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Story
May 26, 1932
Imperial Valley Press
El Centro, Imperial County, California
What is this article about?
In Los Angeles, County Clerk L. E. Lampton admits covering up the disappearance of $75,000 from a county vault to protect his deputy L. A. Hill, who is suspected of embezzling funds linked to the Charles Crawford estate. Authorities seek Hill and prepare charges.
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LOS ANGELES OFFICIAL SOUGHT AS LARGE SUM DISAPPEARS
LOS ANGELES. May 26. (U.P.)— Sensational developments in the mystery surrounding disappearance of $75,000 from a county safe deposit vault reached a climax today in the admission by County Clerk L. E. Lampton he had known the money was missing two days ago.
Lampton was questioned Tuesday about the money by Superior Judge Harry Archbald in his chambers. At that time he assertedly ridiculed reports the money had disappeared.
Today he revealed he was aware at the time he was being questioned that only photostatic copies of the $1000 bills which formed the huge sum were in the vault.
Lampton declared he had "covered-up" the loss of the money to protect his chief deputy. L. A. Hill has been absent on leave since May 1, and has been travelling in the middle west. He was due to return to work this week, possibly tomorrow.
The deputy was in charge of the money. Lampton said. Officers throughout California and other states were instructed to detain Hill on sight.
After a conference with Chief Deputy District Attorney Robert P. Stuart and other authorities, Lampton agreed to sign a possible grand theft and embezzlement complaint against his deputy.
Orders also were issued that Hill's personal bank account record be seized. and that records of his holdings in the Security-First National bank be investigated.
The $75,000 was taken from Morris Lavine, former newspaper man as he left the office of Charles Crawford. former asserted boss politician who was later shot and killed by Dave Clark, at one time a deputy district attorney and candidate for municipal judge.
Lampton said today he first discovered that the money was missing when Federal Judge McCormick issued an order Tuesday. May 17 that the money be paid the Crawford estate. less $10,000 to the A. G. Wagy estate.
Hill had come to him several months ago. and told him he had paid the money to Crawford on the order of Sam Pritchard, of the county counsel's office, and with the approval of the district attorney. Lampton said. At that time Lampton said he was disturbed by the fact Hill could not produce a receipt for the sum, declaring he had lost it.
All other business was put aside by the grand jury to permit questioning of Lampton regarding the loss this afternoon.
LOS ANGELES. May 26. (U.P.)— Sensational developments in the mystery surrounding disappearance of $75,000 from a county safe deposit vault reached a climax today in the admission by County Clerk L. E. Lampton he had known the money was missing two days ago.
Lampton was questioned Tuesday about the money by Superior Judge Harry Archbald in his chambers. At that time he assertedly ridiculed reports the money had disappeared.
Today he revealed he was aware at the time he was being questioned that only photostatic copies of the $1000 bills which formed the huge sum were in the vault.
Lampton declared he had "covered-up" the loss of the money to protect his chief deputy. L. A. Hill has been absent on leave since May 1, and has been travelling in the middle west. He was due to return to work this week, possibly tomorrow.
The deputy was in charge of the money. Lampton said. Officers throughout California and other states were instructed to detain Hill on sight.
After a conference with Chief Deputy District Attorney Robert P. Stuart and other authorities, Lampton agreed to sign a possible grand theft and embezzlement complaint against his deputy.
Orders also were issued that Hill's personal bank account record be seized. and that records of his holdings in the Security-First National bank be investigated.
The $75,000 was taken from Morris Lavine, former newspaper man as he left the office of Charles Crawford. former asserted boss politician who was later shot and killed by Dave Clark, at one time a deputy district attorney and candidate for municipal judge.
Lampton said today he first discovered that the money was missing when Federal Judge McCormick issued an order Tuesday. May 17 that the money be paid the Crawford estate. less $10,000 to the A. G. Wagy estate.
Hill had come to him several months ago. and told him he had paid the money to Crawford on the order of Sam Pritchard, of the county counsel's office, and with the approval of the district attorney. Lampton said. At that time Lampton said he was disturbed by the fact Hill could not produce a receipt for the sum, declaring he had lost it.
All other business was put aside by the grand jury to permit questioning of Lampton regarding the loss this afternoon.
What sub-type of article is it?
Crime Story
Mystery
Deception Fraud
What themes does it cover?
Crime Punishment
Deception
Justice
What keywords are associated?
Embezzlement
Missing Money
County Clerk
Deputy Theft
Los Angeles Corruption
What entities or persons were involved?
L. E. Lampton
L. A. Hill
Harry Archbald
Robert P. Stuart
Morris Lavine
Charles Crawford
Dave Clark
Mccormick
Sam Pritchard
A. G. Wagy
Where did it happen?
Los Angeles
Story Details
Key Persons
L. E. Lampton
L. A. Hill
Harry Archbald
Robert P. Stuart
Morris Lavine
Charles Crawford
Dave Clark
Mccormick
Sam Pritchard
A. G. Wagy
Location
Los Angeles
Event Date
May 26
Story Details
County Clerk L. E. Lampton admits knowing about the disappearance of $75,000 from a county safe deposit vault two days earlier, covering up for his deputy L. A. Hill who was in charge of the money and is now sought for grand theft and embezzlement. The money originated from Morris Lavine related to Charles Crawford's estate.