The gangster squad

Though often arrested, Mickey Cohen avoided prison until he was convicted of tax evasion. (Jack Carrick / Los Angeles Times)

Sept. 16, 2014 10:08 AM PT

Anthony Trombino is booked on suspicion of attempted murder in the Mickey Cohen shooting, July 1949. (Bruce H. Cox / Los Angeles Times)

Nicola Nick Licata, a former Detroit bootlegger reputed to be second in command in the L.A. Mafia, August 1951. (Julian Robinson / Los Angeles Times)

Mickey Cohen, flanked by Deputy U.S. Marshals Charles Ross and Earl Baugher, in a jail elevator, July 1951. (Ray Graham / Los Angeles Times)

Mickey Cohen leaves U.S. court, where he and his wife, Lavonne, were tried on charges of tax evasion, June 1951. (Gordon Wallace / Los Angeles Times)