Dragnet: The Big Betty (EP4616)

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Great Detectives Present Dragnet (Old Time Radio)

Episode: Dragnet: The Big Betty (EP4616)
Host: Adam Graham
Release Date: February 1, 2025

---

Introduction

In this episode of The Great Detectives Present Dragnet, host Adam Graham delves into "Dragnet: The Big Betty," presenting a compelling non-violent yet morally reprehensible crime story from the classic Old Time Radio series. Graham highlights the unique strength of Dragnet in portraying intricate investigations beyond high-profile murders, emphasizing the show's focus on procedural accuracy and character development.

---

Summary of "Dragnet: The Big Betty"

Case Introduction

The episode centers around a sophisticated bunco operation exploiting obituary columns to deceive grieving relatives of recently deceased individuals. The scheme involves selling counterfeit merchandise, such as wristwatches and pen sets, falsely attributed to the deceased's loved ones.

• Ms. Bergstrom's Encounter (04:13 - 07:54)

  Joe Friday and his partner, Ben Romero, interview Ms. Bergstrom, a widow who fell victim to the scam. She recounts how a man named Spencer delivered supposedly authentic gifts from her deceased fiancé, Harry, only to discover their fraudulent nature.

  Ms. Bergstrom (05:00): "That's Harry's boy. He's engaged to. That's how the man got me interested to start with."

  Ben Romero (07:00): "These are the ones that tab North."

Investigation Steps

1. Identifying the Modus Operandi (08:02 - 10:34)

   Friday and Romero recognize a pattern in recent complaints—use of obituary and casualty lists to target victims. They consult an informant, Judd, a former con man, who provides insights into the gang's operations.

   Judd (09:11): "Look at this. Just look at the size of it. It's cute, huh?"

2. Following the Lead to Fred G. Norris (10:48 - 14:08)

   Utilizing cab company records, the detectives trace Norris, a suspect from Minneapolis, to a hotel in Los Angeles. They uncover counterfeit merchandise and arrange a stakeout, leading to Norris's arrest.

   Joe Friday (12:10): "We drove out and met with Judd at his home."

3. Arrest and Interrogation (14:08 - 15:16)

   Norris is apprehended and interrogated but initially denies involvement. However, further evidence links him to multiple victims.

   Ben Romero (15:16): "Look, I can't sit here all day. I have business to attend to."

4. Expanding the Investigation (16:12 - 18:35)

   The team investigates Norris's associates, including Wesley Fisher and Raymond Breen, identifying their roles in the bunco racket. They uncover a broader network with connections to a house in West Hollywood serving as a central hub.

   Joe Friday (18:20): "No, I don't think so, Judd. You got some nice equipment here."

5. Breaking the Gang (19:21 - 26:59)

   Through persistent investigation and collaboration with informants, the detectives locate and apprehend key gang members, including Betty McGraw, the mastermind behind the operation. McGraw's arrest culminates the case, leading to multiple convictions.

   Ben Romero (24:49): "They're in just as deep as I am. If they can't do right by me, I'll square it up myself."

Conclusion of the Case

By March 28, all remaining gang members, including Elizabeth "Betty" McGraw, are convicted of grand theft and serving their sentences. The case underscores the meticulous approach of the LAPD in dismantling sophisticated, non-violent crime rings.

Narrator (27:44): "The remaining members of the Bunco gang were apprehended and brought to trial. They are now serving their terms in the state penitentiary."

---

Host's Commentary and Analysis

Adam Graham reflects on the episode, praising Dragnet for its ability to craft engaging narratives around crimes that, while less violent, are equally despicable. He highlights several key elements that make this episode stand out:

• Emotional Engagement: The heartfelt interview with Ms. Bergstrom establishes a strong emotional connection, investing the audience in the pursuit of justice.

  Adam Graham: "From that very first heartbreaking scene where they're interviewing the girlfriend of the deceased soldier, the audience is invested in them actually finding the perpetrators."

• Character Dynamics: The subtle interrogation techniques employed by Joe Friday demonstrate the show's emphasis on character-driven storytelling.

  Adam Graham: "I love the subtle way Friday pressured the first suspect captured of just calling the witnesses right in front of him."

• Plot Resolution: The arrest of Betty McGraw serves as a satisfying conclusion, showcasing the thoroughness and dedication of the police force.

  Adam Graham: "The arrest of Betty McGraw is probably one of my favorite closing scenes from the '50s series."

Graham also shares personal anecdotes about his experiences during the podcast recording, including attending Podfest and visiting SeaWorld, adding a personal touch to the episode's wrap-up.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ms. Bergstrom on Betrayal (05:00):

  "That's Harry's boy. He's engaged to. That's how the man got me interested to start with."

