New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-04-14
CHECK FORGER CAUGHT.
WANTED IN MANY CITIES.
arrested iR HackenSack-TrRed
Deer to Ne7cark authorities.

= Hackensacl April % CspeciaD.-John d. Lathrop,
jr successful swlndier, with several aliases. was
cleverly caught ia Hackensac this afternoon after
attempting TO pfer a check OF $1,000, certified by
the First IA tional Bank OF Boston 70 the Hacker-
sack Trust Company. The check was a forgery 50
Ear the Boston bank was concerned. and the
promptness OF Frank B. Plympton. cashier Of the
local trust company. in telephoning to Boston for
particulars led the arrest OF the svfndler before
he had time % escape.
. week ego Laihrop came here and negotiated
with Romeyn & Demarest real estate dealers. for
the purchase OF the house now occupied by James
= a Romeyn for $4,000. Latlrop said he would be
hand to-day with a certified check for the fun
amount. but he was anxious 70 have 5000 in cash
cor mortgage the properly as soon as the deed
transferred.
Mr.. Romeyn became suspicious OF his visitor. who
said he secretary OF the Boston Publishing
Company and he prepared TO make hasty
Investigation just as soon as the certified check
was offered. The bank people were also prepared
and while Lathrop was waiting in the North Jersey
Title Guarantee Office for the deed the phone was
busy between Hackensack and Boston.
I'VE have certified 10 no such check came the
word from the Boston bank
The Pinkerton Detective Agency in New-York
was next communicated with. The reply from
q that Office was: Arrest Lathrop al once, for he
is important swindler and wanted by several
banks"
Fortunately police headquarters is under the
Title Guarantee Offices, and in a few moments
Policeman Earle placed the swinoier under arrest
Justice NJ ". Heath held him for further investi-
cation in default OF s. 900 bail. and Lathrop was
taken 70 the Hackensack 5ail.
Two Newark detectives and representative OF a
bank in Newark broke a record in automobile
ride 10 Hackensack after being informed by the
Pnkertons Of Lathrop's arrest. and they imme-
diatey identified him as the person who swindled
the Newark bank Of $1,000 few weeks
Later Lathrop surrendered 70 the Newark
authorities. who VIII prosecute him q charge OF
sNindling the Federal Trust Company Of that city
b. The American Banlers' Association. the Pinker-
tons and the police departments in this section
al elated over Lathrop's arrest.
On March IS. according TO the Pinkertons, under
the name OF Walter c. Lewis. Lathrop appeared at
the St. George Hotel. Brooklyn. saying he repre-
scented the Lewis Jevvelry Supply Company, Of Den
yer, Col Through methods similar to those en-
ployed at Newark he obtained Introduction at
q the Nassau Trust Company, Of Brooklyn, and
certified check for $4,000 IN his favor. drawn on
the First National Bank of Denver, and signed by
himself as MANAGER. On account OF the large
81 became suspicious, did not permit him make
M any Withdrawals and subsequently discovered that
the check was bogus. Meanwhile LathrOp had de-
rF Camped.
On April he appeared at Youkers. where he said
he was Arthur H Lee, OF Laird & Lee Chicago.
BE- Through negotiations for the rental OF a store he
obtained Introduction al the First National
Bank and local real estate agent and deposited
bogus certified check for 5000 drawn on the
purportng TO be signed by Laird & Lee The Off
Gals OF the First National Bank OF Yonkers were
uncertain TO the certidcatiOn OF this check and
refused 10 permit him to make any Withdrawals
until the check deposited by him heard from
Lathrop again fed.
oHsra started last evening for this place to
Identify lathrop.