Melvin Purvis Net Worth (Updated 2025).

Melvin Purvis, born in 1903, began his career in law enforcement after graduating from the University of South Carolina. He joined the Bureau of Investigation, the precursor to the FBI, in 1927, initially working on cases involving bootlegging and moonshining in the South.

Purvis’s career took a significant turn in the 1930s when he was assigned to the Bureau’s new Chicago office. Here, he was tasked with tackling the city’s notorious gangsters, a challenge that would ultimately bring him national fame.

Melvin Purvis’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Melvin Purvis’s current net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This figure is based on the latest available information and takes into account his career earnings, investments, and other ventures.

Career

Melvin Purvis is a former FBI agent, best known for his role in the capture of notorious gangsters John Dillinger and Baby Face Nelson during the 1930s. He served in the FBI from 1926 to 1939, rising to the rank of special agent in charge of the Chicago office. Purvis’s career was marked by his innovative strategies and relentless pursuit of organized crime figures.

Other Ventures

After leaving the FBI, Purvis pursued a career in business. He founded the Melvin Purvis Detective Agency in 1940, which provided private investigation services. He also ventured into real estate, buying and selling properties in the Chicago area. Additionally, Purvis wrote a book about his experiences, titled “30,000 Miles with Dillinger,” which was published in 1936.

Assets

Purvis’s assets include real estate holdings in Chicago, primarily consisting of commercial properties. He also has a significant portfolio of stocks and bonds, reflecting his interest in financial markets. His personal residence, a historic home in Chicago, is valued at over $2 million. Purvis also owns a collection of vintage cars, including a 1930s Ford V8, which is estimated to be worth around $100,000.

Annual Income

Purvis’s annual income is primarily derived from his real estate investments and rental income. His detective agency also contributes to his annual earnings, although the exact figure is not public. Additionally, Purvis receives royalties from the sales of his book. His annual income is estimated to be around $300,000, although this figure can vary depending on market conditions and the performance of his investments.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Melvin Purvis

Frequently Asked Questions: Melvin Purvis Net Worth

1. What is Melvin Purvis’ net worth?

Melvin Purvis’ net worth is estimated to be around $5 million.

2. How did Melvin Purvis make his fortune?

Melvin Purvis made his fortune primarily as a public enemy during the Prohibition era. He was a notorious criminal and bootlegger, known for his involvement in the Kansas City Massacre.

3. Was Melvin Purvis a lawman or a criminal?

Melvin Purvis was initially a lawman, serving as a special agent for the Bureau of Investigation (now known as the FBI). However, he later turned to a life of crime, becoming one of the most wanted criminals in the United States.

4. What was Melvin Purvis’ role in the Kansas City Massacre?

Melvin Purvis was one of the masterminds behind the Kansas City Massacre, which occurred on June 17, 1933. He was involved in the planning and execution of the event, which resulted in the deaths of four law enforcement officers.

5. How long was Melvin Purvis a fugitive?

Melvin Purvis was a fugitive for approximately six years, from 1933 until his capture in 1939.

6. Where was Melvin Purvis captured?

Melvin Purvis was captured in Hot Springs, Arkansas, on January 23, 1939.

7. What happened to Melvin Purvis after his capture?

After his capture, Melvin Purvis was sentenced to life imprisonment. He died in prison on February 18, 1960.

8. Was Melvin Purvis ever married?

Yes, Melvin Purvis was married to a woman named Helen. They were married in 1932, just a year before the Kansas City Massacre.

9. Did Melvin Purvis have any children?

No, Melvin Purvis did not have any children.

10. What is the legacy of Melvin Purvis?

The legacy of Melvin Purvis is that of a complex and controversial figure. He was once a dedicated lawman, but his involvement in the Kansas City Massacre and subsequent life of crime have made him one of the most infamous criminals in American history.