432: Larry Lawton | From Jewel Thief to Honorary Cop Part One

Early Hustles

Larry Lawton's journey into crime began in the Bronx, where he grew up surrounded by mobsters and working-class families. At just 12 years old, he was already making $125 a week through various hustles, equivalent to $775 today 1. His early ventures included stealing cars and meat from grocery stores, which he would then sell for profit. Larry's knack for making money quickly escalated into more serious crimes, including jewelry heists and loansharking 2.

I was always about the money though. I wasn't a drug addict doing it. I like the power and the money. I mean, let's face it, both of those things are very addicting.

--- Larry Lawton

   

Initial Scams

Larry's first major scam involved stealing cars and working for a prominent bookie in New York. He would steal cars left running outside stores and quickly sell them to chop shops 3. His criminal activities expanded when he started working for Mac, the biggest bookie in New York, where he learned the intricacies of the gambling world. Larry's first jewelry heist was an insurance job, which netted him $150,000 in 1989 3.

In my criminal career, what I learned is you get it, you get rid of it, and you get the money, and goodbye. You don't hold things. You're not a retailer.

--- Larry Lawton