington+D+C.jpg Chuck's Images “Ex D. C. Worker Held In Reno in Pay Holdup.” Evening Star. September 12, 1958. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471886481445-D863N4YMHFVLXAPSXDZL/1982+-+O%27Connor%2C+Charles+-+Mural+-+5-12-1982.jpg Chuck's Images “A Touch of Mount Tam Indoors.” Marin Independent Journal. May 12, 1982. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470369955361-YQKJKHZXWI49MZH7U1EJ/1990+-+Chuck+Ireland+Mural.jpg Chuck's Images IRELAND BARN MURAL 1980's https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471886525911-LW89VIR7V9XUDIT5WUUM/1992+-+O%27Connor%2C+Charles+-+Tiburon+Article.pdf.jpg Chuck's Images Leth, Betsy. “Tiburon Artist Turns From Life Of Crime To Painter Of Clowns.” The Ark. 1992, sec. AB6. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471886566113-PMX7WUVR8TBKIZEIY40N/Aldyn+%26+Chuck+circa+1993.jpg Chuck's Images Aldyn & Chuck circa 1993 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470370053358-FIRJSBNXGAOYF460G5YO/Aldyn+%26+Chuck+circa+1993+2.jpg Chuck's Images Aldyn Jones taking notes as Chuck relates his life story. Circa 1993 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471886598071-9U2HJPQUYMURL4C7EOBE/1993+-+Chuck+sleeping+at+Aldyns.jpg Chuck's Images Chuck and his dog, Biddy. Circa 1993 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471886640422-MZ25G04266J9GT8TXQKL/Dirty+Old+Man.jpg Chuck's Images Dirty Old Man. Circa 1993 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470370138782-MXZJ3ROAW6HCOSPJSG63/1997+-+Chuck+-+Alcatraz.jpg Chuck's Images Chuck in San Francisco with Alcatraz beyond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470370147588-6HEKEK0U7EDZ3YGP7HZI/1997+-+Chuck+-+Turk+%26+Mason.png Chuck's Images Chuck at the corner of Turk & Mason Streets, San Francisco, where he used to sell newspapers as a kid. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470370157860-GDV8MC7SKEIG9K427ZDQ/1998+-+Chuck%2C+Chris.jpg Chuck's Images Chuck and Chris McDuff at the Stinking Rose, San Francisco. 1998 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470370193526-62A0CPM1FK3A3PGV7MQ5/Chuck+and+Todd+A.jpg Chuck's Images Chuck and Todd Bartlett. Mill Valley, California 1998. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470370207144-1I6Z1049IDGO35IX5ZAB/Chuck+and+Todd+B.jpg Chuck's Images Chuck and Todd Bartlett. Mill Valley, California 1998. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470370218137-GPOPK5W2JG072GFTVHVC/Chuck%2C+Biddy%2C+Todd.jpg Chuck's Images Chuck and Todd Bartlett. Larkspur Landing, California 1998. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470370234989-SQKHXB3AETF3UY3DVY3J/Biddy2.jpg Chuck's Images Chuck's best friend, Biddy. "To My Grandson Todd. From Biddy and Chuck. 09/16/1998" http://www.westcoastgangster.com/incarcerations daily 0.75 2016-12-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471456692984-CWX4Z6WZMOJBS5M4ZF53/150+Otis+Street.jpg Incarcerations JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER 150 Otis Street, San Francisco, California 1917: Ward of the State Chuck’s grandparents took him here when they could no longer afford to take care of him. It was the first place he was locked in a room by force. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471456692984-CWX4Z6WZMOJBS5M4ZF53/150+Otis+Street.jpg Incarcerations JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER 150 Otis Street, San Francisco, California 1917: Ward of the State Chuck’s grandparents took him here when they could no longer afford to take care of him. It was the first place he was locked in a room by force. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471456732638-VA2SYZ52GGKGURRU2LOZ/St.