• Ben Romero on Multiplier Effects (07:00):

  "These are the ones that tab North."

• Judd on the Operation (09:11):

  "Look at this. Just look at the size of it. It's cute, huh?"

• Ben Romero's Determination (24:49):

  "They're in just as deep as I am. If they can't do right by me, I'll square it up myself."

• Narrator on Convictions (27:44):

  "They are now serving their terms in the state penitentiary."

---

Conclusion

Dragnet: The Big Betty exemplifies the enduring appeal of the Dragnet series, showcasing a meticulously crafted investigation into a cunning bunco operation. Adam Graham's insightful presentation underscores the show's prowess in portraying complex, character-driven stories that resonate with audiences, proving that compelling crime narratives extend beyond sensational murders to the intricate dance of law enforcement unraveling deceit.

---

Transcript

[Joe Friday]

Taxes was feeling so stuck sitting in traffic, squeezing into a parking spot all to squeeze in. Getting tax help during your lunch break. NowTaxes is a TurboTax expert who does your taxes for you while you go about your day, getting real time notifications about their progress and the most money back guaranteed. Now this is Intuit TurboTax get an expert now on TurboTax.com Only available with TurboTax LIFO service. Real time updates only in iOS mobile apps. See guarantee [e-mail].

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the great detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment we're going to bring you this week's episode of Dragnet. And yes, I am back in Boise. It's not just a mistake which I seem to make at least twice on every recording I made in Orlando. I kind of hope I caught them all, but I am really back home in Boise and we'll talk about that a bit after the podcast. I also want to encourage you if you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. Now I do want to go ahead and tell you about Molly B's Gourmet Cookies. These aren't your average cookies. Molly B's takes the idea of a classic treat and flips it on its head with bold unforgettable flavors. Picture this chocolate cherry Armeto in their be cordial cookie or or the boss man loaded with real maple syrup, crispy bacon and whiskey. It's like a gourmet adventure in every bite. Each cookie is artisan crafted in small batches ensuring top notch quality and that melt in your mouth texture we all love. And here's the best part. Molly B's delivers right to your door. No cookie shop needed. Want to give them a try? Use the code Box Box13 at checkout on Mollybees.com to snag 10% off your entire order. It's an exclusive deal I set up for my listeners and as a full disclosure, I earn a small commission when you use my code. So it's a win win. You get amazing cookies and you support the show. Head over to mollybz.com that's mollybz.com today and treat yourself to something extraordinary. Now speaking of something extraordinary from November 23, 1950, here's the big Betty.

[Ben Romero]

The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a bunco detail. A gang of petty swindler has set up operations in Your city. They're experienced, cunning. They work fast.

[Joe Friday]

Your job.

[Ben Romero]

Get EM.

[Narrator]

Dragnet. The documented drama of an actual crime. For the next 30 minutes, in cooperation with the Los Angeles Police Department, you will travel step by step on the side of the law through an actual case transcribed from official police files. From beginning to from crime to punishment, Dragnet is the story of your police force in action.

[Joe Friday]

It was Tuesday, December 14th. It was cold in Los Angeles. We were working the day watch out of Bunco detail. My partner's Ben Romero. The boss is Captain McCauley. My name's Friday. It was 10:35am when I got to room 38. Funko detail.

[Ben Romero]

Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, Ben.

[Ben Romero]

Joe, this is Ms. Bergstrom. You talked to her on the phone last night.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, yeah, sure.

[Ben Romero]

This is my partner, Sergeant Friday.

[Ms. Bergstrom]

How do you do?

[Joe Friday]

Glad to know you. Did you care to sit down?

[Ms. Bergstrom]

Thank you. I was downtown, so I thought it'd be just as easy for me to come in and see you.

[Joe Friday]

Did you bring those things with you, Ms. Bergstrom?

[Ms. Bergstrom]

Here they are. Wristwatch, pen and pencil set.

[Ben Romero]

Mm, sure make them look nice, don't they?

[Joe Friday]

On the outside, yeah.

[Ms. Bergstrom]

Let me take the back off the watch for you. There. You can see for yourself, Sergeant.

[Joe Friday]

That's junk. Not worth 15 cents.

[Ms. Bergstrom]

Charged me $48 for that watch. Said it was wholesale. He wasn't making any profit on it. Tell me he was doing it because he'd known Harry so well. Watch only ran for a day, then it stopped.

[Ben Romero]

How about the pen and pencil?

