This Is Your FBI 45-06-22 (012) Auto Theft - Charles Meade

Summary

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Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode Summary: "This Is Your FBI 45-06-22 (012) – Auto Theft: Charles Meade"

Originally aired: October 5, 2025

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Episode Overview

This vintage radio drama episode, part of "This Is Your FBI," dramatizes a real case from the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation about Charles Meade, a professional auto thief. The story follows Meade and his wife as they traverse states stealing and reselling automobiles with altered identities. The episode provides a glimpse into postwar America’s battle against rising auto thefts and highlights federal law enforcement's relentless pursuit of such criminals.

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Key Discussion Points & Narrative Highlights

1. The Growing Problem of Auto Theft

• Opening narration contextualizes the increasing seriousness of auto theft in postwar America:
  • "The automobile has graduated from the luxury class to one of vital necessity...for every seller, hundreds of buyers. Into this fertile field...moves the racketeer" (01:41).
• The show explains how federal jurisdiction comes into play when stolen vehicles cross state lines.

2. Charles and Faye Meade: The Criminal Couple

• First scene: Charles and Faye are seen driving in heavy rain, blending honeymoon romance and criminal business.
  • "This is the way I've always wanted to live. I used to go crazy being cooped up in the same place. Seeing the same people." – Faye (03:07)
• After a wreck, Charles nonchalantly prepares to abandon the car, hinting at the transient nature of their crimes.
  • "Don't worry, sweetheart. I'll get another one tomorrow." – Charles (04:16)
• Their modus operandi: steal cars, forge papers, alter motor numbers, and sell to unsuspecting buyers.

3. First Mistake and FBI Involvement

• A routine car wreck investigation uncovers the altered motor numbers.
• FBI Agents Boone and Tom discover the link to Meade through methodical police work and witness accounts from farmers and cab drivers.
  • "Maybe you’d better tell somebody about this. Yeah, maybe it better be the FBI." – Police Officer to John Taylor (05:34)
• Description-based sketches and teletype to law enforcement agencies mark the start of a manhunt.

4. Faye Meade’s Role and Revelations

• Faye confronts Charles about his criminal activity:
  • "I love it. And I want to work right along with you." – Faye (11:04)
• The episode touches on the psychology of partnership in crime, with Faye proving to be an enthusiastic accomplice.

5. Expansion of the Auto Theft Operation

• The Meades move from city to city, leaving a signature trail.
• A garage owner, Stanton, is revealed to be their business partner (“front” for selling the stolen cars).
  • When Stanton tries to leave the group, he is coerced by Faye:
    • "Then you leave us only one choice...We'll have to spoil that respectable front you've been maintaining." – Faye (13:51)
• This demonstrates the pressures and mutual complicity among criminal associates.

6. FBI Closes In: Following the Trail

• The FBI uncovers fraudulent car registrations and traces sales back to the Meades using diligent cross-state investigations.
• Equipment for altering motor numbers is discovered in Stanton’s garage, linking physical evidence to the crimes (16:51).
  • "Very handy equipment to alter motor numbers on stolen cars." – FBI Agent Boone (17:06)

7. Break in the Case: Suicide and Paper Trail

• Stanton, the garage owner's, suicide yields further leads when agents search his records and correspondence, finding a link to Portland, Oregon (19:27).
• The FBI follows a zigzag trail through Portland, Cleveland, Louisville, and eventually St. Louis, piecing together Meade’s movements via trunk shipments and money orders.
  • “Charlie moves fast and often.” – Faye’s relative (20:40)

8. The Final Confrontation and Arrest

• Tensions rise between Charles and Faye over their lifestyle:
  • "You can’t keep living like this." – Charles (25:06)
  • "That’s what I intend to do, with or without you, darling." – Faye (25:10)
• The FBI locates them via a forwarded money order, culminating in their arrest at a tourist camp:
  • “We’re special agents of the FBI.” – Agent at the door, climax scene (25:43)
  • "Well, it looks like you’re going to get your way, darling. They’re settling down." – Faye, sardonic quip as they are apprehended (25:51)

