Dragnet: The Big Momma 05/03/1955

Summary

Podcast Summary

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode: Dragnet – “The Big Momma” (Original Air Date: 05/03/1955)
Release Date: February 10, 2026
Host: Choice Classic Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode of Dragnet, titled “The Big Momma,” delivers a classic police procedural about a clever stock fraud. Detectives Friday and Smith investigate the disappearance of a uranium stockbroker after a worried secretary brings suspicions to the Bunko-Fugitive Detail. The case evolves into a layered tale of trust, deception, charity, and the ripple effects of financial crime on a community.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Case Initiation: Secretary’s Suspicion (00:50–03:50)

• Claire Gibbons, the sole secretary at Multiple Uranium Investments Inc., approaches the police after her boss, Henry Orlean, vanishes with all company records.
• Oddities include Gibbons being hired over more qualified candidates, being overpaid, and given a month’s paid vacation within her first year.
• Gibbons’ mother is convinced Orlean is crooked:
  Quote: “He’s up to something, and he wants a secretary who’s not too bright.” (Claire Gibbons, 04:08)

2. Initial Investigation: Gathering Evidence (04:51–08:21)

• Gibbons reveals Orlean paid her a month in advance, insisted on a vacation, and pushed her to visit her sister in Hawaii—potentially to get her out of town.
• Upon visiting the office, she finds everything missing but the door and safe still locked.
• The bank confirms Orlean closed out the business account, withdrawing nearly $100,000 the previous Friday (08:14–08:23):
  Quote:
  “Orlean closed out the Multiple Uranium bank account last Friday evening, little before six. Just under $100,000. A lot of money.” (Frank Smith, 08:13)

3. Digging Deeper: No Legitimate Corporation (08:39–10:13)

• Sacramento authorities confirm no such company is registered.
• No police records for Henry Orlean found.
• Lineup photos of known fraudsters are shown to Gibbons—no matches.
• The police visit the office building owner, Ted Wendler (09:48–10:13), who reveals Orlean paid a year’s rent in advance out of caution (after the stock market crash of 1929), but offers no leads to his whereabouts.

4. Victim Interviews: The Charity Connection (12:24–15:25)

• Victims are often donors or affiliates of St. Agnes Children’s Hospital, introduced to Orlean’s company by trusted acquaintances or charity committee heads.
• Mrs. Eustace, a widow, invests $5,000 after hearing Multiple Uranium recommended by a prominent society figure, Mrs. Arthur Lorrington.
• The scam lured in new victims as people shared news of their “good dividends.” Quote:
  “He paid me dividends every month. Good dividends. But I wouldn’t count on any more of them.” (Detective Friday to Mrs. Eustace, 14:54)

5. Charitable Organizations as Bait (16:14–19:38)

• The hospital itself was donated 500 shares of Orlean’s company as a publicity move:
  Mrs. Lorrington:
  “He mumbled something about a tax problem ... instead of an outright gift, he offered us a block of stock.” (17:37–18:02)
• Orlean requests the stock not be sold for a year—claiming it will double in value and yield excellent dividends.
• Mrs. Lorrington is devastated when she learns the hospital and her reputation have been used to bolster a fraudulent operation:
  Quote:
  “You mean he used the hospital? He used me?” (Mrs. Lorrington, 19:38)

6. Pattern Identified: The Swindler’s Modus Operandi (20:11–21:25)

• A consistent MO emerges: Orlean (aka Roger Norget, Francis Caxton Wheatley) donates fake stock and pays out impressive, phony dividends to lure more investors.
• The scam has been run in multiple cities with variations, including oil stock frauds in Chicago and Kansas City.

7. Pursuit and Resolution (21:25–23:06)

• Weeks later, Clara Gibbons returns, claiming her mother has spotted Orlean.
• Before officers can act, Salt Lake City police report Orlean’s arrest and confession covering similar crimes. Quote:
  “Salt Lake City Police Department ... Picked up Orlean this morning. Tabbed him from our circular. Gave them a full confession. Admitted the Chicago deals, too.” (Frank Smith, 22:26–22:49)

8. Closing: Legal Outcome (23:06–End)

• The suspect, under various aliases, is tried and convicted of grand theft (seven counts), with further charges pending in other states.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Claire’s Doubt About Herself:
  “I'm not much of a stenographer. Not a real good one, that is. … He doesn't rush me or get me all upset. It's the first time I've ever been able to hang onto a job.” (03:20–03:48)