[Ms. Bergstrom]

Said, man, this is bad. Pen's just a shell. Won't even write. Same with a pencil. I paid him $30 for them.

[Ben Romero]

Mm. This engraving on the pen was Love from Harry.

[Ms. Bergstrom]

That's Harry's boy. He's engaged to. That's how the man got me interested to start with. Came to my house and gave them to me, the watch and the pen and pencil. Said Harry had ordered them as presents for me. I just had to cry when he brought them. Poor Harry.

[Joe Friday]

When did this man come to your home, Ms. Bergson?

[Ms. Bergstrom]

Yesterday morning. Guess I should have been more careful, but I didn't think anybody would do a thing like that.

[Joe Friday]

What kind of a story did he give you?

[Ms. Bergstrom]

Well, he came to the door and told me his name was Spencer. He said Harry had ordered these things as presents for me. And Harry told him to deliver them to my house. Watch looked beautiful in the case. I didn't know anything was wrong.

[Joe Friday]

I see. Would you go on, please?

[Ms. Bergstrom]

He told me it was a special order. Said Harry had written him from overseas A week before. Harry was in the Marine Corps, you know. Well, he said he hoped the engraving was all right the way Harry wrote. He wanted it in his letter. I just couldn't take it. I cried.

[Ben Romero]

This man, he pretended to be a close friend of Harry?

[Ms. Bergstrom]

Yeah. That's why I showed him the letter. One from the Marine Corps. But Harry being killed overseas.

[Joe Friday]

When did you receive that letter, Ms. Bragstrom?

[Ms. Bergstrom]

Two days before, on Saturday. Harry's name was on the casualty list on Monday.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, we understand. What did the man do when you showed him the letter?

[Ms. Bergstrom]

He sympathized with me. He pretended to. I didn't think there was any trick. I didn't think anybody was that low. Pen and pencil set look a little cheap, but I wanted them no matter how cheap they were. Harry's last present to me. That's what I thought.

[Ben Romero]

How did he approach the idea of money?

[Ms. Bergstrom]

Well, when he was ready to leave, he told me Harry had ordered the things on credit, so he didn't want to mention it. But he wondered how he could get payment for the watch and the pen and pencil.

[Joe Friday]

Well, he didn't show you a bill, did he? An invoice listing the price of the watch or the engraving that was done?

[Ms. Bergstrom]

No. And I didn't want him bothering Harry's mother or father at a time like this. I borrowed some money from my dad and paid him.

[Joe Friday]

Let's see. It's $48 for the watch, $30 for the pen and pencil center.

[Ms. Bergstrom]

Yeah. He gave me a phone number to call if the watch needed adjustment. And when I found the watch was a fake, I called the number. It was at Chinese Laundry. They didn't know anything about it.

[Joe Friday]

You haven't seen or heard from this man since he left your house yesterday morning?

[Ms. Bergstrom]

No.

[Ben Romero]

Could you describe this man for us, Ms. Bergstrom? What he looked like, clothes he was wearing?

[Ms. Bergstrom]

What? It's right here in the slip of paper, Sergeant. I wrote it all out for you.

[Ben Romero]

Thank you.

[Joe Friday]

Well, you're not alone, if that's any consolation. There's an army widow out in Hollywood was cheated on the same kind of deal last Friday.

[Ms. Bergstrom]

So cruel, using a dead person's name to cheat you.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am.

[Ms. Bergstrom]

How can anybody get lower than that?

[Joe Friday]

They keep trying. Ben and I took Ms. Bergstrom's crime report. The phony watch and pen and pencil set were booked as evidence. In the past two weeks, we'd received a half a dozen identical complaints from relatives or friends of lately deceased persons. The swindler or con man, as he Likes to be called in his trade. Gets the names of lately deceased persons from the obituary column or the military casualty list in the name newspapers. Then he fixes up some cheap article of merchandise with appropriate engraving and calls on the friends and relatives of the deceased. He pretends to know nothing about the death of the person whom he claims placed the order for the merchandise. In almost every case, the friend or relative agrees to pay for the articles at some exorbitant price. For the con man, it's a lucrative racket for the public. A vicious one. Wednesday, December 15th. Ben and I looked up an informant, a former con man.

[Ben Romero]

What do you think of it, fellas? Been in business for two months, doing fine. What do you think of it? Looks great, Judge. Nice setup. Finest baby laundry in South Los Angeles. That's why I advertise. Hey, you don't think that's too broad, do you?

[Joe Friday]

No, I don't think so, Judd. You got some nice equipment here. Baby laundry. How'd you ever get started?

