Last Gangster in Austin

In "Last Gangster in Austin," author Jesse Sublett delves into the tumultuous career of Ronnie Earle, a legendary Texas district attorney known for taking on corruption, including high-profile cases against figures like congressman Tom DeLay. Central to Earle's story is Frank Hughey Smith, a millionaire and alleged crime lord who, with the help of corrupt officials, built a criminal empire in the 1970s. As Smith's violent machinations threaten competitors, Earle faces skepticism about his ability to secure a conviction in a case steeped in courtroom drama and underworld intrigue, set against the backdrop of a vibrant yet vice-riddled Austin.