Complex sentence: Elkins was involved in numerous illegal activities for several decades in the mid- 20th century, running gambling rackets and nightclubs like the 8212 Club, and was known for his brutality.
Split into simpler sentences: Elkins was involved in numerous illegal activities for several decades in the mid- 20th century. He reportedly ran gambling rackets and nightclubs like the 8212 Club, and was known for his brutality.