Who was Frank Matthews? Known as "Black Caesar," Frank Matthews was a legendary figure in the world of organized crime during the 1960s and 1970s. Born in Durham, North Carolina, Matthews rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful drug traffickers in U.S. history. His empire spanned 21 states, challenging the dominance of the American Mafia. Despite his immense wealth and influence, Matthews remains an enigma, having disappeared in 1973 with $20 million in cash. His life, filled with luxury, danger, and mystery, continues to captivate those fascinated by the underworld.
Key Takeaways:
- Frank Matthews, also known as "Black Caesar," rose from a troubled youth to become a notorious drug kingpin, building a vast empire that spanned multiple states and challenging the control of the Mafia in the drug trade.
- Despite his success, Matthews' criminal activities eventually caught up with him, leading to his arrest and mysterious disappearance, leaving behind a trail of unsolved murders and a fleet of luxury cars.
The Early Life of Frank Matthews
Frank Matthews, also known as "Black Caesar," had a life filled with both grandeur and mystery. His journey from a troubled youth to a notorious drug kingpin is nothing short of fascinating.
- Birth and Early Life: Frank Matthews was born on February 13, 1944, in Durham, North Carolina.
- Mother's Death: His mother died when he was just four years old, and he was raised by his aunt, Marzella Steele.
- Nickname: Matthews was nicknamed "Pee Wee" in his youth.
- Education: He attended the East End Elementary school but dropped out in the seventh grade.
Teenage Years and First Brush with Crime
Matthews' teenage years were marked by early criminal activities that set the stage for his future in organized crime.
- Teenage Gang: At age 14, Matthews led a teenaged gang in stealing chickens from local farms. When confronted by a farmer, he assaulted him with a brick, leading to his arrest in October 1960.
- Arrest and Incarceration: Matthews served a year for theft and assault at the Raleigh State Reformatory for Boys. Upon his release, he moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Transition to the Drug Trade
After moving to Philadelphia, Matthews began his ascent in the criminal underworld, eventually transitioning from small-time hustles to the lucrative drug trade.
- Numbers Game: In Philadelphia, Matthews worked as a numbers writer, making contacts that would become his future Philadelphia drug connections, including Major Coxson and members of the Black Mafia.
- Arrest in 1963: Matthews was arrested in 1963 and avoided conviction by agreeing to leave Philadelphia.
- Move to Brooklyn: He moved to the Bedford–Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn, New York, and became a barber, collecting numbers as he had in Philadelphia, as well as working as a loan shark and enforcer.
- Transition to Heroin Trade: In 1965, Matthews grew tired of the numbers game and transitioned into the heroin trade.
Building an Empire
Matthews' ambition and strategic partnerships allowed him to build a vast drug empire that spanned multiple states.
- Initial Partnerships: During this period, the main supply of wholesale heroin came from the American Mafia through their famed French Connection. Matthews attempted to partner with the Gambino and Bonanno crime families but was rejected.
- Roland Gonzalez Partnership: Matthews then approached a criminal named Roland Gonzalez, a Cuban American and one of the major drug dealers in Harlem. Gonzalez arranged for Matthews to get heroin and cocaine directly from Caracas, Venezuela, and Marseille, France, which would then be distributed in the United States.
- Expansion of Drug Empire: Working with African American and Latino underbosses, by the early 1970s, Matthews' illicit drug organization had expanded into twenty-one states from Massachusetts to Alabama and west to Missouri.
Lavish Lifestyle and Notoriety
With immense wealth came a lifestyle of luxury and notoriety, making Matthews a prominent figure in the criminal world.
- Luxurious Lifestyle: Matthews spent his wealth lavishly. He purchased a mansion for his girlfriend, Barbara Hinton, and his three sons on Rottenwood Road in Staten Island, New York.
- Drug Dealers' Summit: In 1971, Matthews organized a conference of major drug traffickers who agreed to take control of the international shipment of heroin and cocaine to the United States, thus eliminating the Mafia middlemen.
- Challenges to Mafia Supremacy: Matthews' move to bypass the Mafia was a significant challenge to their control over the heroin trade. This act of defiance further solidified his reputation as a major player in the drug world.
Legal Troubles and Disappearance
Despite his success, Matthews' criminal activities eventually caught up with him, leading to his arrest and subsequent mysterious disappearance.
- Arrest and Bail: In January 1973, Matthews was arrested at the Las Vegas airport on charges of tax evasion and conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine. His bail was initially set at $5 million but was reduced to $325,000, and he was freed the same day.
- Disappearance: Shortly after his release, on June 26, 1973, Matthews disappeared with $20 million in cash. To this day, there have been no verified sightings, leaving many to speculate about his fate.
The Legend of Frank Matthews
The mystery surrounding Matthews' disappearance and his larger-than-life persona have cemented his status as a legendary figure in the world of organized crime.