• On Orlean’s Scam Technique:
  “He asked me not to sell the stock for at least a year ... he said it would double in market value.” (Mrs. Lorrington, 18:34–18:38)

• Frank’s Reflection on Portraits:
  “If all a person wants is a good likeness, a photographer ought to do the trick. Artists know that, too. They do? … They want something else. Want to look better, so he flatters.” (15:56–16:11)

• Claire’s Faith in Her Mother:
  “My mother's very intelligent, Sergeant. She's not like me. Now, please don't stand here and argue about it, or he'll get away.” (21:45–22:01)

• Final Disappointment:
  “I've never known Mama to make a mistake.” (Clara Gibbons, 22:55)

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Key Timestamps

• 00:50–03:50 – Introduction and reason for investigation (Claire’s suspicious story)
• 08:13–08:23 – Discovery of missing $100,000 from company account
• 09:48–10:13 – Interview with building owner Ted Wendler
• 12:24–15:25 – Victim interviews, drawing a net around the scam’s impact
• 16:14–19:38 – Interview with Mrs. Lorrington; hospital as a front
• 21:25–23:06 – Claire’s attempt to help capture Orlean, revelation of his earlier arrest
• 23:06–End – Legal resolution and epilogue

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Tone and Language

The episode maintains a matter-of-fact, methodical tone characteristic of classic Dragnet: precise, clipped, focused on process and fact-finding with occasional dry humor, particularly in exchanges between Friday and Smith. Emotional moments peek through, especially with distressed victims realizing their trust—and charity—were misused.

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Summary

“The Big Momma” showcases Dragnet’s signature style: a procedural approach unraveling a financial scam that starts with faint suspicions and ends with the exposure of a traveling con artist preying on goodwill. The detectives’ patient, step-by-step investigation highlights the vulnerabilities exploited by white-collar criminals, while giving voice to both ordinary and prominent victims alike. Distinctive moments include the “phony dividend” testimony, the use of a children’s hospital as a lure, and the bittersweet conclusion when justice is finally served—but not before lives are upended.

Transcript

[A]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio, where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail] Dragnet Ladies and gentlemen, the story you're about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a Bunko Fugitive Detail. A secretary tells you her employer has suddenly left town. She says he's taken all the company records with him. Your job. Check it out. It was Monday, May 18. It was cloudy in Los Angeles. We were working the day watch out of Bunker Fugitive Detail. My partner's Frank Smith. The boss is Captain Didion. My name's Friday. We're on our way back from lunch and it was 1:46pm when we got to room 38. Bunko fugitive.

[B]

Sergeant Friday?

[A]

That's right.

[B]

They told me to see you.

[A]

Yes, ma'. Am. It's my partner, Frank Smith.

[B]

How do you do?

[A]

Good afternoon.

[B]

My name is Gibbons. Claire Gibbons.

[A]

Would you like to sit down there?

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

All right. Well, yes, ma'. Am.

[B]

It isn't anything when you put your finger on it. At least it isn't anything I'm sure of. Wasn't even my idea, coming to the police. Mama said I. I mean, my mother advised me to discuss this matter with you.

[A]

I see.

[B]

She's always claimed there was something funny about my job. She said this just goes to prove it. I'm sure she's mistaken. Sure. Mr. Orlean wouldn't do anything wrong.

[A]

Mr. Orlean?

[B]

Oh, he's my boss. My employer, Henry Orlean. The thing is, he's. Disappeared?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

All of a sudden.

[A]

When did you see him last?

[B]

Friday. Friday evening, when I left the office. 5pm have you checked with his home? I. I don't know where he lives. He never told me.

[A]

I see.

[B]

He's never gone out of town before? Not since I started working for him.

[A]

How long has that been?

[B]

Seven months. Seven months on the third.

[A]

What kind of business is he in?

[B]

Uranium. Uranium stocks. Multiple Uranium Investments Incorporated. That's the name of his company.

[A]

I see. Well, don't the other employees have any idea where he went?

[B]

There aren't any other employees. I'm the only one.

[A]

Oh, I see. Have you talked to Missing Persons?

[B]

No. No, I haven't. You see, Mama doesn't think he's missing. She says he skipped out, that he's a crook.

[A]

Does your mother know this Mr. Oliver?

[B]

Only what I've told her about him. They've never met she's been suspicious from the very beginning, though.

[A]

Afraid I don't follow you.

