10 Notorious Criminals Who Turned Their Lives Around

Life can take unpredictable turns, leading even well-intentioned people down troublesome paths. Yet, the beauty of second chances shines bright, offering hope and the possibility for transformation. Here are 10 individuals who transformed their notorious pasts into a force for good, proving that change is always possible and redemption is within reach for those who seek it.

1. Danny Trejo

Danny Trejo, the iconic actor known for his "tough guy" roles in nearly 200 films, has a past colored by time spent in prison for drugs and robbery. Hollywood discovered Trejo's potential when he was asked to play a convict, a role he naturally fit given his background.

2. Charles Colson

Charles Colson, a former aide to President Nixon, found himself embroiled in the Watergate scandal, which landed him in federal prison. His incarceration was a turning point. Upon release, Colson founded Prison Fellowship, the world's largest prison outreach organization, dedicated to supporting inmates and advocating for justice reform.

3. Georgia Durante

Once the glamorous Kodak Summer Girl, Georgia Durante's life took a drastic turn when she married into the Mafia and became a getaway driver. Her life of crime pivoted to a pioneering career when she founded Performance Two, a stunt driving company that has contributed to more than 100 movies. She also penned an autobiography, sharing her journey from model to mobster to mogul.

4. Kweisi Mfume

Life took a turn for the worst for Kweisi Mfume after his mother's death during his teenage years, leading him to the streets and occasional brushes with the law. His decision to turn things around was monumental. Mfume went back to school, eventually earning a graduate degree and serving in significant roles such as a member of Congress and president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

5. Kevin Mitnick

Once a notorious hacker and a fugitive on the FBI's Most Wanted list, Kevin Mitnick's story is one of redemption through expertise. After serving time for his cybercrimes, he founded Mitnick Security, a company that helps organizations strengthen their cybersecurity measures.

6. Larry Jay Levine

After a decade in prison for a variety of charges including securities fraud and narcotics conspiracy, Larry Jay Levine used his insider knowledge to create Wall Street Prison Consultants. Through his company, Levine offers legal services and educational courses on prison survival, turning his past liabilities into professional assets.

7. Judge Greg Mathis

Greg Mathis's youth in Detroit involved gangs and jail time until a family crisis prompted a major shift. He pursued education fervently, eventually earning a law degree. Mathis now serves as a symbol of justice on his own long-running television legal reality show.

8. Michael Vick

The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback saw his career halted by a conviction related to running a dog fighting ring. After serving 18 months in prison, Michael Vick returned to the NFL on the Philadelphia Eagles and later used his platform to mentor others, sharing his story on "The Michael Vick Project" on BET, aiming to influence others positively.

9. Frank William Abagnale

Frank Abagnale's early life as a con artist was so dramatic it inspired the film "Catch Me If You Can." After being caught, he agreed to assist the U.S. government in understanding fraud. Abagnale now runs a successful consultancy helping businesses protect themselves against the kind of scams he once mastered.

10. Stephen Richards

Stephen Richards turned a nine-year prison sentence for selling marijuana into a scholarly pursuit, earning advanced degrees while incarcerated and eventually becoming a professor of criminal justice. His academic work and publications focus on criminology.

These stories are not just about personal success — they are beacons of hope for those who believe in the power of change and redemption. Each of these individuals shows that a troubled past can lead to a future filled with success and positive contributions to society.

Reference: 11 Ex-Criminals Who Completely Turned Their Lives Around