+Vincents.jpg Incarcerations ST. VINCENT'S ORPHAN ASYLUM San Rafael, California 1917 – 1922 (off and on) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471456996393-MTIEGZPW1J40XD1GTBR5/Oregon+State+Training+School.jpg Incarcerations OREGON STATE TRAINING SCHOOL FOR BOYS Salem, Oregon 1923-1924: Car Theft Chuck was defiant at first and escaped, but then returned and finished his time there on good behavior. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470370357307-AKX101YMM86MF14STFXC/150+Otis+Street.jpg Incarcerations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471457178105-BPDEJX7GE5NKC9X9HYBC/Oregon+State+Penitentiary.jpg Incarcerations OREGON STATE PENITENTIARY Salem, Oregon 1926: Grand Larceny, Auto Chuck was the youngest prisoner to ever enter Oregon State Penitentiary up to that point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1482208431576-74TDWAFWGNY4YOEZJR8O/1952-FolsomPrison.jpg Incarcerations FOLSOM STATE PRISON Folsom, California 1. 1927-1929: Grand Larceny 2. 1932-1934: Parole Violator 3. 1937-1941: Forgery Chuck witnessed some of the most horrific and historical events in Folsom Prison's history. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471152042382-SXQMGMDEIJYTABUATLTF/150+Otis+Street.jpg Incarcerations JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER 150 Otis Street, San Francisco, California 1917: Ward of the State Chuck’s grandparents took him here when they could no longer afford to take care of him. It was the first place he was locked in a room by force. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1472110830995-E9RS2AWQF4ZJ4MGHZFPZ/McNeil+Island+Federal+Penitentiary.jpg Incarcerations McNEIL ISLAND FEDERAL PENITENTIARY McNeil Island, Washington 1930-1932: Forgery Chuck was here with the West Coast's most notorious Prohibition era gangsters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471459209906-ES3W5G4ELSR0XXTAJRDO/LA+County+Jail.jpg Incarcerations LOS ANGELES COUNTY JAIL Downtown Los Angeles, California 1941: Speeding; Driving Without License; False Identification; DUI; Parole Violation Chuck’s parole officer let him sweat it out here before releasing him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471456657202-PIDEET9KKGEI583P500S/150+Otis+Street.jpg Incarcerations JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER 150 Otis Street, San Francisco, California 1917: Ward of the State Chuck’s grandparents took him here when they could no longer afford to take care of him. It was the first place he was locked in a room by force. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471460249180-AQ7U77P4DTQ5YC8NYOXM/Malibu+Honor+Farm.png Incarcerations MALIBU PRISON CAMP Malibu, California 1943: Forgery Chuck did a very easy 6-month bit here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471545477581-2HULT6DHO304XA437TRP/Wayside.jpg Incarcerations WAYSIDE HONOR RANCHO Castaic, California 1948-1949: Drug Violation Chuck befriends movie star Robert Mitchum, who is there for an infamous marijuana bust. He also meets the Sheik, a top member of the Waxey Gordon narcotic syndicate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470370540264-W2BV0YQ15Z1HJIGLA4UG/USPHSH.jpg Incarcerations UNITED STATE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE HOSPITAL Lexington, Kentucky 1951: Impersonation Federal Agent; Drug Offender Chuck escaped this narcotic farm to support his wife's cancer bills. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1472190501667-YXEJGM9YXDFLSGK5F6XP/Alcatraz+1.jpg Incarcerations ALCATRAZ Although never sentenced here, Chuck was held in solitary confinement while awaiting trial and subsequent transfer to Atlanta Federal Penitentiary. 1. 1953 - When he was captured by the FBI after being an escaped federal prisoner. He was transferred here and then sent to the District of Columbia Jail and ultimately Atlanta Federal Penitentiary. OR 2. 