Recently unearthed documents have revealed that late actor Burt Reynolds was secretly investigated by the FBI for his alleged ties to the mob and connections to prominent mob attorney Sidney Korshak. Korshak, known for his partnerships with Chicago gangsters, was dubbed “the most powerful lawyer in the world” by the FBI.

It was discovered that Reynolds had enlisted the help of mob lawyer Henry Ragano in the purchase of land in Jupiter, Florida, believed to be the location of the actor’s 160-acre ranch where he resided until his passing. Reynolds and his girlfriend, actress Sally Shore, were known to frequent Ragano’s home, socialize with him in the VIP lounge of an airport, and even considered purchasing the lawyer’s residence.

Despite these connections, the FBI investigation into Reynolds and Shore was ultimately discontinued due to a lack of evidence linking them to criminal associates. The probe also delved into Reynolds’ financial dealings, including a $5.5 million loan he took for a Florida shopping mall development and his interest in establishing a bank in Florida.

These revelations about Reynolds’ possible mafia ties have surfaced in the wake of claims made by his sister-in-law, Maria, alleging that the actor was involved in the 1973 murder of a man named David Whiting at a Gila Bend, Arizona motel. Maria suggested that Reynolds had a dispute with Whiting over a woman, leading to a fatal altercation.