Peterson Sorenson
America’s infamous thieves remind us of the impact of crossing ethical lines. These individuals did not simply unlawfully take possessions—they disrupted lives and exploited trust. While some faced consequences, others escaped justice, leaving a complex legacy behind. Here are 10 of the most notorious thieves in the history of America.
Jesse James
In 1873, Jesse James and his gang orchestrated one of America’s first train robberies near Adair, Iowa. They derailed the locomotive and escaped with $3,000 in gold. Pursued relentlessly by law enforcement officers, James evaded capture for years but was ultimately betrayed and shot by a member of his gang.
D.B. Cooper
Dan Cooper, infamously known as D.B. Cooper, seized control of a Northwest Airlines flight in 1971, demanding $200,000 and four parachutes. After receiving the ransom, he parachuted into the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest. A massive manhunt ensued, but Cooper was never found, leaving behind one of America’s greatest mysteries.
Jimmy Burke
Jimmy Burke masterminded the 1978 Lufthansa heist at JFK Airport, during which his crew stole $5 million in cash and $875,000 in jewelry. Despite meticulous planning, Burke’s associates became liabilities as they spent lavishly, which eventually drew the FBI’s attention. Burke avoided direct prosecution for the heist but faced incarceration for other offenses.
Alvin Karpis
Alvin Karpis, a key member of the Barker-Karpis gang, masterminded numerous robberies and kidnappings during the 1930s. Known for his calculating nature, Karpis became the first public enemy captured by J. Edgar Hoover. Despite his offense, his capture remains one of the FBI’s proudest moments.
Bernie Madoff
Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme began in the 1980s, when he was promising consistent returns to high-profile investors. The deception unraveled in 2008 during the financial crisis. Then, he was captured by the FBI and was sentenced to 150 years in detention. His scheme remains the largest financial theft in history and has devastated countless lives.
Willie Sutton
Between the 1920s and 1950s, Sutton used clever disguises to rob over 30 banks. Captured multiple times, Sutton’s escapes were as legendary as his heists and earned him the nickname “Slick Willie.”The famous quote, “Because that’s where the money is,” is often attributed to him when asked why he robbed banks; however, he denied saying this statement.
Anthony Curcio
In 2008, Anthony Curcio used Craigslist to recruit decoys dressed as landscapers and confused witnesses during his armored truck heist. The meticulously planned operation netted him $400,000, but a tip from a homeless man led to his arrest. Curcio’s story later became a case study in modern criminal ingenuity.
Belle Starr and Her Gang of Thieves
Known as the “Bandit Queen,” Belle Starr led a gang that specialized in horse theft during the late 1800s. A charismatic figure, she charmed her way out of legal trouble multiple times. Starr was eventually ambushed, and she lost her life. This cemented her legacy as an infamous outlaw of the Wild West.
Frank Morris
Using his remarkable IQ, Frank Morris escaped Alcatraz in 1962 alongside two accomplices. They crafted life vests and a makeshift raft from raincoats and used papier-mâché heads to trick guards. Despite extensive searches, Morris’s fate remains unknown, fueling speculation about whether he survived the treacherous waters.
The Newton Gang
Led by Willis, Joe, Jess, and Wylie (“Dock”) Newton, This gang became infamous for a spree of bank and train robberies in the early 20th century. On June 12, 1924, they executed the largest train robbery in U.S. history near Rondout, Illinois, stealing over $3 million in cash, bonds, and jewelry.