[B]

Well, it's. Well, it's kind of hard to explain.

[A]

How's that?

[B]

You see, the thing is, Mama just can't understand why he ever hired me.

[A]

Hmm.

[B]

The employment office sent me to see him, along with seven or eight other secretaries. Mr. Orland picked me out from all the rest.

[A]

Was there something strange in that?

[B]

Well, the truth is, I'm not much of a stenographer. Not a real good one, that is. I get kind of nervous whenever I have to take dictation. And my tapping's just fair, too. I could do real clean copy if they'd just let me take my time. But they never do.

[A]

Is that right?

[B]

Except for Mr. Orland. He doesn't rush me or get me all upset. It's the first time I've ever been able to hang onto a job. Pays awful good. $20 a week. More than I ever earned before.

[A]

That's all.

[B]

Mom couldn't believe it when I told her. She said there's a catch to it someplace. It'd be different if I was. Well, if I wasn't playing. Two or three of the other girls who tried out for Mr. Orland. They were very attractive, and they all had nice clothes. Mama sure was surprised when I told her he'd picked me. There's a catch to it somewhere. That's how she put it. He's up to something, and he wants a secretary who's not too bright.

[A]

Well, I'm afraid we're gonna need more than that to start an investigation, Ms. Gibbons.

[B]

Yes, sir. I see. Well, thank you very much.

[A]

Just a minute. Does he owe you any back wages?

[B]

Oh, no, no. I'm paid up a month in advance. That was another thing that seemed funny. I mean, when you think about it now, it seems funny.

[A]

What do you mean?

[B]

My being with him less than a year and him wanting me to take a vacation with pay. A whole month off.

[A]

How'd that come about?

[B]

Well, it was just last week. Monday, a week ago today, when he brought up the subject. He said it was getting on towards summer, and I ought to start thinking about where I wanted to go on my vacation. Now, I told him I. I didn't feel entitled to a vacation yet. He just smiled and said it was up to him to decide that. But he's the boss, wasn't he? Then he insisted I tell him just where I wanted to go. I couldn't think of any place at all. He finally asked me why I didn't Visit my sister in Hawaii.

[A]

I see.

[B]

She's married to a Navy officer stationed in Honolulu. I guess I must have mentioned her to Mr. Owen. I. I guess that's how I knew about her.

[A]

Yes, ma'. Am. Must be.

[B]

But the idea of ever paying her a visit hadn't even crossed my mind. I tried to argue with him, but he pretended to get mad and told me if I was a good enough secretary to deserve a holiday, he's gonna see that I got it. Then he said he'd make up for it when I got back, that he'd really pour the work on. I knew he wasn't serious about pouring the work on, but it did seem like he really wanted me to go to Hawaii.

[A]

Well, why didn't you take him up on it?

[B]

Well, I meant to. Had my ticket. Round trip flight. Mr. Orland paid for it just like he said he would. Yeah, I was supposed to leave Saturday night. I sent out an air mail letter telling her all about the trip. That's my sister, Ann Burkhart.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Well, Saturday morning she wired me not to come. Her husband's being transferred in a week or two, but she wasn't sure where. Maybe back to the States.

[A]

I see.

[B]

I suppose I could have made the trip anyway, but it wouldn't be any fun going someplace where I didn't know anybody. I don't make friends very easy, that's all. I didn't know just what to do whether Mr. Still Want Me to take the month off or not. Went down to the office this morning to talk to him about it. He wasn't there. If things gone? Yeah, from the safe. All records and stock certificates, everything. Incorporation papers he had framed up on the wall. They were gone, too.

[A]

Had somebody broken in?

[B]

I don't think so. Door to the suit was locked when I got there. Had my key.

[A]

What about safe?

[B]

I don't understand.

[A]

Well, was the safe open or closed?

[B]

Closed.

[A]

Well, how'd you happen to look inside?

[B]

I telephoned my mother and told her that Mr. Arlon wasn't there. And she said I'd better check and see if anything was missing. Said it sounded to her like he'd skipped out. After I looked in the safe, she told me to get in touch with the police.

[A]

Well, now, just exactly what sort of business was this uranium company?

[B]

Mr. Arlen invested in various uranium stocks.

[A]

For other people?

[B]

Yes, that's right.

[A]

Which bank did he use?

[B]

Western National. The account's in the main branch.

[A]

I'll give him a call, Joe. Yeah, okay.