1958 - After Chuck was captured by the FBI in Nevada for a string of East Coast armed robberies. He was held here while being sentenced and spent the next 10 years of his life in Atlanta Federal Penitentiary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471152108524-5T43QL6L21PFODHRJ3LF/Lewisburg+Federal+Penitentiary.jpg Incarcerations LEWISBURG FEDERAL PENITENTIARY Lewisburg, Pennsylvania 1959: Chuck was transferred here for 30 days from the District of Columbia Jail en route to Atlanta Federal Penitentiary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471545793793-LEVOE4YNE4XHPT2JETG1/Atlanta+Federal+Pen.jpg Incarcerations ATLANTA FEDERAL PENITENTIARY Atlanta, Georgia 1. 1953-1954: Impersonation Federal Officer; Escape 2. 1959-1968: Armed Robbery Chuck was cellmates and friends with the biggest Mafia figures in crime history. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471934092870-9ATEOLQMGOEJ1CCDICIR/District%2Bof%2BColumbia%2BJail.jpg Incarcerations DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA JAIL (THE TOWERS) Washington, D.C. 1. 1958: Held for Transfer 2. 1964: Held for Transfer Chuck tried to kill stool pigeon Joe Valachi by poisoning him with cyanide, but was unsuccessful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1472111218041-U94YCM84UYYNAU4RB483/St.+Elizabeth%27s+hospital.jpg Incarcerations ST. ELIZABETH’S MENTAL HOSPITAL Washington, D.C. 1964: Psychological Analysis While in Atlanta Federal Penitentiary, Chuck wins a petition to be examined here to see if he is a psychopath. http://www.westcoastgangster.com/news daily 0.75 2026-04-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d784be4b0327502a24afb/1466626116028-IK0ZAIU46HJDA43WVJUC/bedford-demo.squarespace.jpg News http://www.westcoastgangster.com/news/2016/5/18/get-out-there-1-dmcfj monthly 0.5 2016-06-29 http://www.westcoastgangster.com/news/2016/5/18/why-deserts-matter-too-pm7ls monthly 0.5 2016-06-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d784be4b0327502a24afb/1466615516528-WWMRNWF3NBLQ2A47Y9RD/image-asset.jpeg News - Why Deserts Matter Too http://www.westcoastgangster.com/news/2016/5/18/get-out-there-h4b2b monthly 0.5 2016-06-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d784be4b0327502a24afb/1466615590649-S12G50SH6Z8J2FSADUOQ/tumblr_mjs7w6zIHV1rkz363o3_1280.jpg News - Success Story – New Hope in Old Appalachia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559d784be4b0327502a24afb/1466615591085-WXJGZS1M7F24AOT4W65M/tumblr_mjs7w6zIHV1rkz363o5_1280.jpg News - Success Story – New Hope in Old Appalachia http://www.westcoastgangster.com/home-1 daily 1.0 2016-08-25 http://www.westcoastgangster.com/contact daily 0.75 2016-06-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1458525268302-02FCVKSFDUCI4IZYP2PX/image-asset.png About http://www.westcoastgangster.com/what-we-do daily 0.75 2016-09-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1472109121483-KVAT1DI8GOHEELS5X9GP/golden+gate+bridge+021.jpg Who We Are https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471228379772-B0V9SORME364XHP8XVV1/image-asset.jpeg Who We Are Aldyn & Chuck circa 1993 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471286177498-0EFAOJZY1RDJVJE5WFR8/image-asset.jpeg Who We Are Chuck & Bill, San Francisco, 1997 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471229159570-Y6UOV75GQZ9PRYU1CFX1/image-asset.jpeg Who We Are Chuck & Todd, Mill Valley, California, 1998 http://www.westcoastgangster.com/projects daily 0.75 2017-08-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1472109204083-QDZN8TMHAKQ796YDG3DI/Chuck+Golden+Gate+Bridge+2.1+edit.jpg Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471217510089-VHOT5FYH79CQ9KQEG7HV/tumblr_mjco89cUVY1rkz363o1_1280.jpg Projects Aldyn Jones taking notes as Chuck