The Worst Public Servant In History? Inside The Life Of J. Edgar Hoover

He Took Credit For Finding Charles Lindbergh’s Son, But He Wasn’t Responsible

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In 1932, aviator Charles Lindbergh’s 20-month-old son was kidnapped. The story made national headlines and led to one of the biggest manhunts in history. Eventually, a ransom was paid, and the boy was found in the woods. Hoover and the FBI were partially involved in the case but not nearly as much as the New Jersey police.

Hoover took credit for solving the case. He also promoted himself for capturing criminals such as Bonnie and Clyde, Machine Gun Kelly and John Dillinger. Hoover loved the spotlight and was upset when other people were credited with solving crimes, and he wasn’t.

Hoover’s sexuality remained a hot-button topic before and after his death.