Virginia criminology professor, author speaks about organized crime

Organized crime has been a part of American culture for more than a century, dating back to the 1880s, according to Jay Albanese, a criminology professor at Virginia Commonwealth University.

The subject has also crossed over into pop culture, inspiring movies like "Casino," "Goodfellas" and "The Godfather," as well as television shows like "The Sopranos."

Albanese spoke to students Thursday at Gorell Recital Hall about organized crime and its impact on society. 

Albanese said organized crime has provided some of the most "lasting images" in American history.

But as for mob movies, he said most films on the mafia do not accurately depict the history of real organized crime.

"I've studied [organized crime] for a long time," Albanese said.

He said organized crime began in the late 1800s in New Orleans when David Harnessers, the police chief at the time, was shot at his doorstep. Albanese said Italians, the city's most recent immigrant group, were blamed.