Evening star., 1900-12-04
RELEASED FROM CUSTODY
PECULIAR CONDUCT OF ROBERT I.
LEITCH CAUSES ARREST.
Charge of Passing Fraudulent Cheeks
Withdrawn-Friends Take
Charge of Him.

Robert I. Leitch, jr., ffty-two years old.
who was formerly prominent in business
circles, was arrested late yesterday after
noon by Detectives Weldon and Parham on
charges of false pretenses preferred by
George w. Driver, who keeps q restaurant
at No. COS Pennsylvania avenue. 1t was
| alleged that he obtained SIS from Mr..
Driver last week by giving him worthless
checks on the National Metropolitan Bank.
Mr.. Driver, however, announced that he
would withdraw the charges when he learn
ed Of certain peculiar actions Of the ac-
| cused man.
Mr.. Leitch's brother called to see him.
and relatives in Brooklyn were informed of
| the circumstances AS the defendant had
| never been arrested before, and Lieut..
Amiss thought he needed better care than
he could get in the police station. he direct
ed that he be sent to the house of deten-
ton. which was done. ..
This morning the charge against Mr..
Lettch was nolle pressed.
Sanitary Officer Frank arranged to have
the police surgeons examine him, but be-
fore they called at the house Of detention
he had been released. His brother and son
took charge of him and will convey him to
New York.
1t is stated that Mr. Leitch received a
sunstroke about three years ago, and since
then he has not been entirely well.
Alleged False Checks.
Last week Mr.. Leitch, 1t is alleged, passed
checks for IS and $40 on Mr.. Driver, and
one for $40 on Joseph Auerbach. 1t is stated
that he afte-ward went to Brooklyn to
visit relatives. returning Sunday night. He
rode In an automobile from the depot to
the Arlington Hotel. where he registered
and was given one of the best room in the
house. Five additional rooms were desired
by the guest later on, as it was his inten-
a in ohor ~
friends.
Yesterday Mr.. Leitch hired an automo-
bile and made the rounds Of the city fall
ing into the hands of the detectives about 4
clock. He started out in the morning by
calling at Ogram's drug store and purchas-
ing toilet articles. which were sent as
present to a lady friend. He paid for them
with a check. When it was found that the
check was worthless the articles were re-
turned to the druggist by the person to
whom they we're presented. Later Leitch
called at the building of the Washington
Loan and Trust Company, where he made
known desire to rent a number of rooms
A messenger boy was called and given di-
rections to hire u number of clerks, Leitch
boastfng of his wealth and business connec-
t1ons. He also attempted to negotiate
loan with Mr.. j. Gales Moore, assistant
cashier Of the National Metropolitan Bank,
and concluded by requesting the loan of
81 Mr.. Leitch carried a stamped check
book, and, 1t is stated, gave a number of
checks on the National Metropolitan Bank.
although he had no money in the bank
4 have $1SOOOO In bank" he told a. num-
per OF people yesterday. and many Of them
believed his statement was true. To the
detectives he said: I'm rear admiral in
the United States navy. and the Oregon is
my flagship. L won the battle Of Manila
bay"
Request for His Release.
After his arrest last night Mr.. Driver
called at police headquarters and asked
that ,ejtch no hot ho
withdraw the charge that had been pre-
ferred against the prisoner. Sergt Carter
Informed Mr.. Driver that he had no author
ity to act in the matter. and that Mr.
Leitch would have to remain in custody
over night unless bond for his appearance
was given. Bond was not given, and he
was held at the house of detention, where
he had comfortable quarters
George Bacon, in whose automobile Mr.
Leitch rode yesterday, was arrested on
charges of disorderly conduct and colliding
with another vehicle. He forfeited $40 COL
"a in