Robert Cooley
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Robert Cooley (b. 1943) is a former mob lawyer, government informant and author of the 2004 autobiography "When Corruption was King."
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[edit] Early Life
Born to an Irish-American family in the South Side, Chicago, his father was a Chicago police officer as were both of his grandfathers - both of whom had died in the line of duty. Cooley first worked as a Chicago patrol officer to earn his way through college and law school before becoming a criminal defense attorney. His association with Chicago Outfit capo Marco D'Amico dates from his time as a Chicago police officer.
[edit] Mafia Associate
Cooley quickly became known as a lawyer who would do whatever it took to get his clients an acquittal. In fact, he has stated that he used legitimate means to win almost all of his jury trials, but he was also ready to bribe judges and court officials which, in the corrupt Cook County court system, was often the difference between a conviction and an acquittal.
His success in criminal law brought great wealth (at one time he owned a health club and part of a popular Italian restaurant) and access to the highest levels of the Chicago Outfit. His love for gambling, booze, and women, as well as his macho charisma, brought him not only professional contacts, but also close friendships with members of the Outfit street crews. He shared their nightlife in the city’s hottest bars and played cards in their private social clubs. His ability to "rig" the 1977 murder trial of "Made man" Harry Aleman gained him entry to the Inner Circle of Chicago's 1st Ward, a Democrat-controlled political machine which functioned as a direct extension of The Outfit. The Ring was presided over by legendary political boss Pat Marcy.
He also spend several years as an associate of Eddie Chan, a former Hong Kong police Lieutenant and national president of the On Leong Tong.
[edit] Informant
In 1986 Cooley, becoming deeply disgusted by the people he worked for after being given a contract to kill a police officer, approached the U.S. Justice Department’s Organized Crime Strike Force and declared,
"I'd like to help you destroy the First Ward. I want to help you destroy Pat Marcy."[1]
He proceeded to work undercover as part of an FBI probe known as Operation Gambat (for Gambling Attorney). His work ultimately sent 24 men to prison, including Outfit mobsters, politicians, cops, and judges. It also led to significant political and judicial reforms.
In addition, Harry Aleman was retried and later convicted of murder after Cooley admitted to having bribed the judge in the 1977 trial.
[edit] Current Status
Cooley has never been part of the Witness Protection Program or profited from his ties to the government. He now lives under an assumed name in permanent exile from Chicago.
[edit] Popular Culture
A character loosely based upon Cooley was played by Tom Cruise in the 1993 movie The Firm. In addition, he is also the basis for a character in Scott Turow's novel "Personal Injuries."
[edit] References
- ^ Robert Cooley, "When Corruption Was King," page 182.
- Cooley, Robert. When Corruption Was King; How I Helped the Mob to Rule Chicago, Then Brought the Outfit Down. New York: Carroll & Graf Publishers, 2004. ISBN 0786715839
