Arizona republican., 1910-07-27
DRAFTS TOO NUMEROUS
 FOR HIS BANK ACCOUNT
CLIFF PETERsoN's CROOKED Fl.
 NANCiAL OPERATIONS.
Involved Many Mesa Business Mer
 Last Saturday.

A warrant was issued yesterday morning in Justice Irwin's court on complaint of Joe Robertson, but was withdrawn. charging Cliff Peterson with obtaining money under false pre- tense Peterson. who was seen Sun day at Maricopa by Mrs. James Passey. stated to her that he was en route for Benson and it is rather believed that he was giving the direction in which he was going even though his destina- tion might have been fictitious. At any rate Mrs. PasSey, who has arrived here, is of the opinion that she saw the lad after the westbound train had left the MariCopa station. Even though the destination of Peterson is not Benson if the direction is east along tn Southern Pacific it will aid the off, cers materially in getting d clue.
 The alleged criminal operations of the man began Saturday afternoon aft CT the bank had been closed for the day He first went to the Toggery and asked to have a check cashed on the Mesa City bank for s20. George John son, the proprietor. explained to him that he did not like to pay S2O out Of the cash drawer for the reason that the money might be needed for change later in the day The man thereupon proceeded to buy a bill of goods amounting to something less than s5 and gave a check for S1O. taking the goods and the change and leaving the store Going across the street to the Mesa Cash Bakery. Charles Peterson. who is the boys uncle, was next or fered a check for s13 which he cashed. Returning again to the north side of The street d general onslaught was made on the saloons with the result that Joe Robertson paid out S54 Tor worthless slip of paper, while w. N stevenson and Dudley Duke each Cashed worthless checks amounting to s1O each The total of the five checks which have showed up at the bank amounts to SIT.
 According to the complaining wit witnesses. the actions of Peterson were wilfuI and with intent to commit fraud. There is only one incident throughout the entire performance which may be in the defendants favor and that is that it is understood that he had a balance in the bank in his
 
 issued. It would appear from the cir cumstances that there could not have been a doubt but that the defendant realized that he was committing a crime. but on the other hand the fact that he did have a slight balance Tn his name may lessen the crime to d certain extent in the minds of the jury. Peterson is 24 years of age and ! son of Heber Peterson, who was a resi- | dent of this place several years ago 1 From time to time the young man has | been coming to Mesa and living with | his relatives, who are among the most | highly respected persons of the com ! munity. On one occasion about four years ago he arrived in Mesa and was | staked for wearing apparel and bed ana | meal tickets by his uncles. with the | understanding that as soon as he nad | secured work he would recompense them. Work was secured but the debts | remained unpaid and eventually 1t is said the bed was sold and the young man shook the dust of Mesa from his feet without taking the trouble 10 mention the outstanding obligations. l A few months ago he again put in an appearance at this place and event uaIly went to work for his uncle. Chas. ! Peterson. on his ranch southeast or town. Several weeks ago he quit work i and came to town. staying at his aunt home on West Main street. where he continued to remain until Sunday morning.
 For the past few weeks the young man has been a rather familiar flg | ure on the street. He is rather small of stature and has been garbed in light suit of clothes, invariably wear
 ing coat and vest. His check is- suing campaign was well timed from the fact that he had from Saturday noon until practically Monday noon 1 before any suspicion could be aroused against him. The checks did lot com
 mence arriving at the bank until after
 noon on Monday. when the different firms began making their deposits for | hn daxr