Despite the distinction, we’re pretty sure his mother wouldn’t be proud

Cities always like to put their best foot forward. Atlanta is no exception. There is a long history in “The City Too Busy To Hate” of boosterism. Some might even say Atlantans have been guilty of going overboard when touting the city’s achievements and capabilities. On occasion, that may have been true but, then again, that sort of larger-than-life confidence is exactly the quality that has enabled the city to reach and capture things that seemed beyond its grasp.

And while at Stories of Atlanta we, for the most part, try to remain even keeled we are, after all, only human. And when we see something that distinguishes Atlanta among its peers…well, we hope you’ll forgive us for engaging in a little boosterism Stories of Atlanta style. Besides, how many times does one get the opportunity to crow about one’s federal penitentiary?

That’s right. When it comes to world-class criminals who have distinguished themselves in their field, the U.S. penitentiary in Atlanta takes a backseat to no one. Safe to say this is not the sort of story you’ll hear from the Metro Chamber of Commerce or read in a sight seeing brochure printed by the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. But it is, in typical Stories of Atlanta fashion, a pretty interesting tale.