- Legend and Mythology: The legends and mythology surrounding Matthews are still relevant today, 36 years later. He left behind a trail of unsolved murders, a fleet of luxury cars, and a lavishly decorated mansion.
- Iconic Status: Matthews is an icon to all those enamored with gangsters. He is remembered as a master of the drug game, known for his flamboyant lifestyle and his ability to evade law enforcement.
- DEA Ranking: The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) ranks Matthews as one of the top ten drug traffickers in U.S. history, estimating that he had $20 million in savings at the time of his disappearance.
Personal Life and Relationships
Despite his criminal activities, Matthews had a personal life filled with relationships and family dynamics that added complexity to his story.
- Luxury Homes and Vehicles: Matthews led a lavish lifestyle, with luxury homes, vehicles, and clothing. He also enjoyed prime seats at sporting events and regular trips to Las Vegas to launder money and gamble.
- Kidnapping Incident: In April 1973, Matthews was involved in a kidnapping incident with Ernie Coralluzzo, which led to a complex series of events involving money and loyalty.
- Federal Investigation: The feds were circling him like vultures, ready to swoop down, while the Mob was watching him like a hawk, looking for any sign of weakness to pay him back for slights to their honor, real or imagined.
The Downfall and Enduring Mystery
Matthews' downfall and the enduring mystery of his disappearance continue to captivate those interested in the world of organized crime.
- Cocaine Abuse: By the autumn of 1972, Matthews showed all the classic symptoms of chronic cocaine abuse, shuttling between extremes of euphoria and irritability in an almost continuous macho delusional power trip.
- Mafia Rejection: Despite being able to gain an audience with both the Gambinos and Bonannos, his application to join the Mafia was rejected, leading him to seek alternative partnerships.
- Global Reach: Matthews was an empire builder, with a global reach in the drug trade. He supplied drug dealers throughout every region of the country, making him a significant player in the international heroin and cocaine market.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Matthews' story has left a lasting impact on popular culture, inspiring numerous works and continuing to intrigue new generations.
- Documentaries and Media: There have been several documentaries and media pieces about Frank Matthews, including "The Frank Matthews Story" by Ron Chepesiuk and Al Profit, which provides a detailed look at his life and times.
- Public Perception: The public perception of Matthews is complex, with some viewing him as a hero and others as a villain. His flamboyant lifestyle and ability to evade law enforcement have made him a fascinating figure in popular culture.
- Legacy: Despite his disappearance, Matthews' legacy continues to influence the world of organized crime. His story has inspired numerous books, documentaries, and films, cementing his place in history as one of the most notorious drug traffickers of all time.
Speculation and Theories
Theories about Matthews' fate abound, adding to the intrigue and mystery that surround his life and disappearance.
- Speculation About His Fate: There is ongoing speculation about what happened to Matthews after his disappearance. Some believe he is dead, while others think he might have entered witness protection or started a new life under an assumed identity.
- Unsolved Murders: Matthews is linked to several unsolved murders, which have added to the mystery surrounding his disappearance. The exact circumstances of his vanishing remain unclear, leaving many theories and speculations.
Historical Context and Law Enforcement Challenges
Matthews' rise and fall occurred during a pivotal time in the U.S. drug trade, presenting significant challenges for law enforcement.
- Cultural Impact: Frank Matthews' story has been referenced in various cultural works, including films like "American Gangster" and "The Godfather." His life serves as a testament to the allure and danger of the drug trade.
- Historical Context: The 1970s were a pivotal time for the drug trade in the United States, with millions of kilos of heroin and tens of millions of dollars flooding urban centers. Matthews' rise to prominence coincided with this period of rapid change and expansion.
- Law Enforcement Challenges: Matthews' ability to evade law enforcement was remarkable. He managed to stay ahead of the DEA and other agencies, often using his wealth and connections to avoid capture.
Personal Life and Enduring Mystery
Matthews' personal life and the enduring mystery of his disappearance continue to captivate those interested in the world of organized crime.
- Personal Life: Despite his lavish lifestyle, Matthews had a personal life marked by turmoil. His relationships with women and children were complex, and his disappearance left many of them without support or answers.
- Enduring Mystery: The disappearance of Frank Matthews remains one of the most enduring mysteries in the world of organized crime. His story continues to captivate audiences, inspiring new generations of true crime enthusiasts and historians alike.
The Enduring Mystery of Frank Matthews
Frank Matthews, known as "Black Caesar," left an indelible mark on the world of organized crime. Rising from humble beginnings in Durham, North Carolina, he built a drug empire spanning 21 states. His lavish lifestyle, bold moves to bypass the Mafia, and eventual disappearance with $20 million in cash have cemented his legend. Despite numerous theories, his fate remains unknown, adding to his mystique. Matthews' story continues to captivate, inspiring books, documentaries, and films. His life serves as a testament to the allure and danger of the drug trade, making him a figure of both admiration and infamy. The unanswered questions about his disappearance keep his legacy alive, ensuring that Frank Matthews remains a fascinating figure in the annals of crime history.
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