9. Epilogue and Real Case Resolution

• The narrator offers statistics and patriotic messages about law enforcement’s efforts, followed by a factual conclusion:
  • “Charles Meade and his wife pleaded guilty to violating the National Motor Vehicle Theft Act. They were each given sentences totaling 20 years in a federal penitentiary.” (28:43)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the change in auto theft gravity:
  • "Mobility is his chief asset, but it’s also his chief liability." – Narrator (01:41)
• Faye’s criminal enthusiasm:
  • "I love it. And I want to work right along with you." – Faye to Charles (11:04)
• FBI’s professionalism:
  • "There are no loose ends, only complete and irrefutable proof." – Narrator, on FBI files (19:27)
• Upon arrest:
  • "Well, it looks like you’re going to get your way, darling. They’re settling down." – Faye (25:51)

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Key Segment Timestamps

• [01:41] – Overview of auto theft as a federal crime
• [03:07] – Faye expresses her restless, adventurous spirit
• [04:16] – Charles’s casual approach to replacing stolen cars
• [11:04] – Faye becomes an active and willing criminal partner
• [13:51] – Faye threatens Stanton to keep him in the operation
• [16:51] – Discovery of car number-altering equipment
• [19:27] – FBI narrative on in-depth case work and “no loose ends”
• [25:43] – FBI agents execute the final arrest
• [28:43] – Case resolution and sentencing

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Tone & Style

• The language is formal and period-appropriate, with an overtly patriotic tone in the narration.
• Dialogue between Charles and Faye alternates between affection and sharp pragmatism.
• FBI agents exude understated confidence and professionalism.

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Summary prepared for the benefit of listeners seeking a detailed recounting of this golden-age radio episode, capturing the progression, characters, and memorable dialogue central to the story of Charles Meade, car thief.

Transcript

[Sarah]

Hey, this is Sarah. Look, I'm standing out front of a.m. p.m. Right now and, well, you're sweet and all, but I found something more fulfilling, even kind of cheesy. But I like it. Sure, you met some of my dietary needs, but they've just got it all. So farewell. Oatmeal. So long, you strange soggy.

[AM PM Advertiser]

Break up with bland breakfast and taste AM PM's bacon, egg and cheese biscuit made with K tree eggs, smoked bacon and melty cheese on a buttery biscuit. AM PM Too much. Good stuff.

[Charles Mead]

The eye.

[Narrator]

This is your FBI. This is your FBI. An official broadcast from the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation presented as a public service by the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. To your FBI, you look for national security and to the Equitable Society for financial security. These two great institutions are dedicated to the protection of you, your home and your country. Tonight, the story of a crime against the community. Auto theft.

Five years ago, the theft of a car in your neighborhood was a matter of passing interest in a newspaper. It was reported on the back pages or not at all. But today, the automobile has graduated from the luxury class to one of vital necessity. An automobile in first class condition is a high priced commodity. And there are hundreds of buyers for every seller. Into this fertile field of buyers at any prices, move the racketeer. A racketeer who needs only a car, a stolen car, a forged bill of sale and an unsuspecting buyer. Mobility is his chief asset, but it's also his chief liability. Because the act of driving a stolen car across a state line is a federal offense. And the FBI, in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies has been relentless in this war against this type of criminal. Sometimes the first lead on a case of this type comes as the result of a routine check beginning as this one did with a couple driving along a road south of Richmond. A distinguished looking couple. A couple just married.

[Faye Mead]

How can you even see? Darling, that rain is coming down so hard.

[Charles Mead]

We'll stop at the next town if it doesn't let up.

[Faye Mead]

Tired?

[Charles Mead]

No, no, I feel fine.

[Faye Mead]

This is a wonder. Wonderful idea.

[Charles Mead]

What then?

[Faye Mead]

This trip.

[Charles Mead]

Not much of a honeymoon. Having to mix business in along the way.

