 Valachi was the driver for the gang, and his ability to make a quick getaway earned him a reputation as a rising star in the New York City criminal underworld.In 1921, Valachi was arrested on grand larceny charges, and in 1923, he was arrested in the aftermath of a botched robbery.He pleaded guilty to attempted burglary and was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment but was released after he had served only nine months.