Carl Sifakis is a crime reporter and freelance writer. Formerly with United Press International and the Buffalo Evening News, he is the author of numerous books and articles, including The Mafia Encyclopedia; Encyclopedia of American Prisons; America's Most Vicious Criminals; Frauds, Deceptions, and Swindles; The Dictionary of Crime Terms; and Strange Crimes and Criminals. He lives in Kew Gardens, New York.