[B]

There just wouldn't be any Reason for him to run away, would there?

[A]

Well, it's pretty hard to tell yet.

[B]

I mean, he was doing a real good business.

[A]

Well, that might be a reason. Oh, do you know the names of his customers?

[B]

The people who invested in Mr. Owen?

[A]

That's right.

[B]

Well, I guess I could remember. Some of them books are gone, though. I wouldn't be able to recall them all. I see the old customers, the ones who've been with us for several months. I'd remember them.

[A]

Was the business new when you started to work with him?

[B]

Yes, sir. Brand new.

[A]

Did you find out anything? Yeah. Arlene closed out the Mullable Uranium bank account last Friday evening, little before six. Six? Yeah, banks, they opened late on Fridays. Joe. I forgot. How much did he withdraw? Just under 100,000. A lot of money. Yeah.

[B]

I guess Mama was right about him.

[A]

Starting to look that way.

[B]

I should have known from the beginning. I should have known.

[A]

What?

[B]

She's always right.

[A]

While Frank put in a call to Sacramento to check on the corporate status of Multiple Uranium Investments, I asked Clara Gibbons to give me a detailed description of the suspect. 2:28pm Sacramento reported that no such corporation had ever been authorized. We ran the name Henry Orlean through R and I. They had nothing on them. We turned the description and mo over to the stats office. They came up with seven possible stock fraud artists. We pulled their mug shots and showed them to Ms. Gibbons. She was unable to identify any of the pictures. 3:07pm Ms. Gibbons accompanied us to the Wendler Building on Wilshire Boulevard in the Miracle Mile. We went up to suite 4D.

[B]

Just a second, till I find my key.

[A]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[B]

Here it is. This is the outer office where I work.

[A]

That's his office in there?

[B]

Yes, sir.

[A]

That's real fancy. Have you talked to the building manager today?

[B]

No, sir.

[A]

Is he around?

[B]

Do you know there isn't any manager. Not exactly. The owner has an office down the hall.

[A]

Oh.

[B]

I'll be glad to find out if he's in.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

You'll be here?

[A]

Yes, ma'. Am. Very impressive quarters, huh? Must have been a very impressive guy. Yeah. Look at that, Joe. Wonder what he had up there, up on the wall. See that spot? Looks like there used to be a picture or something. Corporation papers maybe, huh? Phonies. I don't know. As far as the State of California's concerned.

[B]

This is Mr. Wendler. Mr. Wendler, this Sergeant Friday.

[A]

How are you? I do.

[B]

This is. I'm Officer. I don't seem to remember your name.

[A]

Sorry. My name's Frank Smith. Well, pleased to meet you. This is our identification. If you want to see it, forget it. All right. Well, you're the owner of this building, are you? Well, it's the Wendler Building. I'm Ted Wendler. Yes, sir. Draw your own conclusions. Yeah. Do you have any objections to answering a few questions, Wendler? No. All right. Will you answer them for us, please? I thought I was. Yes, sir. I asked you one before. Do you own this building outright? That isn't important. Well, it's important to me. It's important to the mortgage company. Is it in your name? Yes, it's in my name. All right, fine. What about the man who rented this suite? Orlean? Yes, sir. What about him? Do you know he left town? Well, she just told me. You know about it before? No. What can you tell us about him? He's a broker or something. Uranium stocks. I guess we got that much. That's all you know about him, huh? Yeah. How long has he rented from? You see, a little over seven months. Be eight on the third. Did he mention anything about where he had offices before? No. He said he was from back east. Any particular place? No. Why? What's he done? We like to talk to him, that's all. Maybe he'll come back. Well, if he doesn't, it's all the same to me. What? I made him pay his rent in advance. Whole first year. That your usual practice? No. Only with fellas in the stock market. You see, I remember 1929, you never know what's going to happen. Not with fellas in the market. You see, I remember 29. Yeah. If Orleans stays away, I'm way ahead of him. Rent's paid up. I'm nearly five months ahead of him. Yes, I wish we were. Ted Wendler confirmed Ms. Gibbons description of the suspect and insisted he could tell us nothing further about the man. While a crew from the crime lab went over the offices, we again questioned Clara Gibbons. She gave us the names and addresses of some of the people who had invested Money with Orleans. 4:48pm the crime lab reported that they'd been unable to discover any useful fingerprints in the suite. The only physical evidence they had uncovered was a copy of a prospectus which purported to list various securities owned by multiple uranium investments. It had fallen behind a filing cabinet. The next day, May 19, Frank and I checked with several of the uranium companies listed on the prospectus. They all informed us that none of their stock had ever been purchased by Multiple Uranium Incorporated or Henry Orlean. 3:13pm Frank and I drove out to Interview one of the victims.

