Los Angeles herald., 1910-02-08
FELONY CHARGE
LODGED AGAINST
BANK OFFICIAL
Warrant for the Arrest of
Howard F. Campbell Is
Issued by Justice
CLAIM BOND THEFT
Extent of PeculationS Is
Unknown, but Cashier
Admits $1791 Loss


III terday afternoon in Justice Ling's S
"A court for the arrest of Howard
f. Campbell, former manager of the
bond department of the Merchants
Bank and Trust company, 2O7-211
South Broadway, alleging embezzle-
ment. The specific charge is the en-
bezzlement of $1791, the proceeds from
the sale of two street improvement
bonds, which Campbell is alleged to
have appropriated to his own use in
stead of turning the money into the
Golfers of the bank treasury.
The complaint was sworn to by
Emanuel Cohen, cashier of the bank,
and the warrant for the arrest of
Campbell placed in the hands of Con-
stable Frank P. Cochran.
Although the officials of the bank
were reticent in speaking of the en-
bezzlement before Campbell was taken
into custody, 1t is believed that the
defalcation of the former manager of
the bond department will extend into
thousands of dollars.
Total Estimate Withheld
Mark G. Jones, president of the
bank last night refused to give an
estimate of the loss sustained through
the peculations of Campbell, and when
asked whether the amount would eX-
ceed $4,000 or was less referred in
quisitors to Cashier Cohen. President
Jones stated whatever amount of
money had been stolen was covered by
O. surety bond, and that no person had
lost a single cent.
Cashier Cohen, when interviewed at
his home, S24 South Hill street. stated
that as far as he knew $1791 was all
that had been missing from the bank,
although intimating indirectly that
the loss might be greater He salo
that the bonds which were sold by
Campbell We're fully protected and that
it was customary under surety BOND
to swear out a warrant that the
money might be recovered.
For some years" said Mr.. Cohen'
"it has been customary with many
hanks TO hush up such embezzlements,
but we have taken this action to as
sure our clients that their money IS
protected at all times, and we de-
c:daa that an example should be mace
of Campbell. We have positive proor
of his guilt, and the fact that ne mas
been missing from Los Angeles lor
more than two months is sufficient 10
establish the fact that he also IS
cognizant of wrongdoing. We have no
desire to prosecute Campbell, but 1t
is time that an example be MADE.
Took French Leave
According to Cashier Cohen camp
beu had been a trusted employe OF
fine hank for nearly three years, nav
inc the management of the bond de-
nar+ment. About two months ago ne
disappeared from Los Angeles without
givine any notice of retiring from the
bank e.s +r,a+
bonds. which had been entrusted TO ms
care bv clients of the bank had been
coId and the money was not accounted
for Detectives were employed but no
trace of Campbell was found, although
his wife and two children remained III
los Angeles. and the house was under
constant surveillance.
last Friday it was reported at the
hank that Campbell had returned ana
Immediately steps were taken 10 pre-
vent his escape. A friend Oh camp up
beITs was engaged to stay at the
Campbell home and Saturday after
noon Cashier Cohen intended to obtain
a warrant and make the arrest.
Ae the courts were closed saturday
afternoon, the matter was delayed until
Yesterday, wheE Cohen obtained the
Warrant. Constable Cochran was de-
tailed to Watcn CdInpDell . IioillS "ilN
make the arrest.
Return Is Mystery
Why Campbell came back, realizing
that he was wanted on an embezzle-
ment charge, is a mystery to the bank
offciaIs They believe that Campbell
thought the affair had blown over ana
that he would be immune from arrest
on his return. 1t is known that Camp
hell, who formerly lived in Pasadena
and later in Los Angeles has had sew
eraI different places of residence.
Since his disappearance his vito ana
children have moved twice, although
nrivate detectives have kept track or
their movements.
1t is known that Campbell has passed
most of the time the last two months
in Seattle but his friends are at
loss to account for his motive in his
alleged embezzlement and disappear
ance. Rumors of an affinity in the
case have been heard but not verified.
Cashier Cohen said that 1t had been
decided to abolish the bond depart
ment of the bank and to remove
campbell, and that the latter may have
heard of the contemplated change,
which prompted him to commit the al
legged embezzlement.
Campbell is we'll known in Los An.
eeles. and the news that he is wanted
on a felony embezzlement charge will
come as a surprise to his many friends.
II is said that he had no bad habits
and was known as a family man.
<<e q, ------
ACCUSED SCIENTIST DEAD
Nah Martin