[Ben Romero]

Father in law set me up with a loan. Says he got tired of me trying to sell him bum watches.

[Joe Friday]

Well, that's a good break for you, Judd. See you got a couple of minutes.

[Ben Romero]

We'd like to talk to you, Joyce. Then come on back here. Okay, Fine, thanks. Yeah, it's squared away. Living a solid life. Not bad at all. You know, it surprised me. You ever see any of the old gangs yet? Not much, no. Some of the old grifters look me up now and then. Try to touch me. No go. Hey, here you are. Well enough. Yeah, thank you. Okay, fellas, what can I do for you?

[Joe Friday]

Oh, he'd like to know how close you got your ear to the ground, Judd. There's a gang of bunks in town. They're working hard.

[Ben Romero]

What pitch they using?

[Joe Friday]

They're working the obits, casualty lists. Thought maybe you might be able to help us.

[Ben Romero]

I don't know. How long you been gone? Last couple of weeks. Had half a dozen reports on them. That's one thing they never could tap me for. Obituary racket. Lousiest racket there is.

[Joe Friday]

Can you do anything for us?

[Ben Romero]

I heard one little rumble about it. Four or five guys in the con mob. That right? We know that, Judd. Where can we look for them? You know my position. When I quit the game, I quit. The only contacts I make are when some of you old boys come around for a touch.

[Joe Friday]

Well, how much have you heard about the game?

[Ben Romero]

What? I said there's four or five of them out of the Middle West.

[Joe Friday]

I think you got Any idea at all where we could start looking?

[Ben Romero]

I can start checking for you. You nailed any of them yet? We gotta find them before we can arrest em, Judd. Yeah, well, as I say, when I quit the game, I quit. But maybe I can take a few soundings for you. Can't promise you anything. I'm strictly on helping up.

[Joe Friday]

Okay, Judd. You know where to get in touch with us. We'll appreciate anything. Can do.

[Ben Romero]

Well, you help me plenty of times, fellas. Wouldn't hurt a bit to tab that bunch. I'll walk out with you. I see you've got all the machines going. Baby laundry business must be pretty good, huh? It's a staple commodity, fellas. Kids always need a fresh change. Just mer. Yeah. Look at this. Just look at the size of it.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

You ever see anything so small in your life? It's cute, huh? Yeah. What is it? New kind of soakers, I think. Let's see the label here. Yeah. Mother Greg. Super Soakers. Kids thing. They sure give me a wallet.

[Joe Friday]

You know, we might as well check the office while we're here. Ben, can I use your phone?

[Ben Romero]

Judd. Yeah. Right over there on the wall. You got change?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Thank you.

[Ben Romero]

I.

[Ms. Bergstrom]

City Hall.

[Joe Friday]

2572.

[Ms. Bergstrom]

2572.

[Ben Romero]

Bunco fugitive. Brian.

[Joe Friday]

Joe Friday. Tom, Anything doing?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, Joe, I think we might have a lead on those bunks working the obituary racket.

[Joe Friday]

What do you got?

[Ben Romero]

They reached a woman in Highland Park. Where are you?

[Joe Friday]

Baby laundry.

[Ben Romero]

Oh, well, it's a Mrs. Westerly. Her daughter was killed in an auto accident last night. They came around and sold the woman a watch her daughter was supposed to have ordered. Also a necklace and pen and pencil set. $250. Usual junk.

[Joe Friday]

Did you talk to this Mrs. Westerly?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, we took the report. The man's description, his mo, the rest all match up.

[Joe Friday]

What's the lead?

[Ben Romero]

She watched the man when he left her house. Yeah, he got in the taxi cab.

[Joe Friday]

10:30Am While Sergeants Bryant and Ullery got out of broadcast on the suspect Ben and I drove to the offices of the cab company where we contacted the special agent. He helped us check the way bills for the preceding night. On the way bill for cab 213 we found the trip listed starting point, the intersection nearest the Westerly home. Destination, a hotel on South Flower Street. We went to the hotel and interviewed the desk clerk. From the description we gave him, he identified the man as Fred G. Norris from Minneapolis. At least that's the way he'd signed the hotel register. The clerk told us Norris wasn't in. We had him show us Norris's room. In his suitcases we found quantities of dime store costume jewelry monogrammed and two dozen cheap wristwatches and wallets and handbags done in poor quality imitation leather. Also a portable engraving set. The clerk told us that Norris was expected back shortly. We told him to say nothing to the suspect when he arrived. We called the office and arranged for a stakeout at the hotel. Then we drove back to the office. 1:00pm they told us Norris had been recognized from his description and picked up by unit 17R on the way back to his hotel. Shortly before noon, Ben and I joined Sergeants Ullery and Bryant in the interrogation room where they were questioning a suspect. He looked about 40 years old, white male American, about 6ft tall, 170 pounds. He would admit nothing. Bryant kept questioning him.

