 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (October 2011) |
| Founded | Shelton Brothers |
|---|---|
| Founded by | Carl Shelton, Earl Shelton, Bernie "Red" Shelton |
| Founding location | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Years active | 1920-N/A |
| Territory | Southern Illinois |
| Ethnicity | European-American |
| Membership (est.) | 50+ |
| Criminal activities | bootlegging, gambling, mail robbery, murder |
| Rivals | Charlie Birger Gang |
The Shelton Brothers Gang was an early Prohibition-era bootlegging gang based in southern Illinois. They were the main rivals of the famous bootlegger Charles Birger and his gang. In 1950, the Saturday Evening Post described the Sheltons as "America's Bloodiest Gang".[citation needed] Ancestors of the Shelton Brothers Gang trace their roots back to Ireland, under the surname "Hunter". There are still some descendants living in the St. Louis, Fairfield, IL and Bloomington IL area today.