The Austin History Center Association (AHCA) kicked off its Fuller Circle event series with an engaging and insightful talk from Jesse Sublett, a celebrated Austin author, musician, and artist. The event, held at the prestigious Headliners Club, featured a discussion on Sublett’s latest book, The Last Gangster in Austin: Frank Smith, Ronnie Earl, and the End of a Junkyard Mafia.

Jesse Sublett, Author, Last Gangster in Austin, signs books following the inaugural Fuller Circle event.

A Deep Dive into Austin’s Criminal Underworld

Sublett captivated the audience with his vivid storytelling, painting a picture of 1970s Austin, where organized crime thrived under the influence of figures like Frank Smith, a powerful bail bondsman and salvage dealer with deep connections to corruption. The book details Smith’s rise and fall, the infamous Austin Salvage Pool shootout, and the relentless efforts of Ronnie Earl, a young district attorney who sought justice in one of Travis County’s most significant criminal cases.

Sublett’s storytelling brought these events to life, sharing colorful anecdotes about Smith’s criminal network, his habit of paying criminals with personal checks, and the dangerous entanglements between organized crime and local law enforcement. His descriptions of one-legged junkie poets, used car dealers turned hitmen, and crooked sheriffs added depth and character to the discussion, making history feel immediate and personal.

Community and Connection

The event wasn’t just a book talk—it was an opportunity to strengthen AHCA’s mission of preserving Austin’s history. Attendees were encouraged to bring non-members to grow the organization’s circle, embodying the very spirit of the Fuller Circle initiative.

Among the distinguished guests were members of the Earl family (including Twyla and Elizabeth Earl), the Rabb family, and journalist Bill Cryer, whose investigative reporting played a crucial role in exposing Smith’s criminal empire. The personal connections between the attendees and the book’s subject matter made the event especially meaningful.

Looking Ahead

As the event wrapped up, guests left with signed copies of Sublett’s book, a deeper understanding of Austin’s past, and—true to the Fuller Circle’s mission—a sense of a growing and connected community.

For those who missed the event, copies of The Last Gangster in Austin are still available, and AHCA welcomes new members to help keep Austin’s history alive.