Moses Ehrich
| Old Unger | |
|---|---|
| Born | Moses Ehrich |
| Nationality | German-American |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Bowery fence and underworld figure. |
Moses Ehrich (fl. 1850-1875) was an American businessman and underworld figure known as Old Unger who served as a fence to burglars, thieves and shoplifters from his Eldridge Street store throughout the mid to late 19th century.[1][2][3] He was indicted four or five times on charges of receiving stolen goods during the administration of A. Oakley Hall, but always escaped conviction. Ehrich was represented by Hall in later years.[4]
In 1875, Ehrich was indicted for his involvement in the infamous Adams Express safe robbery and was accused of receiving stolen bonds and an uncut diamond valued at $800. Released on a $5,000 bond, Ehrich disappeared from the city shortly after the conviction of ringleader Daniel Haurey. In spite of efforts by District Attorney Horace Russell and the New York Police Department,[4] Ehrich escaped to Canada.[5]
References
- ↑ Crapsey, Edward. The Nether Side of New York, Or, the Vice, Crime and Poverty of the Great Metropolis. Sheldon & Company, 1872. (pg. 85)
- ↑ Harlow, Alvin F. Old Bowery Days: The Chronicles of a Famous Street. New York and London: D. Appleton & Company, 1931. (pg. 377)
- ↑ Nadel, Stanley. Little Germany: Ethnicity, Religion, and Class in New York City, 1845-80. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1990. (pg. 88) ISBN 0-252-01677-7
- 1 2 "The Adams Express Robbery - Disappearance of Moses Ehrich". New York Times. 17 Mar 1875
- ↑ Walling, George W. Recollections of a New York Chief of Police: An Official Record of Thirty-eight Years as Patrolman, Detective, Captain, Inspector and Chief of the New York Police. New York: Caxton Book Concern, 1887. (pg. 222)