Frank Matthews: Black Caesar's Untold Story And Lasting Legacy?

Has the tale of Frank Matthews, also known as "Black Caesar," truly been told, or does the enigma surrounding his life and disappearance continue to captivate? The story of Frank Matthews is a compelling narrative of a drug kingpin who vanished without a trace, leaving behind a legacy of intrigue and unanswered questions.

In an era saturated with urban gangster documentaries, the saga of Frank Matthews stands apart. Unlike many similar stories, it resonates with a unique blend of audacity and mystery. Why, for instance, did BET's "American Gangster" series, a platform known for showcasing prominent figures in the underworld, never feature Frank Matthews? This omission only adds to the allure of a man who dominated the drug trafficking scene in the 1970s, operating across 21 states and amassing a fortune before disappearing into thin air. Periodically, whispers of Matthews' story resurface, briefly reigniting public curiosity before fading back into the shadows, overshadowed by more contemporary crime narratives. But the legend of "Black Caesar" endures, fueled by speculation, rumor, and the enduring mystery of his fate. Frank Matthews, born on February 13, 1944, in Durham, North Carolina, rose to prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s, becoming one of the most significant heroin and cocaine traffickers in United States history, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). His story is a testament to the power of organization, a skill he honed to perfection, particularly within the realm of crime.

Category	Information
Full Name	Frank Larry Matthews
Alias	Black Caesar, Mark IV, Pee Wee
Date of Birth	February 13, 1944
Place of Birth	Durham, North Carolina, USA
Nationality	American
Occupation	Drug Trafficker
Years Active	1965 - 1972
Criminal Activities	Heroin and Cocaine Trafficking
Area of Operation	Eastern United States (21 states)
Associates	Philadelphia Black Mafia
Status	Fugitive (Disappeared in 1973)
Reward	$20,000 (Unclaimed)
Family	Son: Frank Matthews Jr.
Reference	Casefile Podcast: Case 155 - Frank Matthews

This is the story of the legendary Frank Matthews, an original figure in organized crime, also known as "Black Caesar." In 1973, he allegedly absconded with $20 million and has never been apprehended by law enforcement. His early life in Durham was marked by tragedy, as he was raised by his aunt, Marzella Steele, after his mother's death when he was just four years old. He then moved from his hometown as a teenager to Philadelphia and then to New York City. From those cities he orchestrated a vast heroin distribution network that even interacted with the infamous French Connection and operated across 21 states. But his story doesn't begin and end with drug trafficking.

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After being indicted in December 1972 and arrested on that warrant in Las Vegas in January 1973, Matthews faced a challenging legal battle. He managed to negotiate his bail down to $325,000. On July 2, with a hearing set for that day, Frank Matthews walked out of jail in New York and vanished. Authorities believe he fled the country with his girlfriend, Cheryl Brown, and as much of his illicit money as possible. A $20,000 reward remains unclaimed to this day. The authorities have maintained that Matthews grabbed his girlfriend Cheryl Brown and as much of his illicit money as he could and simply fled the country.

Before his disappearance, Matthews had relocated to North Philadelphia, where he immersed himself in the city's numbers game, or illegal lottery. This venture allowed him to forge connections with various criminal elements, including members of the highly feared "Philadelphia Black Mafia," a group notorious for their extreme violence. This association further solidified Matthews' reputation as a formidable figure in the underworld. He was more powerful than the mafia.

In April 1973, an incident occurred where Matthews was robbed by someone named Ernie, who fled to the Bahamas. However, Matthews retaliated by kidnapping Jimmy Capotorto, prompting Ernie to return with the stolen money. This event highlights the high-stakes world in which Matthews operated and the lengths to which he would go to protect his interests. His network stretched across 21 states, and he supplied drug dealers throughout every region of the country. One anecdote from a drug dealer recounts a visit to Matthews' New York home to make a payment, where Matthews casually directed him to place the cash in a nearby closet. The dealer claimed the closet was packed to eye level with stacks of money, illustrating the sheer scale of Matthews' operation.

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The Frank Matthews story has been explored in various formats, including a documentary filmed in 2012 by Ron Chepesiuk and Al Profit, available on platforms like SnagFilms and YouTube. This documentary takes a different approach compared to similar narratives like "American Gangster," where Denzel Washington portrayed Frank Lucas. Early on, viewers are introduced to Matthews' exceptional organizational skills, which proved instrumental in his criminal endeavors. The fact that he hasn't been seen since adds to his mystique.

At the time of his disappearance, "Black Caesar" was only 29 years old. If he were alive today, he would be over 80 years old. Some people believe he may still be alive and enjoying his millions. Ron Chepesiuk, one of the filmmakers who investigated Matthews' story, said, "I think he's alive, but that's just a hunch." He also noted, "Amazingly, there is not one shred of solid evidence to suggest whether he's alive or whether he's dead." No one involved in the investigation really knows, but they all have an opinion.

To this day, no one knows if Frank Matthews is alive or dead. Matthews remains a symbol of defiance, autonomy, and the perfect escapetraits both revered and feared in the criminal landscape. He is a symbol of elusive power. But thats also what makes his case so compelling. He operated in 21 states and supplied drug dealers throughout every region of the country. This book brings probably the richest and most powerful American drug lord and criminal to life after the infamous Al Capone, who made in today's money billions from bootlegging alcohol as opposed to Frank Matthews' heroin predominantly. The disappearance of Matthews with the bounty over his head is one of the greatest real escape acts in US.

His aunt Marzella, who played a key role in his life, is very much alive. Durham has not forgotten Black Caesar. 16, 2006, he would have turned 62 years old, a relatively young age by today's standards. Two defendants pleaded guilty prior to trial. 2 three other defendants, including Frank Matthews, the kingpin of the narcotics operation, were, and still are, fugitives. 3 of the remaining thirteen defendants who proceeded to trial before chief judge Mishler, five were acquitted by the jury. 4 the eight convicted at trial, all of whom now appeal their convictions, were each sentenced to at. (and still are) on the hunt for Matthews. He would be over 80 years old if still living. Frank Larry Matthews (born February 13, 1944), also known as Black Caesar, Mark IV and Pee Wee, was a drug trafficker who sold heroin and cocaine throughout the eastern United States from 1965 to 1972. At the peak of his career he operated in 21 states and supplied drug dealers throughout every region of the country.

Timeline of Frank Matthews' Last Known Year Alive (1972-1973):

• December 1972: Frank Matthews is indicted on narcotics charges.
• January 1973: Matthews is arrested in Las Vegas on the outstanding warrant.
• April 1973: Matthews is robbed by Ernie, who flees to the Bahamas. Matthews allegedly kidnaps Jimmy Capotorto, leading to Ernie's return with the stolen money.
• July 2, 1973: With a hearing scheduled for this day, Frank Matthews is released from jail in New York. He has not been seen since this date.

The disappearance of Frank Matthews is more than just a cold case; it's a study in legend-building. The lack of concrete evidence, the conflicting accounts, and the sheer audacity of his alleged escape have all contributed to the enduring fascination with "Black Caesar." Whether he is alive and living a life of quiet anonymity, or whether he met a darker fate, his story continues to captivate and inspire debate. As documentary filmmakers and true crime enthusiasts continue to investigate his life and disappearance, the legend of Frank Matthews, the elusive criminal mastermind, only grows stronger.

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