[Ben Romero]

You're wasting our time on your own, Norris. Face it, you were playing a rough game and you lost. Now how about it? You're going to feel pretty silly when you find out you got the wrong guy. Who do you work for, Fred? You can do what you want about investigating me. You haven't a thing to hold me on.

[Joe Friday]

There's no use wasting any more time. You got that list of victims?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, these are the ones that tab North.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[Ben Romero]

Couple more here, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Thanks, man. Hello, Ms. Bergstrom there, please. Oh, this is Sergeant Friday, Ms. Bergstrom, bunko detail. Yeah, we picked up a suspect. We'd like to see if you can identify him. Would it be all right if we sent a card for you right now? All right, fine. Thank you very much. Bye.

[Ben Romero]

Look, I can't sit here all day. I have business to attend to. Brad Norris.

[Joe Friday]

He's on the phone. Hello, Ms. Cronin there, please. This Sergeant Friday calling. Ms. Cronin, bunko detail. Yes, ma'am, that's right. I'm sorry to disturb you, but we have a suspect in custody down here. Yes, ma'am. Hey, Sergeant, could you come down the City Hall? Right away, Sergeant, would you hold on just a minute, please?

[Ben Romero]

Thank you. Yeah, Norris, you got me.

[Joe Friday]

We informed the victims that the special show up had been canceled. And we called in a stenographer and had her take Fred Norris's statement. In addition to listing the crimes he committed, he also told us that there were six men in the Bunco gang besides himself. He gave us the names and descriptions of each one of them. He stated that they'd been operating in Los Angeles for the past four months. Norris said that none of them had ever met the leader of their Bunco gang. The only contact they had with the leader was through one of the older gang members, A man by the name of Wesley Fisher. Before Norris was taken to Central Jail for booking, he gave us the address of the house where he had been living with the other gang members. Norris's information on the suspects was checked through R and I. We got one mate, Wesley Fisher. He had one prior arrest two years before on a grand theft charge, but he'd been released for lack of evidence. 3:15pm Together with Sergeants Ullery and Bryant and two men from metro squad, we drove out to the address given us by Fred Norris. Turned out to be a neat looking bungalow in the West Hollywood area.

[Ben Romero]

Let's go. Would you take the front door, Joe? Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Say, Tom?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah?

[Joe Friday]

You want to have Johnson and Brewer cover the back of the place, please?

[Ben Romero]

Okay, Joe, Maury and I will cover the sign.

[Joe Friday]

Thanks. Let's go. Ma'am.

[Ben Romero]

Did you want to see the people who lived here? Yes, ma'am. Do you want to check for the termites now? I'm Mrs. Callahan, the owner. No, ma'am. We want to see the tenants. I'm afraid you're a little late.

[Joe Friday]

Is that so?

[Ms. Bergstrom]

They just moved out. Bagging.

[Ben Romero]

Bagging.

[Narrator]

You are listening to Dragnet authentic stories of your police force in action.

[Joe Friday]

Wednesday, December 15, 4pm we made a thorough check of the house which the six suspects had just vacated. We found nothing that would help us. We talked to the owner of the house where the suspects had been living. She told us that she'd rented the place furnished to them about three months before. She identified Wesley Fisher's mug shot, but she told us that he'd use the name of Charles Wilder. She also recognized each of the other gang members from the descriptions that Fred Norris had given us. She told us that while they were living there, the men seemed to keep odd hours and that they had a car. She told us that she'd taken the license number of the car the day the men moved in. The number was checked with DMV. It was registered in the name of Wesley Fisher. 1008 California Street. It's a transient hotel. The manager told us Fisher had moved about nine months ago. Was no forwarding address. We got out an all points bulletin on Wesley Fish requesting that all occupants in his car be held for investigation of grand theft. Thursday, December 16, 8am Olleree Bryant. Ben and I met with Captain McCauley.

[Ben Romero]

Where are they getting all this junk they're palming off? Where's their source of supply? The Guy we picked up Norris, told us they brought a good supply of it out with him from the Middle West. That hotel room Norris had downtown, they were using that for a warehouse. They didn't want to keep the stuff at the house they were living in. How are they hitting any possibility of stakeouts?

[Joe Friday]

No, not unless we cover every name in the columns.

[Ben Romero]

You might have to try it. Something's gotta be done. Look at these. Two more this morning. Straight out of the obituary column.

