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George Remus (1874–1952) was a notorious American lawyer, pharmacist, and bootlegger who gained fame during the Prohibition era. Born in Germany, Remus immigrated to the United States with his family at a young age, settling in Chicago. After initially pursuing a career as a pharmacist, he later became a successful criminal defense attorney, specializing in cases involving violations of the Volstead Act, which prohibited alcohol.
Seeing the fortunes amassed by his criminal clients, Remus devised a plan to take advantage of loopholes in the Prohibition laws. In 1920, he moved to Cincinnati, a location convenient for its proximity to distilleries, and established a highly sophisticated bootlegging operation. Remus bought up distilleries under government licenses, allowing him to produce and sell "medicinal" alcohol. However, most of this alcohol was illegally sold to speakeasies. At the height of his empire, Remus controlled a significant portion of the nation's illicit alcohol market, amassing millions of dollars and living an opulent lifestyle that included a lavish mansion, expensive parties, and extravagant gifts for his wife.
His empire began to unravel in 1925 when he was indicted for violating the Volstead Act. Following a prison term, Remus’s life took a dramatic turn. He discovered that his wife, Imogene, had betrayed him, having an affair with a federal agent who helped convict him. In a moment of rage, Remus shot and killed her in 1927. In a highly publicized trial, he represented himself and was acquitted on the grounds of temporary insanity.
After the trial, Remus faded from the public eye and spent his later years in relative obscurity. His life story, marked by excess, betrayal, and violence, remains one of the most colorful and infamous tales from the Prohibition era, reflecting both the opportunities and dangers of organized crime in the United States during the 1920s.
He was featured prominently on the HBO television series, “Boardwalk Empire.”
Offered is an original 7.5” x 5.25” press photo dated October 17, 1927 of Remus on Trial from International News. Original paper caption on back reads, “ Bootleg King” on Trial. Cincinnati, Ohio.
Scene in Judge Shook's Criminal Court, as the trial of George Remus, former millionaire bootleg king, opened. Remus is charged with the murder of his second wife.
Photo shows: At the defense table left to right are shown: George Conners, Business Agent for Remus; Attorney Charles Elston and the defendant George Remus.
Item: 13670
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