relates his life story. Circa 1993 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471310742586-CLMOP6KXLBB7HPWJMEZE/tumblr_mlsetsKySj1rkz363o4_1280.jpg Projects Chuck in San Francisco's Chinatown reminiscing about smoking opium in the secretive underground city. 1997 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1501726968095-J91Z6I3IRC5LIUY38DRM/Nutless+Johnson+black.jpg Projects Blog I: Nutless Johnson: How a prison's "most dangerous inmate" was legally castrated and transformed into a "model prisoner." http://www.westcoastgangster.com/radio-text daily 0.75 2016-08-14 http://www.westcoastgangster.com/blank-photo-template daily 0.75 2016-08-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471472994793-Z6XM0FP1V35IU5N2ECL7/Rudolf_Abel_FBI_mugshot.jpg Blank Photo Template https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471493581161-NZGKNVNL92D63GP1W5EX/Vito+Agueci.jpg Blank Photo Template https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471493307344-QSMQ0LZ0HKKXL7EX6I1S/Jerry+Allan.jpg Blank Photo Template http://www.westcoastgangster.com/introduction daily 0.75 2016-10-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1472160121417-Q2AEGPCG728ZCRHYO5PJ/Snapshot+2+alcatraz+Long.pdf.jpg INTRODUCTION https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1472096372182-PJISCBMLAZOEVYZP8L9X/image-asset.jpeg INTRODUCTION Chuck O'Connor, Folsom State Prison, 1927 (Photo Source: California State Archives) http://www.westcoastgangster.com/home daily 0.75 2016-08-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470350477269-3HSB480U6DIBUUPM6IE6/1997+-+Chuck+-+Alcatraz.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1535394848185-CGDDU4QCIRSO4U1270H3/image-asset.jpeg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1535394867157-MTQAOAQPKWQ68DDY1HTW/tumblr_mn8b8sLRb61rkz363o1_1280.jpg Home http://www.westcoastgangster.com/gallery-main daily 0.75 2016-12-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1472144722672-LBP9WCGPG2PB31CTR01G/Chuck+Alcatraz.jpg Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1472241045946-ERIF5YA1SIMW7HIG5HB5/1926+-+Oregon+Penitentiary+Mugshot.jpg Gallery CHUCK'S IMAGES The following are images of or relating to Chuck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1482209826236-7ONRL2K1O2KDU354ZYIW/1952-FolsomPrison+black.jpg Gallery INSTITUTIONS The following are institutions Chuck was incarcerated in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1472241329954-PI2RBTQ8PB4FUM38SB51/Pretty+Boy+Floyd.jpg Gallery CRIMINAL ASSOCIATES The following are images of well over 100 of Chuck's criminal associates. It will be open to the public shortly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1472169260376-6V6ATOU26JTOBP0NC0QD/image-asset.jpeg Gallery CHUCK'S ARTWORK The following are images of some of Chuck's paintings and murals. Although Chuck was an avid painter all throughout his life, all the paintings we have by Chuck are from the 1990's, when Chuck was in his 80's and mostly blind. Regardless of age and disability, he was still able to paint extraordinary pieces. http://www.westcoastgangster.com/new-page-1 daily 0.75 2016-08-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471213816351-ASBNBJ13476P9Y7ZJDZU/golden+gate+bridge+021.