[Joe Friday]

Took one family for $90, another one for 60.

[Ben Romero]

How about that last run through the stats office? Help you any? He pulled some more mugs for us. Gonna show them to the victims this morning. How about this, Norris? You think he's come up with everything? We were up talking to him again at county jail yesterday. Didn't have anything new.

[Joe Friday]

Scott, we dropped in at the sheriff's bunco detail. They've got one new case, same mo. Description comes close to one of the guys. The victim was the father of a Navy flyer lost overseas. They sold him a gold watch chain that his son was supposed to have bought him for a present. Solid brass.

[Ben Romero]

The sheriff's men got anything new?

[Joe Friday]

We've been working pretty close with him. Nothing new.

[Ben Romero]

Excuse me, Uncle Fugitive. Captain McCauley. May I talk to Joe Friday? Oh, yeah. Hold on. You Friday? Oh, thank you. Yeah, Joe, this is Judd. Can you meet me out at my place?

[Joe Friday]

What do you got?

[Ben Romero]

Name Wesley Fisher Mean anything to you?

[Joe Friday]

8:30Am Ben and I drove out and met with Judd at his home. He was still in his bathrobe when he met us at the door. He told us he had an important appointment downtown at 9 o'clock and he was in a hurry. We talked to him while he shaved.

[Ben Romero]

Hope you fellas don't mind. Can't miss this date. Lining up some new business, you know. It's all right, Judd. Go right ahead. Yeah, I gotta move fast on these things before they cool, you know?

[Joe Friday]

Work the same with us, Judd. What's the story?

[Ben Romero]

Well, I don't know what's worse. Brother Max called me this morning. You remember my brother Max, don't you? No, I don't think so. Now he works at the Pink Pad Bar in South Maine. When you were in to see me the other day about those grifters you want, I gave my brother a tumble on it. Told him to keep an eye open. A hammer that tall will.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, yeah.

[Ben Romero]

Here you go. Thanks. They're all steamed up.

[Joe Friday]

What'd Max come up with?

[Ben Romero]

Well, he's night bartender at the Parrot, you know. Now, last night he spotted a couple of guys at the bar. Had some day old newspapers. Uh huh. They were sitting there where the papers turned the obituary column. Checking off names, writing down addresses. Max is pretty sharp that way. She spotted them right off. Lousy razor.

[Joe Friday]

Does Max know these two men he spotted?

[Ben Romero]

No, not by name. But he knew that one of them lived in the hotel next door to the bar. The hotel night clerk come in for a beer. Max asked him about it. He tabbed one of the guys is Wesley Fisher. Did he have anything on the other man? No. The clerk told Max he doesn't live at the hotel, but he spends a lot of time there with Fisher.

[Joe Friday]

Had he seen Fisher and this other guy at the bar before?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, Max has been in before. Got lashed up a couple times. Mm.

[Joe Friday]

Say, would it be okay to contact your brother at his home?

[Ben Romero]

Judd?

[Joe Friday]

Sure we don't want to contact him at the bar.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, sure thing. Get you the dress? Soon as I'm finished here. He just moved. I see. I don't know. Hope I didn't get you guys out here for nothing.

[Joe Friday]

We'll appreciate it, Judd. Looks good.

[Ben Romero]

Seems to fit that hotel down there. It's a hang up. Con man angles are all there.

[Joe Friday]

Let's Hope Fisher is. 8:53am we arrived at the hotel on South Main Street. We checked with the desk clerk who told us that Wesley Fisher had room 37. As far as he knew, Fisher was in his room. We got a pass key from the clerk and went up to room 37 where we found Fisher and another man. He identified himself as Raymond Breen, one of the gang members identified by Fred Norris. We also found a small supply of cheap watches and pen and pencil sets in. Fisher's car was parked near the hotel, was impounded. We took both suspects back to the city hall. We questioned them separately in the interrogation room. Breen was first, but he refused to answer our questions. He was taken back to the squadron and Wesley Fisher was brought in.

[Ben Romero]

Sit down, Fisher. Thank you. Guess you know why you're here. Oh, I haven't the least idea.

[Joe Friday]

All right, then. We'll show you. Do you know Fred Norris?

[Ben Romero]

Fred Norris. Name sounds a little familiar. Can't quite place it.

[Joe Friday]

He places you pretty well. He says he worked with you and Breen up till a couple of days ago.

[Ben Romero]

That so?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Says he lived with you in that bungalow out in West Hollywood.