[Faye Mead]

Oh, darling, I love it. This is the way I've always wanted to live. I used to go crazy being cooped up in the same place. Seeing the same people.

[Charles Mead]

That can be dull.

[Faye Mead]

My mother was wonderful. She couldn't understand how I just met you and three weeks later wanted to marry you. She said, I didn't know. You didn't know your background.

[Charles Mead]

Well, mothers are like that.

[Faye Mead]

I just told her I didn't care. Charles, the cat was getting.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Faye.

[Charles Mead]

Faye, are you all right?

[Faye Mead]

Yes. Oh, I think so.

[Charles Mead]

Well, thank heaven.

[Faye Mead]

How about you?

[Charles Mead]

I'm okay.

[Faye Mead]

Oh.

[Charles Mead]

What's the matter?

[FBI Agent Boone]

There.

[Faye Mead]

Look at the front of the car.

[Charles Mead]

Oh, yeah. Let's get out.

[Faye Mead]

It's all smashed.

[FBI Agent Boone]

I know.

[Charles Mead]

That'd be helpful, dear.

[Faye Mead]

Thanks. Where are you going?

[Charles Mead]

Just getting the license plate.

[Faye Mead]

License plate? Aren't you going to call a garage?

[Charles Mead]

No, it's too much bother, dear.

[Faye Mead]

Then what are you going to do?

[Charles Mead]

Leave the car here.

[Faye Mead]

What, now?

[Charles Mead]

Don't worry, sweetheart. I'll get another one tomorrow.

[Narrator]

A car is abandoned on a road 10 miles south of Richmond. The plates are missing, but motor numbers are identification badges, easily checked. Two days later, 300 miles south of Richmond, the police paid a call at the home of one John Taylor.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Mr. Taylor? Yes? I've got some good news for you, sir. We found your car.

[Charles Mead]

My car?

[FBI Agent Boone]

Yes, it turned up in Richmond. The local police there contacted us. It was checked through the motor number. The license plate was gone.

[Narrator]

Well, I'm sorry, but I'm afraid there's no mistake.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Well, your name's John Taylor, isn't it?

[Narrator]

Yes.

[FBI Agent Boone]

You own a 1938 Ford garage.

[Charles Mead]

What?

[FBI Agent Boone]

Yes, I just put it there.

[Charles Mead]

Not.

[Narrator]

Been stolen?

[FBI Agent Boone]

No, never. What's your motor number? Well, just a second now. Look at the registration. I don't understand. How come your car turns up in Richmond when it's really here?

[Narrator]

The motor number is 321264.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Well, that's the same number, all right. Maybe you'd better tell somebody about this. Yeah, maybe it better be the FBI.

[Narrator]

If there is an axiom in crime, it is that a mistake will be made sooner or later. The abandoned car, the car that was wrecked on the road south of Richmond, was examined by special agents of the FBI. Portions of the motor were removed and sent to the laboratories in Washington. After certain exhaustive tests were made, a report was forwarded to the FBI Richmond field office.

[FBI Agent Tom]

What's the story, Tom?

[FBI Agent Boone]

The motor numbers were altered. A pretty good job, too.

[FBI Agent Tom]

Did the laboratory work up the original numbers?

[FBI Agent Boone]

Yes. Wait a minute. Here we are. The car was from Toledo, Ohio. Was stolen out there.

[FBI Agent Tom]

I see.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Was then registered here in Virginia under a false name and with the aid of a fictitious bill of sale.

[FBI Agent Tom]

With the idea of reselling it here, I suppose.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Yes.

[FBI Agent Tom]

Sounds like a very professional job.

[FBI Agent Boone]

I know.

[FBI Agent Tom]

What about that couple who abandoned the car?

[FBI Agent Boone]

Well, we have a general description of them from the farmer who picked them up?

[FBI Agent Tom]

He dropped them off here in Richmond.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Yes. Excuse me. Rice speaking. Yes. Yes. Wait, let me write that down.

[FBI Agent Tom]

Pencil.