[B]

Would you like to sit down?

[A]

Thank you. Ms. Eustace, do you know a man named Henry Orlean?

[B]

Yes. Yes, I know him. Why?

[A]

Did you ever invest any money with him?

[B]

$5,000. Nothing's happened to Mr. Orland?

[A]

We're not sure yet. How'd you happen to give him the money?

[B]

It was some insurance my husband left me.

[A]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[B]

I'd kept it in savings. Didn't bring in much interest. When I heard about Mr. Orland's company.

[A]

What did you hear about it? Do you remember?

[B]

At the hospital, ma'?

[A]

Am?

[B]

St. Agnes Children's Hospital. Oh, I spend a day a week there helping out in the charity ward. I'm on some of the committees, too. You know, fundraising, things like that.

[A]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[B]

Oh, I'm not one of the big people behind the work, but somebody has to get out and dig for the little donations, too.

[A]

Yes, ma', am, they do.

[B]

And I have quite a bit of free time now.

[A]

Do you remember who it was that first mentioned Mr. Ollie into you?

[B]

I think it was Mrs. Langton.

[A]

Laurent?

[B]

Yes. Mrs. Arthur Laurent. You must have heard of her. She does so much charity work around town, she's very prominent. Socially.

[A]

Yes, ma'. Am. Just what did she say about Mr. Orleans company?

[B]

Well, she wasn't talking to me exactly. One afternoon when she was showing some people the plans for the new clinic. I guess she was asking them for some contributions. That's how it sounded. One of the ladies said it all depended on how well her husband's stocks did during the next quarter.

[A]

I see.

[B]

And Mrs. Langton laughed and told her her husband ought to be in multiple uranium, but he wouldn't have anything to worry about.

[A]

Go on.

[B]

Well, that was all I heard. They went on to the next room. Afterwards, I got to thinking if this uranium stock was good enough for Mrs. Loring, and maybe I ought to check into it. You know, you're always hearing about people making fortunes in uranium.

[A]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[B]

I looked up the company in the phone book and talked to Mr. Orlean first. He wasn't very anxious for me to invest. But when I told him I knew Mrs. Laurington, he said he'd take me in as a favor to her.

[A]

When was all this?

[B]

About four months ago.

[A]

Have you seen Mr. Orleans since?

[B]

No.

[A]

You heard from him?

[B]

Not directly. I get a dividend check every month, though. Stock's paying very well. I figured it out. On a yearly basis, it'll come to over 30%. You can't do much better than That I told some of my friends about it too, so they could get in on it.

[A]

Well, thank you very much, ma'. Am.

[B]

You still haven't explained what this is all about.

[A]

Well, we're trying to get in touch with Mr. Orlean, that's all.

[B]

All? The Wendler Building on Wilshire Boulevard. That's where his office is. The Wendler Building. Isn't he there?

[A]

No, he isn't.

[B]

I don't understand.

[A]

Orion seems to have disappeared.

[B]

What about my money?

[A]

I'm afraid that went with him.

[B]

Why, that isn't possible. He couldn't have. Mrs. Lorington said it was a good stock.

[A]

Yes, ma'. Am. We'll talk to her about it.

[B]

Well, he paid me dividends every month. Good dividends.

[A]

Yeah, well, I wouldn't count on any more of them. What?

[B]

Why? I'll bring charges against him. I'll have him put in jail. He'll find out. But that's all you need, isn't it? Somebody to bring charges?

[A]

No, ma', am, not quite.

[B]

Well, what do you mean, we need him?

[A]

Frank And I left Mrs. Custis and drove out to interview another victim, Mrs. J.T. pressing on Highland Avenue. She told us that she had invested $8,000 in multiple uranium. She also told us that she had first heard about the stock to a friend who was on the fundraising committee for St. Agnes Hospital. We interviewed three more victims. All of them were in some way associated with the hospital or were acquainted with Mrs. Arthur Lauren. 8:45pm we drove up to the Laurenton estate in Bel Air. A maid showed us into the library and said that Mrs. Langton would see us in a few minutes. Hey, Joe. Yeah? That's her up there on the wall. That painting. That's Mrs. Lawrence. Saw it in the Sunday paper once. Society page for real. Honest to gosh, artist did it. You don't say. Probably flatters her a lot. Maybe. Well, it's bound to. What makes you think so? Well, it stands to reason, Joe. If all a person wants is a good likeness, a photographer ought to do the trick. Yeah, Artists know that, too. They do?

