More from the vaults of Prof. Alex Taylor…
As it appeared in the January 19th, 1988 Gainesville Times, the NE Georgia page exhibits the Professor discussing the history behind the mob’s “Kiss of Death.” For those not aware, my father endured his own “examinations” by organized crime while serving in Tampa Police Department’s Criminal Intelligence Unit during the late ’60s through mid ’70s. Many of these trials were used in the creation of Bolita.
This 11/1940 *Mittelman photo to the left is either unfortunately-timed by the photographer or purposely-subverted by the most infamous KoD girl. Nonetheless, it appears to be the only known photograph of her. Too bad we don’t get to see those remarkable lips.
Evelyn Mittleman was Pittsburgh Phil’s (Harry Strauss) girlfriend at the time. Prosecutors during his trial picked her up after visiting his holding cell three times. Each time she carried messages from his associates who were still free. Mittleman made the grand mistake of wearing expensive jewelry and fur coats during her visits, even though known to have been unemployed during the previous five years. (Different times and methods of assessment in those times, FYI). The prosecutors were apparently obliged to toss her in a cell under $50,000 bond until she testified as a material witness.