The San Francisco call., 1908-11-06
Cashier of State Savings and
Commercial Bank Admits
His PecuIatiOns
Confesses to Police He Stole
$4,000 and Spent 1t on
Women and Horses
Officials of Institution Deny the
Shortage Exceeds $500;
Wife Is Frustrated

Accused of having embezzled the
funds of the State savings and COM
nercial bank, George w. Hopkins,
cashier of that institution, was az
rested yesterday evening and placed
in cell at the city prison. Ac-
cording 10 the statements of the bank
officials the books show a discrepancy
of only $500, but the police hold that
Hopkins confessed last night to hav-
ing defrauded the bank of $4,000
during the last six months. Women
and horses, the police say, brought
about the downfall OF Hopkins.
The arrest was made at the bank,
1913 Fillmore street. at 6 o'clock yes
terday evening The defalcations We're
discovered shortly after the bank
opened, and Hopkins who was about
10 start on a three weeks vacation,
was brought TO book by the bank Of
icials and made TO explain his actions
There was bat little endeavor on his
part 10 shield himself When con-
fronted with his shortcomings and the
proof of the same thrust before him
he had no hesitancy about admitting
his guilt and took immediate steps to
make what reparation he could.
The officers Of the bank, upon hear
ing his tale decided to follow the in
e1orable rule Of the bank to prosecute
dishonest employees ana teIephoned the
police. Hopkins. quite cool and col
lected, awaited the coming Of the Of
hcers without protest or pleas for
mercy and when the detectives had
gone through the formality of arrest
ing him marched with them TO the city
prison.
Hopkins was engaged by the bank
about two years ago, coming 10 this
city from San Jose, where he held an
important position with the Wells Far
60 company There was not the slight
est suspicion against him. He was
looked upon as being an honest and
trusted employe and as a young busi-
nessman before whom stretched a bril-
liant future
GRANTED VACATION
A few weeks ago he asked for va
cation. This was granted him, and
William ". Deamer one OF the clerks
IN the bank. was appointed 10 take his
place while away. Deamer took charge
OF the books yesterday morning. and
while going over them. discovered
startling discrepancies. He immediate
Ily called the attention Of ". G. Miller
president Of the bank. TO them. and a
brief inveCtig cation Of the bank Of
f1cials showed that the concern was
being defrauded,
Hopkins, who was at home preparing
for his vacation, was asked TO go 10 the
bank and was then confronted with
the books Upon the arrival of Detec-
tives O'Dea and Ryan. who had been
detailed on the case. Hopkins told
them that he had $3.50 belonging to
the bank at his home at 400 Octavia
street and proceeded there with the
oflcers
The cashiers wife, who before her
marriage was q well known San Jose
belle, admitted them into the house.
Her husband broke the news Of his
arrest 10 her She maintained her. com
posure while Hopkins was getting the
money. Dry eyed and cool she moved
among the party, saying little and try
ing ia her Woman's way TO cheer Up
her husband. Hopkins handed the
money 20 the detectives and then for a
moment stood in the hallway as if un-
decided how TO act. Detective O'Dea
touched him on the shoulder.
Brace up" he said kindly. without
word Hopkins advanced to where
HIS wife stood, rigid and pale There
was a murmur and a kiss and he turned
away with the detectives closing IN on
him on both sides. AS the door closed
the woman dropped across a chair,
sobbing her heart out.
The bank cashier was taken to the
city prison and placed on the detinue
book Half an hour after his incar-
ceratfon he was put through the pitt
less sweating system. At that time
there were present Detectives O'Dea
and Ryan, Attorney Pierce Of the Aetna
Indemnity company, bonosmen for Hop
kins. and Charles Paul Haag, manager
and one Of the directors Of the bank.
No one else was allowed TO see him.
At the conclusion of the interview
Detective O'Dea declared the man had
confessed to having embezzled 1000
within the last six months.
HORSES AND WOMEN
Hopkins told US" said O'Dea. that
he had been gambling on the races and
moving in the company Of fast women,
and that IN order 10 meet the expenses
-of this life Of dissipation he stole from
the bank He said he had embezzled
about $4,000"
C. Paul Haag, manager and one OF
the directors Of the bank. when seen
last night denied that Hopkins had Sc
cured more than $500.
Hopkins issued a draft in favor Of
New York bank for 500 and made the
stub read 81 500" said Haag. Then he
put the remaining $500 in his pocket"
THE money was taken two weeks
ago. but this morning, in checking over
our accounts, ] discovered the discrep-
ancy. This afternoon, having thor
ppghly satisfied myself that Hopkins
had taken the money, I accused him
and he admitted his guilt. He was go
ing on vacation shortly and said that
be bad taken the money 10 have a good