Weekly Arizona journal-miner. [volume] (Prescott, Ariz.) 1903-1908, 1907-07-03
LAND swINDLER IL LODGED IN
JAIL
{ trom welnssAys bssty.f

oily Watkins, 'NcVuNlc'' N"lnpFf,
and general manager Of the crooked
Califotuia Fruit Growers association,
nay prove Of interest TO Prescott citi.
usAs inasmuch ~ Watkins methods Of
separating the unwary from their coin
seemingly resembles the efforts along
sisilar lines ~ the Little Brother Min.
iAg company, through DR.. J. Waterloo
NaSdsle, cxeyc doctor, examining pro.
aeter, and one Of the directors ~ the
LATHE Brother company:
collie !. watkins, swindlcr. cx.con.
Wet, and general manager Of the crook
81 California Fruit Growers associa
ton, was arrested last night and lodged
d the county Jail. He is charged with
using the mails for frau Julien. pur.
president of the association. and Wat.
kins' grand old man. and James
Lawrence. dummy president, were
also arrested and locked up with their
uAicf.
"The arrests followed the issuance
OF warrants by United States Commits.
sioncr Van Dyke. Deputy United
States Marshal Bert Franklin served
NJ warrants upon the defendants and
turned the prisoners over TO the Gus.
tody of the sheriff. II il believed the
federal authorities will demand heavy
bonds in each ease.
''For the past week quiet investiga.
tons have been made by postal inspcc.
tors. The United States officers jcal-
sssly guarded their plans, and oily
Watkins was very much surprised
when he was placed under arrest.
cit IN believed indictments by the
federal grand jury will follow, as the
government officials are in possession
~ complete chain Of evidence con.
secting watkins and his gang with n
conspiracy 10 dofraud contract holders
N his impossible association. Mucn Of
ne business Of Watkins concern was
conjucted through tho mails. Scores
~ defraudcd investors are eager to
give their testimony, and it is init
mated tina, some Of the agents Of the
ansoeintion will bc only too glad "a
furnish damaging testimony in order
10 sava themselves.
"Proceedings in the state courts will
probably be held in allegiance pending
the disposition Of the federal crimi nal
cnses.
"Postofhc. Inspector Frank Stowar,
svorc TO the warrants issued yestcr
Gay. II IL believed he is tho Office,
vho has been relenctlessly following up
~ obscure trail Of oily Watkins fol-
ssne time past. But tho inspector alb
sslutely refused any information las,
aight to Times reporter.
"From other sources IL was learned
sAat damaging evidence Was secured
- the inspector by q clever coup, and
sAs entire system Of mail correspond.
sscs was held up and examined.
"For tho past year OF more. Oily
watkins has been operating a swind.
ehS land scheme. Hundreds Of poor
working people from all parts OF the
essatry have invested approximately
100000 In comparatively worthless
had located near Rislto. The Wat.
hias association has NO title 70 tho
$500 or more acres Of 'orsnge groves,
~ no water rishts. and has never
paaated any trees. Contract holders
have been paying In moro than $4,000
. month to Watkins, and have abso.
hssly nothing to show for their nessy
~ ss-csilsd contracts which skilled
aavysss ssy are vslueless. A number
q civil suits are 10 b brought against
Victims. and q determined search
oads for his cache for tho loot he has
gstsered from HE victims.
"Iu some instances investors paid
$500 OF more In advance in order 70
take advantage Of one Of wsthins'
esnso schemes, whereby tho 'sueker'
vss promised q deed 10 the land and
Immediate improvements on the ave.
aero tract.
"Thc association has never becu in q
position to give . valid deed to tho
property, although q few bogus instru.
nents wero placed escrow with the
American Loan and Trust company,
another fake concern, occupying Offices
With Watkins, and said to be another
Ut his devices to instill confidence in
che minds Of his victims.
Numerous cases have been rcported
OF hborers being induced to come to
the Pacific coast on tho represent ations
~ Watkins, that they would DO given
work ut Rialto. After securing con.