G. Robert Blakey: Architect of the RICO Act and Critic of the CIA

G. Robert Blakey, a notable figure in the fight against organized crime, passed away at the age of 90. Blakey made significant contributions to law enforcement despite not having the typical accoutrements of a law enforcer.

Born in 1936, Blakey grew up in Ohio, later becoming a law professor at the University of Notre Dame. His career is most noted for drafting the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, a potent tool in dismantling organized crime.

The RICO Act empowered prosecutors to pursue crime leaders who ordered illicit activities, rather than merely the individuals who carried them out. This was instrumental in convicting high-profile mob bosses across the country, from New York to Las Vegas.

Beyond his work with the RICO Act, Blakey chaired the U.S. House Select Committee on Assassinations. This task placed him at the heart of investigations into high-profile cases, such as the Kennedy assassination. In this role, he was relentless in pursuit of the truth, which later led him to criticize the CIA’s cooperation in the investigation.

Blakey’s complex relationship with the agency underscored his commitment to transparency and justice. His legacy in law and justice continues to resonate through the legal frameworks he helped develop and the investigations he led.