Mel Weinberg

Melvin "Mel" Weinberg (born December 4, 1924) is a former American con artist, charlatan and federal government informant who is known for his involvement in the Abscam sting operation in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Weinberg was, at the time of the scandal, a convict who was hired by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to conduct the operation in exchange for a probation sentence. His story was portrayed in the 2013 film American Hustle, with Christian Bale playing Irving Rosenfeld, based on Weinberg's role in the scandal.

Weinberg was born in The Bronx, the son of Helen and Harry Weinberg. His mother was of Swiss descent and his father was of Russian Jewish ancestry. After dropping out of school in grade nine, Weinberg served in the United States Navy in the Pacific from 1942 to 1946. He is currently retired and lives in Titusville, Florida. He has two daughters and two sons. Richard M. Weinberg born 12/30/1946 died 09/09/2016, Donnalyn M. Weinberg Wandel born 06/25/1949 died 01/26/2015, Debra Weinberg Hughes born 02/16/1955, Melvin Weinberg, Jr. (JR)