[FBI Agent Boone]

I have one. Thanks. Go ahead. Right.

[Charles Mead]

Got it.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Thanks. Goodbye. Now we're getting someplace. Who was that? Boone. He was taking a lead that Farmer gave us. He said that he dropped the couple off at a cab stand.

[Charles Mead]

Yes.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Boone contacted a driver who remembered picking up a man and woman answering to the description of our suspects.

[Charles Mead]

Good.

[FBI Agent Boone]

He dropped them at a downtown hotel. I think we'd better get over there right now.

[Hotel Clerk]

Go ahead, gentlemen.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Thank you.

[FBI Agent Tom]

Thanks.

[Hotel Clerk]

Take us to the fourth floor, please. This is the only couple who answers to the description you gave me.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Their name is Mead.

[Hotel Clerk]

That's right. Mr. And Mrs. Charles Mead. They're very charming people.

[FBI Agent Tom]

How long have they lived here?

[Hotel Clerk]

Oh, on and off for several weeks now.

[FBI Agent Tom]

What do you mean, on and off?

[Hotel Clerk]

Well, they've taken several short trips, but they've kept their room. Go right ahead. The room is down here to the left.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Very well. Do you know anything about what business Mr. Mead is in?

[Hotel Clerk]

He's a salesman of some sort. I. I don't know his line.

[FBI Agent Boone]

You've talked with? Oh, yes.

[Hotel Clerk]

We've been quite friendly. I've dined with him several times. That's why I'm sure you must have the wrong party.

[FBI Agent Boone]

We'd like to talk with him anyway.

[Hotel Clerk]

Here we are.

[FBI Agent Boone]

4:12.

[Hotel Clerk]

I'm not so sure that he's home.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Why?

[Hotel Clerk]

Well, he borrowed my car this morning. His was being repaired.

[FBI Agent Boone]

He borrowed your car?

[Hotel Clerk]

That's right.

[FBI Agent Tom]

Have you a pesky with you?

[Charles Mead]

Yes.

[FBI Agent Tom]

I'd advise you to use it.

[FBI Agent Boone]

What for?

[FBI Agent Tom]

I have an idea that Mr. Mead is no longer a guest.

[Hotel Clerk]

Well, Goodness, I. Wait. I have a key right here. Excuse me.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Surely.

[Hotel Clerk]

Heavens. You were right. Everything's been moved out. How did you know he'd be gone?

[FBI Agent Tom]

Because he borrowed your car. That happens to be his line of business.

[Narrator]

Even though the human memory is inaccurate and no two people see the same object exactly alike, verbal descriptions of an individual may enable the laboratories of the FBI to create a sketch of a face that will be amazingly exact. This has been done successfully in many cases where no photograph is available in the records. A description of Charles Meade and his wife was teletyped to all law enforcement agencies in the neighboring states. But professional car thieves moved swiftly. And even as the alarm was on the wires the Meads were already established in another hotel in another city 200 miles west of Richmond.

[Charles Mead]

Faye.

[Faye Mead]

Yes, dear?

[Charles Mead]

Did you see my brown clothes?

[Faye Mead]

They're right here on the Dresser.

[Charles Mead]

Oh, thanks. How do I look?

[Faye Mead]

Oh, very handsome.

[Charles Mead]

Well, I have to run over now to the prospect.

[Faye Mead]

Charles.

[Charles Mead]

Yeah?

[Faye Mead]

Before you go, I'd like to talk to you about something.

[Charles Mead]

Honey, I really have.

[Faye Mead]

This is very important. It's about you. Well, darling, what do you really do?

[Charles Mead]

What do you mean?

[Faye Mead]

Your work.

[Charles Mead]

Well, I told you, I'm a salesman.

[Faye Mead]

I know that's what you told me. But I'd like you to explain a couple of things.

[Charles Mead]

Like what?

[Faye Mead]

Well, the things that happened back in Richmond.

[Charles Mead]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Faye Mead]

Honey, that car we wrecked, you're just leaving it there?

[Charles Mead]

I attended to that later. I had it sent to a garage.

