Mother Mandelbaum

Fredericka "Marm" Mandelbaum (1825 – 1894) was the premier receiver of stolen goods during the Guilded Age of New York City. She operated an extensive network of burglars, pickpockets + shoplifters ... But she was protected or ignored by New York City police officers who she paid off to turn a blind eye.

In 1850, the impoverished Jewish 25 year-old came to NYC + worked with her husband Wolf as a peddler on the streets. The pair opened a dry goods store but by 1854, the business was a front for their criminal operations. Mandelbaum began financing thieves + was involved in plans for some of the biggest heists in the city's history. She even formed a school, known as Marm's Grand Street School, to recruit + teach youngsters how to pickpocket. She gained the title of mother due to her loyalty to her recruits - providing bail money + protection

Mandelbaum became one of the most prominent hostesses of New York's high society, as well as the underworld, regularly associating with the most well-known criminals of the day.

In 1884, NYC's new District Attorney sidestepped the police hiring a Pinkerton Detective who infiltrated her inner circle resulting in her eventual arrest. Her bond was set at $10,000 but when her name was called out in court there was no response. Despite round the clock surveillance Marm had escaped to Canada

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