[B]

Mm.

[A]

Figures. They want something else. Want to look better so he flatters. Oh, I see. That's the way it works.

[B]

Are you gentlemen waiting for me?

[A]

Mrs. Larkin?

[B]

That's right.

[A]

We're police officers. This Frank Smith. My name's Friday.

[B]

I'm sure it's my husband you want to talk to. Unfortunately, he's in San Francisco on a business.

[A]

No, ma'. Am. We'd like to talk to you, if you don't mind. You Know a man named Henry Oran?

[B]

Oran, that's it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

The name sounds familiar, but I meet so many people, it's hard to be certain.

[A]

Have you ever heard of a stock called Multiple Uranium Incorporated?

[B]

Oh, yes. Yes, of course. I didn't associate the two for a moment. That's Mr. Orleans Company, isn't it?

[A]

Yes, ma'. Am. Do you have any money invested in that stock?

[B]

No, not me personally, but I can vouch for the company, if that's what you want to know. You see, I'm on the fundraising committee for St. Agnes Hospital. Matter of fact, I'm the chairman.

[A]

Yes, ma', am, we know.

[B]

And we do own some of Mr. Orleans stock. The hospital, that is.

[A]

Tell us, how'd you happen to buy it?

[B]

We didn't. It was a donation.

[A]

Would you mind telling us from who?

[B]

No, not yet. It's Arlen himself.

[A]

I see. When did he give it to you?

[B]

Last year. September. Yes, it was September. Charity Bazaar. I don't recall the exact date, but I can find out for you.

[A]

Well, September's close enough. Just what was this bazaar?

[B]

A party here at my home. We opened the grounds to the general public. A garden party and auction combined.

[A]

An auction?

[B]

Some of the most picture people donated the items we sold. And all the money went to the hospital. We raised over $25,000, not counting what Mr. Orlean gave us.

[A]

That's the stock donation?

[B]

That's right. He congratulated me on the bazaar. He seemed to be very interested in charity work. I said we would certainly use his help, and he offered to do whatever he could. He said that unfortunately, couldn't give us cash at the moment. He mumbled something about a tax problem. I'm not really too clear about those things. Everyone seems to be having tax problems nowadays. So instead of an outright gift, he offered us a block of stock in his company.

[A]

I see. Now, just how much Stock was involved?

[B]

500 shares, I think, or something like that. At any rate, he said the market value of what he was giving us would be in the neighborhood of $10,000.

[A]

Did he tell you anything else about it?

[B]

He didn't go into the details of his corporation, and I certainly didn't question him. You don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

[A]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[B]

All I recall, he said his company owned shares in other uranium companies so that the money was well diversified.

[A]

Now, was that all?

[B]

Yes, I believe so. Except that he made one request.

[A]

What was it?

[B]

He asked me not to sell the stock for at least a year.

[A]

Give you a reason.

[B]

Oh, yes. He said that within a year's time, it would double in market value. And in the meantime, the hospital would be receiving excellent dividends.

[A]

I see.

[B]

The matter of fact, the dividends have been remarkable. Something like 500amonth, I believe. Our treasurer told me. Mr. Orlean must be a very shrewd investor.

[A]

Did you ever discuss this uranium stock with any of your friends, Ms. Lawrence?

[B]

Why, yes. Once or twice. One of our committee meetings when we were going over the books. We were surprised at the return it was paying us. We all talked about it then. I suppose I may have mentioned it since. Just in conversation.

[A]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[B]

Is Mr. Orlean upset that I told other people about his company? I didn't know he wanted it kept secret.

[A]

No, he wanted you to tell him. Well, then several people that you discussed multiple uranium with invested in the company.

[B]

As a result, it's a perfectly sound investment.

[A]

No, ma'. Am. What? Orlean has disappeared and so has their money.

[B]

I'm sure you're mistaken.

[A]

The stock he sold him was phony. So was the stock he gave your hospital fund.

[B]

It couldn't be. Look at the dividends it paid.

[A]

It was just good advertising.

[B]

You mean he used the hospital? He used me?

[A]

I'm afraid so.

