The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-05-24

said to havo no parallel in tho criminal
history of America. On Dec. 2, 1895,
businossliko looking man of rcflEed and
gentlemanly appearance, perhaps 80 years
old and feet inches tall, with abundant
dark hair, dark eyes and smooth face
rented an Office in Tho Chronicle building,
San Francisco. Shortly after taking pos
session of the office he had lettered on the
door, "a. Ii. Dean, Merchandise Broker"
few days after Doan opened his ofiico he
told tho superintendent of tho building
that he wished to open an account with
reputable bank. The superintendent told
him TINT he would DO glad to Introduce
Dean ut the Nevada bank and did so. Tho
bank officials were captivated by Deans
manner. Ho was so clearly man of
marked Isiness ability that they consid-
cred themselves fortunate in obtaining
such a customer.
Deans first deposit was So 800 in cash.
On Dec. Dean drew against the deposit
for S4oo y few days later he drew out
500 more. On Dec. 10 lie deposited $500
In cash and draft on the Anglo Califor-
MIA bank for 500. This sos draft was tho
next stop in tho swindle. 1t WIS here that
tho middle man, CreRan, got in his fine
work. 1t was he who purchased the draft
from the Anglo California bank. On Dec.
Cregan bought another draft OH tho
Bank Of Woodland, Woodland, Cal, for
sig, drawn on tho CrocIicr- Woolworth Ma
tional bank of San Francisco, and payable
to tho order Of A. II. Dean.
This draft was drawn OH safety paper,
filled out by the cnshior In heavy hand,
and perforated on each end with a check
punch were tho figures and 2, with tn.
dollar sign before them. Tho Bank Of
Woodland keeps two accounts subject to
OH tx
the draft was drawn they were drawing on
their correspondent other than the Crocker-
Woolworth bank. Inssmuch as tho draft
OF Sl2 was to ~ stranger, they decided to
issue the draft on tho Croker Woolworth
bank, because the drafts on that bank
were printed on safety paper. Tho per-
foration Oh each end was out of tho regu-
lar course and was done rs an additional
safeguard.
Eight days later, on Dec II, this draft,
with tho date changed from Dec. 9 to Dec.
ID and tho amount raised from sig to $22,
COO, was deposited by Dean to his credit
In tho Nevada bank. At the time Dean
deposited the draft no drow out 81, goo in
currency. This was So more thnn his bal
ancc prior'to the credit OF the raised draft
and left his account balance in tho bank
S2l 995, SO that from that time il tho
fraud should prove abortiye, the forgers
had mono Of thoir own money at stake.
On the day that Deau deposited tho draft
he took young mau into his employment
as clerk in his Office. Tho next day
Dean drew check to his own order for
$4,000. Thon. accompanied by his clerk,
he went to n livery stable hired a horse
and buggy for three hours, drove to the
bank and presented the check, requesting
that 1t BIO paid in currency. The payirg
teller asked Dean if ho would mind re-
ceiving the money in gold, and he said no
would not. Thereupon four sacks, oacli
containing IS, 600 in gold, were handed to
him.
The gold was put in q satchol, and, with
the help Of the now clerk, was lifted into
the buggy that was waiting in front OF tho
bank, and then the two drove to q house
In Valencia street, where Dean got out,
telling the office hoy that he lived there
The satohel was carried into tho house,