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Judge Joseph Force Crater
By
Kenneth J. McCormick
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Http://aboutfacts.net
In 1930 Joseph Force Crater was selected to fill the unexpired term of a New York State Supreme Court Judge. That year he disappeared without a trace. This fairly young lawyer (41 years old) had been president of the powerful Democratic Club of Manhattan. On August 6, 1930 Judge Crater had just finished a meal with some friends and bid them goodnight as he stepped in a taxi and into the mystery realm of the never to be seen again. Was he the victim of foul play? Did he disappear on his own, and if so, why would a man who had everything do so? There was some speculation that he was involved with organized crime but this never was proved.
Earlier in the day Judge Crater had gone to his chambers and removed large numbers of papers. At the time there was talk of an investigation into his affairs but this never happened. As with most politicians he owed Tammy Hall for his judgeship. This was usually repaid in money, favors or both. Could it be that Judge Crater refused to come across to the party?
When Judge Crater disappeared, New York City conducted one of the largest manhunts in its history, spending millions and remember, this was in 1930.
Before he disappeared Judge Crater had withdrawn a large sum of money from his bank. Was he being blackmailed, did he have a girl on the side or did he just decide to split? In those days judges were gods. They came and went as they pleased. It was not uncommon for a judge to decide he wouldn't go in for days or weeks at a time. That is why nobody knew Judge Crater was missing for two weeks. It was only discovered he was missing when he failed to keep an appointment. Of course there is always the theory of amnesia but amnesia is relatively uncommon and probably wouldn't cause some to completely disappear.
After a search of Judge Crater's accounts, chambers, office and home it was discovered that not only had he removed papers and money from the bank but, personal belongings and two briefcases were missing.
A grand jury was convened and testimony was taken from 95 witnesses but no conclusion was reached. It was the opinion of Mrs. Crater that the judge had been murdered because he didn't pay for the nomination. A friend felt the judge was blackmailed and murdered by the gangster boyfriend of a showgirl. The showgirl became a missing person.
A popular graffiti of the 1960s was "Judge Crater, call your office."
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