[Ben Romero]

That's so nice. West Hollywood. When was that? Two days ago. Fisher, your landlady, identified your mug. She even had the license number of your car. What's it prove, gentlemen? Proves you're lying. You and Breen work together. You did work with Norris. You're part of one of the filthiest rackets going. Gentlemen, you're making a bad mistake.

[Joe Friday]

No, no, there's no mistake, Fisher. Your picture's been identified by at least a half a dozen victims. Now, you can go on playing coy all you want, but we're. We can prove that the pen and pencil sets that you sold some of the victims are identical to the ones we found in your car.

[Ben Romero]

I haven't any idea what you're talking about. Believe me, that's the truth.

[Joe Friday]

You wouldn't know the truth if it followed you, mister. Now look, maybe you're great at conning old men and young girls, but don't try to pass any of it here.

[Ben Romero]

Now just a moment.

[Joe Friday]

No, you listen, you two bit thief. I couldn't begin to tell you off of the rotten things you've been pulling off in this town for the past three months. That young girl who lost her boyfriend overseas, that widow out in Hollywood, the old man in Highland park whose wife passed away. You must have felt pretty sharp cheating them out of a few bucks. Maybe you don't remember, mister, but we do. And they do. You're gonna pay for them.

[Ben Romero]

You all through?

[Joe Friday]

I'm through, Fisher. You're just starting.

[Ben Romero]

I have nothing further to say, gentlemen. You can talk to my lawyer.

[Joe Friday]

We'll give him your new address.

[Ben Romero]

Yes.

[Joe Friday]

County jail suspects Wesley Fisher and Raymond Breen were booked and transported to the county jail. Both of them were positively identified by the victims. Warrants were obtained for the three suspects, Norris, Fisher and Breen. They were arraigned and held answer at a preliminary hearing on several counts of grand theft. During the next two weeks and through the Christmas holidays, identical complaints of bunco operations continued to come in. Friends and relatives of lately deceased persons were still being victimized. The gang's operations continued as usual. There was only one change. The crime reports showed that a woman was now operating in the obituary racket along with the male suspects. Christmas came and went. On New Year's Eve, Ben and I were assigned to standby duty. A few minutes before 8pm we got a call from the county jail that Wesley Fisher wanted to see us. Went to the 10th floor of the jail interview room.

[Ben Romero]

I'm not gonna take all the heat. They're in just as deep as I am. If they can't do right by me, I'll square it up myself. Tell you everything I know. Go ahead, Fisher. What is it. Her name's Betty McGraw. She's the one you've been looking for. The whole idea was hers. She planned it out. She got everybody together. It was her show.

[Joe Friday]

Where can we find her?

[Ben Romero]

213 Foster, Apartment 8.

[Joe Friday]

Wesley Fisher gave a complete statement of all his crimes and also implicated the other members. He told us Betty McGraw was his girlfriend. She'd come up with the idea for the obituary racket. She gathered the men together for the job and it had been planned that she was to stay in the background in case of trouble. She would furnish aid to the gang members in the form of bail, bond money and lawyers. She received a percentage of the take from each of the gang members. We checked her through R and I. She had a criminal history dating back 11 years. We obtained her mug shot 10:30pm we went out to the address Fisher gave us. A maid answered the door. She told us that the McGraw woman was not there, that she'd gone to a New Year's Eve celebration at a downtown hotel. It was 11:15 when we got there. We identified ourselves to the special officer at the hotel and showed him the mug shot of Betty McGraw. He thought he'd seen her at the main bar. We started looking.

[Ben Romero]

Sure do. Pack them in. Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Excuse me, please. Can I get through here?

[Ben Romero]

Thank you. Sorry. Excuse me. Hey, Joe, over this way. I think we can get through okay.

[Joe Friday]

Do you see her yet?

[Ms. Bergstrom]

No.

[Ben Romero]

They're jammed in there. I can't see a thing. But. Hey, wait a minute.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

Can you see down at the end of the bar there where they're in the black red.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, yeah, that's her.

[Ben Romero]

Would you let her through here, please? Excuse me. Sorry, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Right behind you.

[Ben Romero]

Is Your name Betty McGraw? Is your name Betty McGraw?

[Ms. Bergstrom]

Do I. Betty McGraw?

[Ben Romero]

I don't know you. Who are you, anyway? Police officer.

[Joe Friday]

We'd like to see you outside.

[Ben Romero]

I'm going. We're staying in here.

[Ms. Bergstrom]

This is where the party is, Right here.

[Joe Friday]

Let's go, lady.

[Ben Romero]

Outside.

[Ms. Bergstrom]

Is there a bar outside? I didn't know there was a bar outside.

