For years, the mafia ran Youngstown, OH, providing the drugs, gambling, and prostitution the blue collar town was known for. As crime got worse, Jim Traficant ran for sheriff on a platform to kick out the mob…at the same time he was taking money from them. Even after the FBI arrested him, Traficant was a beloved figure in Youngstown. He was elected to Congress as a populist candidate who fought for his district - all while taking bribes and evading taxes.

“Crimetown” creator Marc Smirling is back with “Crooked City: Youngstown, OH.” This 15-part podcast brings the tales of the city’s mobsters as they maneuver for money and power, and how the colorful Traficant worked both sides of the law.

OUR SPOILER-FREE REVIEWS OF "CROOKED CITY: YOUNGSTOWN, OH" BEGIN IN THE FINAL 8 MINUTES OF THE EPISODE.

In Crime of the Week: A little vab with do ya.