During the Prohibition era and the rise of organized crime in the early 20th century, Meyer Lansky emerged as one of the figures who helped shape the modern American mob. Through his partnerships with Charles “Lucky” Luciano and Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel, he became closely tied to the development of legalized gambling in Las Vegas and casino operations in Cuba, earning the nickname the “Mob’s Accountant.” He was also remembered by his family for his insistence on education, philanthropy, and what his grandson describes as being a “mobster with morals” who believed in helping the communities where he did business.

In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum welcomes Meyer Lansky II to discuss his new book, The Lansky Legend: The Life and Letters of Meyer Lansky. Meyer shares his memories of his grandfather, how he gradually came to understand the life his grandfather lived, and his grandfather’s role in Prohibition, gambling, Cuba, and the early development of Las Vegas.

Highlights:

(0:00) Sheryl introduces Meyer Lansky II and the legacy of his grandfather, Meyer Lansky

(2:00) What motivated Meyer to tell his grandfather’s story through The Lansky Legend

(5:00) The grandfather Meyer knew and the importance he placed on education, discipline, and doing things well

(7:00) What Meyer says about the reported $300 million fortune and what happened to his grandfather’s money

(10:00) The childhood gambling loss that taught Meyer Lansky never to bet again●

(11:15) How Meyer Lansky met Bugsy Siegel and why their opposite personalities worked so well together

(12:30) A confrontation with Lucky Luciano that became the beginning of another lifelong alliance

(14:45) Meyer Lansky II begins to realize his grandfather is not the ordinary businessman his family described

(16:30) The attempted kidnapping that led to FBI protection and his family secretly leaving town

(21:15) Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Siegel’s early vision for Las Vegas and the Flamingo

(23:45) The FBI surveillance that followed Meyer Lansky into retirement and continued through the end of his life

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Meyer Lansky II is the grandson and namesake of one of the most recognizable figures in American organized crime history. He grew up knowing his grandfather personally and now shares those memories and family stories to help preserve a more complete picture of Meyer Lansky and the era he helped shape.

Meyer Lansky II’s The Lansky Legacy: The Life and Letters of Meyer Lansky is available now. Learn more about the book and order your copy here.

Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing.

Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023.

Social Links:

Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com

X: @ColdCaseTips

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum●

Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum

Sheryl’s new book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, is available now wherever books are sold.

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