Legal Definitions - intaker

The term intaker is a historical legal term that refers to an individual who knowingly receives stolen property from a thief, often with the intention of reselling it or otherwise profiting from it. Essentially, an intaker acted as a go-between, providing a market for stolen goods and thereby enabling further theft.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of an intaker:

• Example 1: The Pawnbroker's Deal

  In 18th-century London, a pawnbroker named Mr. Silas regularly accepted silver candlesticks and watches from a known pickpocket, despite their suspiciously low prices and lack of provenance. Mr. Silas would then melt down the silver or resell the watches in his shop, knowing full well they were stolen.

  Explanation: Mr. Silas is an "intaker" because he knowingly took in stolen goods (candlesticks, watches) from a thief with the intent to profit from them by reselling or altering them, thus providing a channel for the stolen items.

• Example 2: The Farmer's Purchase

  During the American colonial period, after a series of raids on local farms, a farmer named Thomas was approached by a neighbor offering him a freshly slaughtered hog and several sacks of grain at an unusually low price. Thomas, aware of the recent thefts in the area and the neighbor's dubious reputation, still purchased the items to feed his family, knowing they were likely stolen.

  Explanation: Thomas, by knowingly purchasing the stolen hog and grain, acted as an "intaker" by receiving stolen property, even if his primary motive was personal use rather than resale. His awareness of the goods' illicit origin makes him an intaker.

• Example 3: The Port Collector

  In the early 19th century, a clandestine network operated in a bustling port city. One key figure, known only as "The Collector," specialized in acquiring stolen cargo—everything from valuable textiles to barrels of rum—from dockside thieves. The Collector maintained a hidden warehouse where these goods were stored before being discreetly sold to merchants who asked no questions.

  Explanation: "The Collector" is an "intaker" because they systematically received and stored a variety of stolen goods from multiple thieves, facilitating their onward sale and profiting significantly from the illicit trade. They provided an organized outlet for stolen merchandise.