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470357742696-0TCK8TM0G7NRNB8IB6D9/Aldyn+%26+Chuck+circa+1993.jpg About Aldyn & Chuck, circa 1993 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471216867105-BDMP3KL9MJQJ8Q2RW8K3/Bill+%26+Chuck.PNG About Chuck & Bill, San Francisco, 1997 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470358165198-RRJ1RDU8SGZLAGHYTXJ9/Chuck+and+Todd+B.jpg About Chuck & Todd, Mill Valley, 1998 http://www.westcoastgangster.com/radio daily 0.75 2016-08-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1472108990038-F6QL3W2RRWHBSF6QL6J7/Radio+1940%27s+black.jpg Radio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471138339057-BY6BWG7IRNX0HQKA9W1Q/image-asset.jpeg Radio http://www.westcoastgangster.com/contact-us daily 0.75 2016-08-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1472434532561-H41PITO7TMPCWXV2YV8F/FBI+FILES+-+Charles+Edward+O%27Connor_Page_08_Image_0001+-+EDIT.jpg Contact https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471401721045-DBZROR4ZKX438QSY4HPD/image-asset.jpeg Contact “Tiburon Artist Turns From Life Of Crime To Painter Of Clowns.” The Ark. 1992 http://www.westcoastgangster.com/biography-main daily 0.75 2016-08-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1472108702288-YBV4VM53KCERIOBN40J2/Chuck+Dahlia+Hotel+2.pdf.jpg BIOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1472432957221-TTV3XJ0ZBE5HIQLOSQP4/image-asset.jpeg BIOGRAPHY rETROSPECTIVE The following are excerpts from Chuck's life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471316814229-ENZWM85G6BR8P0NYQAO1/image-asset.jpeg BIOGRAPHY BIOGRAPHY The following is a written biography on Chuck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1472146442605-7T84A32B6YTUGXUD7V78/image-asset.jpeg BIOGRAPHY RADIO STORY Listen or Read a radio biography done on Chuck. http://www.westcoastgangster.com/new-page-2 daily 0.75 2016-08-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470373856905-9ODAINBWPBCV5IL2UB7S/image-asset.png About http://www.westcoastgangster.com/take-action daily 0.75 2016-08-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471936075865-N914D7IFIB65Z3YPE7R5/Snapshot+Alcatraz.png Introduction https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470591504476-WSFZVLPQH3TOY9X9DU25/image-asset.jpeg Introduction Chuck O'Connor, Folsom State Prison, 1927 (Photo Source: California State Archives) http://www.westcoastgangster.com/retrospective- daily 0.75 2016-08-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1472159859393-32Q4AWXD6H129YGJ9CMP/FBI+FILES+-+Record+2+-+edit.jpg RETROSPECTIVE http://www.westcoastgangster.com/chuck-images daily 0.75 2016-08-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1471829464992-PB00FKDGPU9HP8O5DUTE/1951+-+O%27Connor+Charles+-+FBI+Mug+Shot+%28Headshot%29+2.pdf.jpg CHUCK'S IMAGES http://www.westcoastgangster.com/institutions daily 0.75 2016-08-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1472111678757-CN5S6C8XZOG6OKWK5DYA/O%27Connor+Newspaper+Article+-+EDIT.jpg INSTITUTIONS http://www.westcoastgangster.com/artwork daily 0.75 2016-08-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1472178448294-6SNKHHN4ZXLUTVU8AQRT/1990+-+Chuck+Ireland+Mural.jpg CHUCK'S ARTWORK http://www.westcoastgangster.com/home-test daily 0.75 2016-08-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1470350477269-3HSB480U6DIBUUPM6IE6/1997+-+Chuck+-+Alcatraz.jpg Home TEST https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1535394848185-CGDDU4QCIRSO4U1270H3/image-asset.jpeg Home TEST https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1535394867157-MTQAOAQPKWQ68DDY1HTW/tumblr_mn8b8sLRb61rkz363o1_1280.jpg Home TEST http://www.westcoastgangster.com/blog-topics daily 0.75 2017-04-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56eb2bcbe321407d6a066cdb/1490751913066-POD406JXN0O32PXTV2KG/Yegg+Illustration.jpg Blog Topics Yeggs The following blogs are a dedication to yeggs and yeggman - a top criminal syndicate that has very little information about them. Here you will learn about the history of the yegg, their inter-dealings with one another, the "code of honor among thieves," strategic ......   http://www.westcoastgangster.com/read-me daily 0.75 2026-04-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1390928870858-4D9B6T9WGP8017NSS9W3/topography.jpg Read Me