The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-11-02
FALSE PRETENCES.


Stealing sugar and YeNs
man, who gave his name as william Mayneld,
was arrested last evening by Detectives Tuly and
Dlks, charged with procuring goods on false pre-
fences and selling them for his own benefit. This
species OF swinding has been carried on 70 such an
extent lately that scarcely day passed but some
complaint was made to superintendent Kclso by
plundered merchant OF the boldness and success OF
the operators. Goods Of all descriptions were
ried off, and the owners were left to mediate upon
the possible return OF the wherewith. The atten-
ton OF Captain Irving was called to the
matter, and he instructed his officers
detailed in the different localities Of the city to
watch closely for the man who was laboring in this
peculiar industry. Acting upon those instructions
Detectives Tully and Dilks have been for some days
past scrutinizng the neighborhoods Of the prin-
cipal hotels, thinking that In all probability the
thieves might go to one OF those institutions
to sell some Of the stolen articles. The surmse
was just one; for yesterday afternoon as the
officers were passing in the rear OF the st. James
HOTEL they noticed number OF barrels OF sugar
and some tea on the sidewalk, while two men stood
al the rear entrance to the hotel discussing EVIL
IDENTIFY the sugar. In a few minutes one OF the
parties moved or saying to the Other:-
~ Will come back in few minutes and take 1t
away"
The detectives Immediately stepped up to the re-
manning gentleman, who proved to be the steward
OF the motel, ana asked MIN WnaJ the discussion
was about. The steward expressed his belief that
something was wrong, as the man who had just
lett him wanted to sell the sugar and tea at very
much less than the market price. The officers
followed the man and arrested HIM in front OF the
Fifth Avenue Hotel. He was locked up at Police
Headquarters, and the merchandise was then
looked after. The detectives found 1t was the
property of Mr.. Walsh, who Is the proprie-
tor Of q wholesale grocery store on the corner OF
Washington and Franklin streets. Mr.. Walsh said
Mayfleld had purchased the goods from him. order
ing them TO be sent to the asylum, 65 West Tenth
street. He had represented himself as agent for
the firm OF Carter, Hawley Co., 140 Pearl street,
and Mr.. Walsh naturally had full confidence in him.
The goods were delivered on the sidewalk
in front OF the asylum. Mayfed was
there to receive them and signed the
drayman's receipt for the property. When the
man who brought the sugar had gone May6ed
| hired another cartman and caused the goods ia
| be removed. To Captain Irving's questions, when
| he was brought into the Detective Office, Mayfcd
was nsensible He knew nothing, and evidently
determined to remain In the same condition.
The five barrels OF sugar and chest OF tea were
moved to the Central ONCE where they are now
lying. The police are OF the opinion Mayfeld Is
the man who has been annoying the merchants OF
the city SO much, but that he has confederate, or
perhaps two, Captain Irving feels confident. II is
more than probable these parties will also be in
the hands OF the police before many hours. May
fields residence was known TO the detectives last
night, and 0fflcers were sen: there to watch the
premises and arrest any lOunging or suspicious
parties found in the ncighD0rhoOd. He will be sent
before Judge. Downing at the Tombs this morning.