[Faye Mead]

I don't believe you.

[Charles Mead]

Oh, well, no.

[Faye Mead]

You want me to tell you what I do believe?

[Charles Mead]

All right.

[Faye Mead]

That was a stolen car, wasn't it? That's how you make your living.

[Charles Mead]

Yeah.

[Faye Mead]

I thought so.

[Charles Mead]

Look, darling, I couldn't tell you.

[Faye Mead]

Why?

[Narrator]

Because I love you.

[Charles Mead]

I know if you ever found out the truth, that would be the end of us. That would be the end of. What are you laughing at?

[Faye Mead]

You. Why did you think you could keep it from me, Charles? And why did you think it would matter?

[Charles Mead]

Hey, come here.

[Faye Mead]

Well, I think it's wonderful. What? I love it. And I want to work right along with you.

[Narrator]

The bride of Charles, me, proved a willing partner in her husband's business. They Meade, had expansive ideas and put them immediately into operation. In rapid succession, from widely separated sections came reports of stolen cars. Each theft had the same pattern, almost the same conditions. The FBI was reasonably sure that Meade and Company was behind each one. But the Meads were still at large 400 miles from the scene of the last theft. In another city, in another hotel room.

[Charles Mead]

I'll get it, dear.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Hello, Charlie.

[Charles Mead]

Oh, hello there, Stanton. Come on in.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Thanks.

[Charles Mead]

I don't believe you've met my wife.

[FBI Agent Boone]

No. How's you, ma'? Am?

[Faye Mead]

Hello, Mr. Stanton.

[FBI Agent Boone]

I wonder if we can go someplace and talk.

[Charles Mead]

Charlie, what's wrong with right here?

[FBI Agent Boone]

Well, this is about our business.

[Charles Mead]

My wife knows all about that. Oh. So, what's on your mind?

[FBI Agent Boone]

Well, my reason for coming up here was to tell you that we're going to split up our partnership.

[Charles Mead]

Why? What's wrong?

[FBI Agent Boone]

Nothing wrong. I just think the time has come to quit.

[Charles Mead]

You mean you'd rather hook up with someone else?

[FBI Agent Boone]

No, I. I just want to get out of the whole business. My garage is doing well and I'm making enough money legitimately. I don't want to spoil that.

[Faye Mead]

Well, Charles.

[Charles Mead]

Yes, sir?

[Faye Mead]

May I ask Mr. Stanton a few questions.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Well, sure.

[Charles Mead]

Go ahead.

[Faye Mead]

Mr. Stanton, you've made a lot of money with Charles, haven't you? Well, yes, but I believe he even set you up in this garage in the first place. He wanted a front to dispose of the cars.

[FBI Agent Boone]

That's right.

[Faye Mead]

Then it's not going to make it very easy if you walk out on him.

[FBI Agent Boone]

I'm sorry, Mrs. Mead.

[Faye Mead]

That doesn't help.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Look, I never liked this business in the first place. I only did it because I needed money desperately.

[Charles Mead]

I know, but after all, what about.

[Faye Mead]

Mr. Stanton? I'd like to point out something to you. We have eight cars stored away. Eight cars that my husband worked very hard to get. Now you're going to sell those cars for him just as you originally agreed.

[FBI Agent Boone]

I. I can do it.

[Faye Mead]

Then you leave us only one choice.

[FBI Agent Boone]

What do you mean?

[Faye Mead]

We'll have to spoil that respectable front you've been maintaining.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Now, just a minute.

[Faye Mead]

I mean it, Mr. Stanton.

[FBI Agent Boone]

I. I believe you do.

[Faye Mead]

Now, when do we send you the eight cars.

[Narrator]

To the FBI? The case of Charles Meade was open. And an open case means that the entire facilities of the FBI are working without pause. Searching every possibility, every source where a clue may be. The motor vehicle records of the state of Virginia were exhausted, checked and rechecked. It was discovered that over two dozen cars were fraudulently registered cars from over two dozen states. Motor numbers changed, fictitious bills of sale issued. Most of them have been sold to innocent dealers. Dealers whose recollection of the seller reconfirmed the picture of Charles Mead. One sale. A sale of eight cars.

