DeepSummary
The podcast episode revolves around the 1930 disappearance of New York Supreme Court Judge Joseph Force Crater. On August 6, 1930, Crater withdrew a large sum of money, packed up files, and was last seen hailing a taxi after dining with friends. His disappearance sparked a massive investigation and numerous theories, ranging from him fleeing due to political corruption allegations to being assassinated by mobsters connected to the powerful Tammany Hall political machine.
The investigation uncovered Crater's ties to showgirls, sex workers, and gangsters like Arnold Rothstein and Jack "Legs" Diamond, who were associated with Tammany Hall. Theories suggested Crater was either preparing to expose corruption and was silenced, or that he died accidentally at a brothel and the incident was covered up. Despite extensive efforts, no conclusive evidence of Crater's fate was ever found.
The case captivated the nation and earned Crater the moniker "the missingest man in New York." After a nine-year investigation, he was declared legally dead in 1939. The episode explores the various theories surrounding his disappearance, including political assassination, mob involvement, or him starting a new life, and the potential motivations and connections to the corrupt Tammany Hall organization.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Judge Joseph Force Crater's 1930 disappearance in New York City sparked a massive investigation and numerous conspiracy theories.
- Crater's ties to the corrupt Tammany Hall political machine, showgirls, sex workers, and organized crime figures raised suspicions of foul play.
- Theories ranged from Crater fleeing due to impending corruption charges to being assassinated by mobsters connected to Tammany Hall.
- Despite extensive efforts, the investigation failed to conclusively determine Crater's fate, and he was legally declared dead in 1939.
- The case captivated the nation and earned Crater the moniker "the missingest man in New York".
- Crater's peculiar behavior before vanishing, including withdrawing a large sum of money and packing up files, fueled suspicions.
- The potential involvement of figures like Arnold Rothstein and the "Murder, Inc." hit squad pointed to potential mob retribution.
- The case highlighted the rampant corruption within the Tammany Hall political machine and its intertwining with organized crime.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “When Mara glanced down at the checks, he nearly fell over. The judge was asking him to withdraw $5,100, equivalent to about $96,000 today.“ by Carter Roy
- “Newspapers picked up on this thread linking Crater's disappearance with magistrate George Ewald, who had recently been accused of buying his office for $10,000, about $183,000 today.“ by Carter Roy
- “Still suspicion hung in the air. Some who examined Crater's case turned a close eye to his other seedier associates, people like the gangster Arnold 'the Brain' Rothstein and his enforcer Jack 'Legs' Diamond. Crater even had connections to the notorious mob hit squad known only as Murder, Inc.“ by Carter Roy
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Conspiracy Theories
Spotify Studios
7/3/24