Operating in the Manhattan neighborhood east of the Bowery, the area between Houston and Fifth Streets was known as a "pickpockets paradise" to the local press.
However, when Anthony J. Allaire was appointed precinct captain in 1877, police "flying squads" were sent to clear the district attacking anyone who was suspected or resembled a pickpocket or other criminal and by the end of the year few members of the gang remained.
In August 1878, he and Porter were arrested on suspicion of robbing a Williamsburg dry goods store of $4,000 the previous month, however police were forced to release the two due to lack of evidence.
Shortly after his arrest, the recovered evidence was linked to a recent robbery of a local flour merchant who confirmed that torn up checks and a safe drawer found at Irving's home were those stolen from his store.
Irving was eventually killed by rival Johnny Walsh during a gunfight at a Sixth Avenue saloon owned by Thomas "Shang" Draper on October 19, 1883.