[Sarah]

What do you think makes the perfect snack?

[FBI Agent Boone]

Hmm.

[AM PM Advertiser]

It's gotta be when I'm really craving it and it's convenient.

[Sarah]

Could you be more specific?

[AM PM Advertiser]

When it's cravinho.

[Charles Mead]

Okay.

[AM PM Advertiser]

Like a freshly baked cookie made with real butter. Available right down the street at a.m. p.m. Or a savory breakfast sandwich I can grab in just a second at a.m. p.m.

[Sarah]

I'm seeing a pattern here.

[AM PM Advertiser]

Well, yeah, we're talking about what I crave.

[Sarah]

Which is anything from AM PM what.

[AM PM Advertiser]

More could you want? Stop by AM PM where the snacks and drinks are perfectly craveable and convenient. That's cravenience. AM PM Too much good stuff.

[Narrator]

Garage in North Carolina was a real clue. A real possibility for positive information. Agents of the FBI paid a visit to Mr. Stanton, the owner of that garage.

[FBI Agent Boone]

See, gentlemen, I'm just at a loss to understand any of this. I purchased those cars in good faith. You had no idea that they were stolen, Mr. Stanton? None whatsoever. Who Sold them to you was various people. People you knew? No. According to the registration records in Virginia, one man sold all of those cars to you, Mrs. Stanton. Well, suppose you give us the real facts. Well, one man did sell him, but he told me he represented several owners.

[FBI Agent Tom]

Who was this man?

[FBI Agent Boone]

His name was, let me see. Crawford. George Crawford.

[FBI Agent Tom]

How did you meet him?

[FBI Agent Boone]

He answered an ad I put in the papers. And then he came here at my garage.

[FBI Agent Tom]

Can you describe him?

[FBI Agent Boone]

Not too well. Do you mind if we take a look around the garage here, Mr. Stanton? What for? Just a routine inspection. Very well. Go ahead. I'll go out back to the office, get you those registrations. Thanks.

[FBI Agent Tom]

What are you interested in, Tom?

[FBI Agent Boone]

That workbench over there. Come on. I noticed it on the way in. It had some very familiar equipment on it.

[Narrator]

Look it over.

[FBI Agent Tom]

Well, electric drills, buffing machine.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Not forgetting those sandpaper discs and that steel brush. Very handy equipment to alter motor numbers on stolen cars. Yes. Do you think that came from the office? Yes.

[Charles Mead]

Come on.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Where? It looks like Mr. Mead just lost a partner.

[Narrator]

We momentarily close the Federal Bureau of Investigation file on Charles Meade, car thief. We will return to this case in just a moment. Suppose that all the members of the Equitable Society decided to live together in one community. The result would be a city almost as large as Chicago. For this society now has over 3,200,000 members. Actually, of course, these Equitable members are widely distributed. Every state in the union is largely represented. And by the same token, every section of the nation benefits by the investments of Equitable Society funds. The premium dollars sent in by Equitable members are used to promote industry and agriculture in all parts of the country. Equitable dollars help finance shipbuilders on the Pacific coast. Ranchers in Wyoming, oilmen in Texas, miners in Minnesota. Coal producers in Pennsylvania. Farmers and workers throughout the land. And so this great mutual organization is indeed well named. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. In both its membership and the distribution of its investments it takes in the entire United States. And so, you see, by serving its members, the Equitable Society serves America. And now back to the file on Charles Mead, car thief.

In the FBI headquarters in Washington, there is row upon row of file cabinets containing cases marked complete. An examination of any one of these will show that every thread, every rumor, every bit of information pertinent to that case, however minute, has been investigated to a conclusion. There are no loose ends, only complete and irrefutable proof. The suicide of the garage keeper enabled the FBI to uncover many additional facts regarding Charles Meade special agents conducted an intensive search in the dead man's garage. Records were combed over, correspondence checked. Finally, out of this painstaking work there emerged a clue. A small clue. A letter that had been mailed to the garage man by Meade over a year before. A letter sent from Portland, Oregon. A letter with a return address. A teletype was sent to the Portland field office. And a special agent was sent to the address to investigate.

