William McCoy was an American bootlegger during the Prohibition era in the 1920s. He became famous for his successful operations of smuggling alcohol from the Caribbean to the United States. McCoy's methods were innovative, and he often used fast boats to evade law enforcement. Known for his motto, "The Real McCoy," he gained a reputation for providing high-quality liquor. This phrase later became synonymous with authenticity and excellence. McCoy's activities eventually led to his arrest, but he remains a notable figure in the history of Prohibition and bootlegging in America.