Oviatt Crime Family
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[edit] Beginnings
The Oviatt crime family is one of the oldest families in what is commonly reffered to as the "Irish Mafia." The family began in Ireland sometime in the mid to late 1870's and began their crime enterprise by smuggling guns across the border. The family did not become well known until a branch of the family moved across the Atlantic to The United States in the early 20th century and gained notoriety and power during the prohibition era. Bootlegging alcohol in major cities such as New York, Boston, and Cleveland. While the family was more "small time" in New York and Boston as there were already major suppliers of alcohol in these cities, it was in Cleveland where they made their mark. The family became known as they major crime family in Cleveland. They gained a reputation as fair, but ruthless when crossed. Rumor has held that over 50% of the police force was controlled by the family.
[edit] Loss and Gain of Power
Once prohibition ended, the family lost a considerable amount of power and were overthrown by lower end families. There was even rumores that the family had disbannded all together and came to be accepted as fact. However, this was proven false when in the late 1950's they Oviatt family made a play for power once again and succeeded.
[edit] Structure
Unlike most crime families the exact structure is unknown. It is known that the majority of the family still involved in crime is located in Ohio, mostly the north and northeast portion of the state near Cleveland.