[Faye Mead]

I bet this has something to do with my nephew, Charlie.

[Hotel Clerk]

Charles Mead.

[Faye Mead]

That's him.

[FBI Agent Boone]

I was right, huh?

[Hotel Clerk]

Do you know where he is?

[FBI Agent Boone]

Nope.

[Faye Mead]

I haven't seen him in over a year. He went east to Cleveland, but I know he isn't there anymore.

[Charles Mead]

Why not?

[Faye Mead]

Because I wrote him at the address he gave me. The letter was returned.

[Hotel Clerk]

May I have that address anyway?

[Faye Mead]

Sure, but I don't think it'll do you any good. Charlie moves fast and often.

[Narrator]

Wanted. Notices on Charles Meade were sent out from the FBI headquarters in Washington for national distribution. Meanwhile, the one lead, the slender lead, the year old address in Cleveland was followed up by a special agent there.

[FBI Agent Boone]

No, Mr. Mead hasn't lived here in, let me see now, oh, at least eight months. Did he leave any forwarding address? No, he just packed his trunks and left. Trunks? Yeah, two of them. How were they moved? Well, I believe it was American Express. Thank you very much.

[Narrator]

A search of the express company records. A long, tedious search was finally rewarded. The records show the two trunks belonging to one Charles Meade were picked up at the Cleveland address and delivered to an apartment house in Louisville, Kentucky.

[Faye Mead]

Charles Meade moved out about two months ago. I understand he went back east to get married.

[FBI Agent Tom]

Where in the east?

[Faye Mead]

He didn't say.

[FBI Agent Tom]

Did he leave any trunks?

[Faye Mead]

Yes, two of them.

[FBI Agent Tom]

Did he take them with him?

[Faye Mead]

No, he had them sent to storage in Leo? Yes, to the acne storage warehouse.

[FBI Agent Tom]

I hope there's something in these trunks after getting a search warrant and all. Let's examine this one first.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Right. Let's see.

[FBI Agent Tom]

One, two, three suits and a top coat.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Here. We'll try the drawers. Well, what is it? A box of keys. Car keys?

[FBI Agent Tom]

That would be Mr. Mead.

[Charles Mead]

All right.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Here's some cans of automobile paint for retouching purposes? Yes. What story did you get from the warehouse people?

[FBI Agent Tom]

They said he paid them two months in advance.

[FBI Agent Boone]

And no further word from him? No, none at all that two months should be up.

[FBI Agent Tom]

It is. He owes the money now.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Well, we've got one good chance that.

[FBI Agent Tom]

He'Ll get in touch with the warehouse.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Yes, and give us a chance to get in touch with him.

[Narrator]

The special agents kept in constant touch with the warehouse. One day, two weeks after their first visit, a letter arrived. A letter containing a money order. A money order signed by Charles Maid. But Maid was still clever. Although the letter was postmarked St. Louis, Missouri, there was no return address. The money order, however, was issued at the Gardner Postal Station, which is located in the suburbs. Special agents went there at once.

[FBI Agent Boone]

That's his complete description. I see. Do you recall him at all? I'm trying to think.

[FBI Agent Tom]

The money order was issued last Tuesday.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Well, that might be a help. Tuesday. That was a pretty slow day. Did any strangers come in here at all? Yes, yes, I remember now. The fella came in here around noon time. Yes, he was.

[Narrator]

Let's say he looked just like the fellow you described.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Are you sure? Of course. I remember him real well now.

[Narrator]

He told me he was just driving through.

[FBI Agent Tom]

Did he say where he was heading?

[FBI Agent Boone]

No. Oh, now wait, though. He did ask one question. What was that? He wanted to know about a good tourist camp. Yes, I recommended Brockton's Place. That's about six miles further out.