[Ben Romero]

Okay, Ben. Come on, lady.

[Ms. Bergstrom]

I don't know you at all.

[Ben Romero]

I must go.

[Ms. Bergstrom]

I'm not going.

[Ben Romero]

There it is. Happy New Year. Happy New Year.

[Joe Friday]

No use trying to get through this. We'll have to wait.

[Ben Romero]

Yes. Well, Happy New Year, Joe. Yeah, same to you. Maybe next year we'll have it all.

[Adam Graham]

Friend.

[Ben Romero]

Oh, my.

[Ms. Bergstrom]

I always cry when I hear that song. No reason.

[Ben Romero]

I just cry.

[Ms. Bergstrom]

Yeah, Every year I play it and I cry.

[Ben Romero]

No reason at all.

[Joe Friday]

You got one this year. Lady, come on.

[Narrator]

The story you've just heard was true.

[Ben Romero]

Only the names were changed to protect the innocent.

[Narrator]

On March 28, trial was held in Superior Court Department 93, City and County of Los Angeles, State of California. In a moment, the results of that trial. The remaining members of the Bunko gang were apprehended and brought to trial. All of them, including the gang leader, Elizabeth McGraw, were tried and convicted of grand theft. They are now serving their terms in the state penitentiary. You have just heard Dragnet, a series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice comes from the office of Chief of Police W.H. parker, Los Angeles Police Department.

[Ben Romero]

Coming up, we the people, then screen Director's Playhouse on NBC.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. This is one of those episodes I absolutely love, and it shows the strength of Dragnet as a series. We deal with a lot of murders on this podcast. Maybe 95% of our episodes involve a killing of some sort. And that's understandable as those tend to be crimes that really draw our interest and fascination as human beings. But Dragnet didn't always have to do that. It could tell stories about crimes that were less violent and still make them interesting because it's about the investigation, the process. I think this one is particularly great because they manage to tell a story that's about a crime that's not violent, but is also utterly reprehensible. So from that very first heartbreaking scene where they're interviewing the girlfriend of the deceased soldier, the audience is invested in them actually finding the perpetrators. And there are so many great scenes. I love the subtle way Friday pressured the first suspect captured of just calling the witnesses right in front of him. Also, Friday was far less likely to speechify about a criminal's contact than he would be in the 1960s dragnet. But I think that an early example of him doing something like that was in that confrontation with Wesley Fisher. And the arrest of Betty McGraw is probably one of my favorite closing scenes from the 50s series. And this one works even better on television. But whether it's TV or radio, this is just one of the finest episodes of Dragnet. All right. Ever so briefly. Yes, I made it back to Boise and had a relatively smooth trip. I had a really good time at Podfest, met some people and picked up a lot of good information. I'm working to implement what I can right now. And a few really just great conversations. I also visited SeaWorld first time and got to see some amazing animals. And honestly, that's my focus. There's a lot of coasters. I only rode one coaster which just kind of reminded me that I'm not really into most roller coasters. I was smart enough to avoid the ones that turned me upside down, but I found out that I really don't like the ones that turned me on my side either. But the animals were just magnificent. I didn't mind much. The flight went well, although I nearly missed it because they were determined to get off the ground early and get in early to Boise. So now we're back and getting used to being in Boise, but I'm glad to be home. Alright, well, now it's time to thank our Patreon Supporter of the day. I want to thank Carol Ann, who's been one of our patreon supporters since April 2019, currently supporting the podcast at the shamus level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Carol Ann. And that will actually do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software and be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from. We'll be back next Saturday with another episode of Dragnet, but join us back here on Monday for the Adventures of the Falcon where blond hair, blue eyes.

[Ben Romero]

Five foot nine, small mole on right cheek, V shaped scar on left wrist. V shaped scar? That's funny.

[Joe Friday]

What's so funny about it?

[Ben Romero]

Sounds like a boy I used to know in San Francisco. Well, well, Couldn't be him. Last I heard, Mack was serving five to ten at San Quentin.

[Joe Friday]

Mac who?

[Ben Romero]

Mac McKenna.

[Joe Friday]

What made you think it's him?

[Ben Romero]

That scar. He got it in the knifing. But it couldn't be the same one.

[Joe Friday]

Couldn't it? Suppose I told you that Mr. McKenna is now guesting in our fair city.

[Ben Romero]

He's what?

[Joe Friday]

He got it from a stoolie last week. He's living with his wife at the Belmore.

[Ben Romero]

No, it sounds too easy. Well, I'm gonna pick him up just for luck.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box Thirteenreatetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram instagram.com greatdetectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.