The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-06-21
BANK WAS ROBBED.
Teller Straub, of Scranton Savings
Bank, Tricked Out of 81 ,450-He
Is in New York.

Theodore r. Straub, teller at the
Scranton Savings bank, claims to be
the victim of a pair of very adroit
sneak thieves, who he declared robbed
the bank of 81, ,45O on Saturday, June 8.
Mr.. Straub certainly is the victim in
the case, for he has refunded the money
to the bank, has been suspended from
duty, and his resignation will probably
be handed in in the near future. Yes
terday he was in New York city, where
he went last Saturday, but Mr.. Benson,
with whom he stops, expected him
home at any moment, as he had sent
word to the effect that he would be
home yesterday.
Mr.. Straub's story, which he told
Cashier Shafer, is as follows: On the
day in question q man presented a
check at his window for payment. The
teller did not know him, and while
discussing with him the question of
identification a woman appeared at the
ladies' window who wanted $50 bill
changed.
The arrangement of the windows in
the teller's Office is such that ID one is
at the ladies' window his back is tow
ard the other two windows. Mr.. Straub
the bill turned to the window where
he had left the man, only to find the
latter gone. The woman quickly pocli-
eted her change and left the bank.
Shortly after the teller discovered the
absence of a bundle of bills which were
left on a desk near the window at
which the man had been standing. 1t
contained $l,450, was tightly strapped,
nd n hA NN-in1 An
one thrusting his hand in quickly could
secure the money, although the act
would require considerable deXterity.
Mr.. Straub Immediately connected
the absence of the bills and his little
episode with the two visitors. BY put
ting one and one together the entire
scheme appeared clear as day and he
naturally felt terribly chagrined and
mortified
He made a careful visit to the de-
pots, hotels and public places generally
throughout the city. but was unable TO
find any trace of the man or woman.
The bank officials learned nothing of
the matter until the following Tues
day, when the accounts were given
their usual overhauling by an exam
iner. A check was then found, drawn
on well known party of the city for
$l,450. 1t was examined carefully and
found to be bogus. Mr.. Straub then
had conference with the bank Off
cials in which he stated in full the cir
cumstances attendant upon the disap-
pearance of the $l,4j0.
He felt the responsibility of his posi-
tion, all employees of the bank, in fact,
being under bonds, and accountable for
every cent that passes through their
hands and wanted to stTaighten the
matter out without any one learning
of his having been tricked
He promptly offered TO pay the miss
ing sum and make the check good, de-
Claring that it was only substituted to
balance accounts until he could square,
ly clear himself, the party upon whom
it was drawn being a warm personal
friend. His action in not making a
clean breast of the matter in the first
place was the only shady spot in the
entire transaction, and this it was
which caused his suspension. He took
the matter very much to heart and,
though his resignation has not yet
been handed in, it is expected.
Mr.. Straub has always enjoyed the
most complete confidence of his en-
ployers and is regarded by all who
know him as an honorable, upright
man.