South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-01-05
"POHteSt Crook
Holds Reception
In Prison Cell
Many Women Fell for Wiles
of PittSburg's Burglar
Lover.
(By InternatIonaI News scrvicc.l

(By International News Servicc.)
P1TTSBURG, Jan. 4.-Joseph
Walters. aged twenty-nine. former
Sing Sing convict, now in the custody
of the police here, charged with a
score or more of robberies in the
exclusive homes OF Pittsburgh, Is
one of the most remarkable crimi-
nails that ever came before the po-
lice of this city.
He is an accomplished burglar,
the police say.
He is a lovely man, the woman
declare.
was a desperate burglar by night
and apparently a man of wealth
about town by day.
In his spare moments he was an
ardent lover-and several women,
including one OF considerable social
position in nearby town. fell for
him.
Walters, the police say and the
evidence shows, could make love as
we'll as he could ransack a mansion.
Walters. according to the police,
was the master mind Of a crook syn
dictate. Walters did the burglarizing
and his confederates in Detroit and
Cleveland disposed Of the loot. Two
society woman who fell for his blan-
dishments proved her innocence and
was consequently released She had
received iewelTy as presents but did
not know IL was stolen. She ad-
mitted q Irritation with Walters and
even entertaining him at her home.
The whole story came out when she
was arrested. Her husband forgave
her when she was freed.
But getting back 10 Walters. At
ter his capture he received much
publicity. He admitted all his crimes
and gave the details. Many OF his
victims came TO police headquarters
and recognized him. He didn't deny
II and laughed with them as he
discussed the robberies with them.
Holds Jail Reception.
The climax came one day when he
held a public reception at police
headquarters for all his former vic
tins. It was well advertised Wo-
men trOoped into Captain OF Detec-
tives Clyde Tdeburn's offices. II was
a big affair.
More than 100 men and women
came 10 the reception. Some came
as victims and others out Of curios-
ity. From morning until night there
was a stream OF men and women
anxious 10 see the celebrated Jim
my Man"
Some wanted 20 know where their
stolen goods had been shipped or dis
posed of Walters frankly told them
lie didn't hesitate to answer all
questions fully and frankly. He had
a smile for everybody.
The detectives were surprised at
the remarka BILE memory splayed
by the man and how ne remembered
little incidents in various robberies
He told OF funny incidents during
his robberies and he laughed when
he told how when caught res hand
ed he blufed frightened women AMI
escaped.
said Victim Snorcd.
When william Hare. OF 900 Fed
eral ST. called 20 see Walters. the lat
ter looked the visitor over carefully
and inquired II he was the man who
snored so loud when he entered the
house. Hare denied snoring.
We'll YOU sure snOred and I work
ed fast fearing you would wake up. y"
( said Walters.
In talking 20 Mrs. J. D. Av-es, Of
( Maryland av., Walters stated that
4 he didn't like her silverware or furs
and took only jewelry.
Did you sell those klcndike
i bonds?" another woman aske L.
Well, II you did, It was more thar
/ 7 ever could do
Walters s-niied and ,o,d her n,
( had thrown t1em away
Thousands OF dollars worth OF loot
was recovered from Walters room
and also from his confederates in
\ Cleveland. Much OF the prope-t!
has been Identified and restored u
ITS owners.