[FBI Agent Tom]

Brackton's Place. Let's go, Tom.

[Faye Mead]

Charles. Charles.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Yeah?

[Faye Mead]

Are you going to sleep all day, darling?

[Charles Mead]

No, no, I'm getting up. What time is it?

[Faye Mead]

Almost noon.

[Charles Mead]

Oh, I'm dead.

[Faye Mead]

You got a good night's sleep, honey.

[Charles Mead]

A dozen nights sleep would just about get me even.

[Faye Mead]

Come on now, get up. We have to start packing.

[Charles Mead]

Yeah, I know. That's just about all we do in life. I'm getting awful sick.

[Faye Mead]

Now, let's not go into that again, Faye.

[Charles Mead]

Look, we got enough money now. Enough money to settle down in one spot and enjoy ourselves for a while.

[FBI Agent Boone]

No, no.

[Charles Mead]

Well, honey.

[Faye Mead]

Listen, Charles, I told you, I spent all my life being settled in one spot. I never want to do it again.

[Charles Mead]

Oh, you can't keep living like this.

[FBI Agent Boone]

Bad hotels, tourists.

[Faye Mead]

I like them. I love going from place to place. And that's what I intend to do with or without you, darling.

[Charles Mead]

What do you mean?

[Faye Mead]

If you want that settling down business, you do it without me.

[Charles Mead]

Oh, now, wait a minute.

[Faye Mead]

I mean.

[Charles Mead]

It's okay, honey. You win.

[Faye Mead]

Who's that?

[Charles Mead]

How do I know? Wait. Yeah?

[FBI Agent Boone]

How are you, Mr. Meade?

[Charles Mead]

Who are you?

[FBI Agent Boone]

We're special agents of the FBI.

[Faye Mead]

Charles.

[FBI Agent Tom]

Stay where you are.

[Faye Mead]

Well, it looks like you're going to get your way, darling. They're settling down.

[Narrator]

Abnormal conditions brought on by the war of open lucrative fields for the criminal. Lucrative temporarily, because the criminal has to risk a battle of wits and a battle of endurance with the FBI. And that is a battle he cannot win. Last year alone, over $5 million worth of stolen cars were recovered and over 2,000 car thieves were convicted. The FBI is and will be relentless in the apprehension of anyone threatening the security or rights of the people of the United States. It is your organization. It is part of the government, and the government is you.

You'll hear about the disposition of this case in just a minute. Will you join the Equitable Society in a salute? A salute to the men who weld the plates and hammer home the rivets. To the men and women whose strong right arms have built ships and more ships far faster than Nazi U boats and Jap suicide planes could sink them. Since war was declared, America's shipyards have added 100,000 vessels to the navy. And for the navy and merchant marine together have launched $40 billion worth of shipping. And all this in addition to countless repair jobs on all types of of vessels, from battleships and flat tops to submarines and mine sweepers. That's proof, if any proof was needed, that the way we do things in America is more than a match for any other way or any other system. Bar none. Members of the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States are proud to know that their premium dollars have backed up shipbuilders. That Equitable Society funds are invested in this, America's second largest war industry, as well as in scores of other great manufacturing enterprises now concentrating on war production in wartime. Equitable Society dollars are fighting dollars, and at all times they are securely dollars for you, your home and your country.

After being indicted by a federal grand jury at Columbus, Ohio, Charles Meade and his wife pleaded guilty to violating the National Motor Vehicle Theft Act. They were each given sentences totaling 20 years in a federal penitentiary.

The incidents used in tonight's broadcast are taken from the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. However, all names used are fictitious and any similarity thereof to the names of persons living or dead is accidental. Tonight, the music was under the direction of Van Cleave. Your narrator was Frank Lovejoy. This is your FBI is a Jerry Devine production. Now this is Carl Frank speaking for the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States and inviting you to tune in again next week at this same time for this. This is your FBI. This is the American Broadcasting Company.