My great uncle was a prisoner back in 1940 according to the 1940 census. I live in FL and do not know where he was originally arrested or convicted. How do I find records telling me what he was in for and for how long?

Seems our family is just full of secrets and I am left to research on my own and most have taken their secrets to the grave with them. Any suggestions are appreciated

Prison & Reformatory Records | New York State Archives

I don't think you have a good chance, sorry. Knowing more about his earlier past would lead you to town newspapers and local police records.

Some secrets are best kept that way. They probably did you a favour.

I can understand where some may prefer not to know the truth. However...
Secrets are no favor. Sooner or later the bones start to fall out of the closet.
I'd rather rip the bandage off instead of it being slowly tugged at for the next 20 years.

I am 90% sure of why he was in prison but would prefer confirmation instead of speculations and half truths.
If we are to document our family and its history, we should not just "pick and choose" what to acknowledge & ignore what
A few members may not like. I prefer to know the truth, warts and all instead of some dark secret come out in the future.