[B]

I just don't know what to say. I've never been involved in a situation like this before.

[A]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[B]

Terribly distressing. Well, I know it's not my fault, but I can't help thinking I should have been more careful. More discreet. I'm sorry. I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me. I don't feel like talking anymore. I'm very upset.

[A]

We understand.

[B]

Anita will show you out.

[A]

We'll find a way. Let's go. Oh, I was just looking at that painting up there again. No, I was right. Joe flatters you. The interview with Mrs. Lorington had enabled us to establish the suspect's MO. Additional bulletins were sent out alerting all police departments, charity organizations and fundraising committees. During the rest of the week, we interviewed other victims of the stock swindle. None of them could furnish any additional information about the whereabouts of the man who called himself Henry Orlean. Three weeks later, on June 9, we received a report from the Chicago Police Department. They informed us that a man answering Orleans description had worked an oil stock swindle in that city during the previous year. He had then used the name of Roger Norget. They also told us that this narget was suspected of an earlier stock swindle in Kansas City. Neither the Chicago nor Kansas City police had a positive identification of the suspect. But in both cities, the MO had been the same. The suspect had donated a block of phony stock to a charitable organization, had paid very high dividends on the donated shares, and then had been able to acquire investments from private persons. Wednesday, June 11, 3:17pm Frank and I were in the office.

[B]

Sergeant Friday.

[A]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[B]

You remember me? Clara Gibbons. I used to work for years.

[A]

Yes, ma'. Am. How are you? What can we do for you?

[B]

Mama just found him. Mama just found him, Mr. Orland.

[A]

Where?

[B]

Over on Hill Street. She was just walking along and she's sewing.

[A]

Is she sure it's Sam?

[B]

Positive. Please hurry.

[A]

Just a minute, Ms. Gibbon.

[B]

What is it?

[A]

Didn't you tell us your mother had never seen this man?

[B]

Well, she's seen him now. He was walking downhill.

[A]

How does she know it's him if you never saw him before?

[B]

I told her what he looked like dozens of times. All about him. For heaven's sake, you don't have to see a person to know what he looks like. Mama would recognize Mr. Orland anywhere. She said so half a dozen times. She can describe him better than I can. My mother's very intelligent, Sergeant. She's not like me. Now, please don't stand here and argue about it, or he'll get away.

[A]

Well, just where is he?

[B]

The Norbridge Hotel. Corner of Hill and Hall. There.

[A]

I thought your mother saw him on the street.

[B]

She followed him into the hotel. She didn't want to lose him. He went upstairs and she telephoned me from the lobby. She said she'd wait there to make sure he didn't leave. She told me to bring you as soon as I could. It's nearly half an hour since she called me. We haven't got much time.

[A]

All right, Ms. Gibbons. All right. We'll check on it right away.

[B]

You're going to arrest him, aren't you?

[A]

If it's the right man.

[B]

Of course it's the right man.

[A]

Excuse me a minute.

[B]

Do you have to answer it now, Uncle?

[A]

Fugitive Friday. Yeah, that's right. I see. Fine. Okay, we'll forward our warrant to you. Will you send us a notification by telegram? Thank you. We sure are. Many thanks. Salt Lake City Police Department. Yeah. Picked up Orlean this morning. Tabbed him from our circular. Are you sure it's him? Gave him a full confession. Admitted the case scene in Chicago deals, too.

[B]

But it couldn't be Mr. Arlen. He's at the Norbridge Hotel.

[A]

Well, Ms. Gibbons, I'm afraid your mother was mistaken.

[B]

I've never known Mama to make a mistake.

[A]

We all make.

[B]

But what she's waiting for is the hotel. What'll I tell her?

[A]

Well, let's see. I guess there's only one thing.

[B]

What's that?

[A]

Tell her not to wait. The story you've just heard is true. The names were changed to protect the innocent. On August 16, trial was held in Department 98, Superior Court of the State of California. In and for the county of Los Angeles. Francis Caxton Wheatley, alias Henry Orlean, alias Roger Norget. Was tried and convicted of grand theft, seven counts and received sentence as prescribed by law. Grand theft is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for no more than one year. Or in the state prison for not less than 1. For more than 10 years. Poles were placed on the suspect by the states of Illinois and Missouri. At the termination of his sentence in San Quentin. You have just heard Dragnet. The authentic story of your police force in action. And starring Jack Webb. A presentation of the United States Armed Forces Radio.