Dragnet: The Big Bunco (EP5024)

Summary

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The Great Detectives Present Dragnet (Old Time Radio)

Episode: Dragnet: The Big Bunco (EP5024)
Host: Adam Graham
Date: July 23, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode presents “The Big Bunco”—a classic Dragnet case from April 17, 1952, spotlighting a complex investigation into a con man swindling victims out of thousands with a business opportunity scam. The episode also marks a notable casting change for Joe Friday's partner, with Martin Milner joining as the young detective Bill Lockwood, setting up a dynamic with new mentorship possibilities.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Casting Change: The Introduction of Bill Lockwood

• Host's Background Commentary [01:28 - 04:16]
  • Adam Graham explains the context of Dragnet's evolving cast. Ed Jacobs (Barney Phillips) was never intended as a permanent partner, and his similarity to Jack Webb led to numerous attempts, onscreen and off, to differentiate his character.
  • Martin Milner, only 21 at the time, steps into the role of Bill Lockwood, envisioned as a younger, less-experienced officer—providing a fresh dynamic for Joe Friday as a mentor.
  • "If it had worked, it would have been a big shift in the series. The new partner, unlike Friday's other partners, was a younger man. And so was the actor who played him, Martin Milner, who had just turned 21." — Adam Graham [03:33]

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2. Case Introduction: The Big Bunco

• Dragnet Opening [05:05 - 05:30]
  • Joe Friday sets the stage: a “confidence man” has already stolen more than $8,000 from two elderly women, operating under multiple aliases and shifting locations to evade capture.
  • “He gets more than $8,000. You've got one good lead on the suspect, his method of operation. Your job: Get him.” — Joe Friday [05:12]

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3. Initial Investigation Steps

• Joe and Team Hit Dead Ends [06:10 – 08:15]
  • The detectives struggle against the conman's elusive tactics, cycling through addresses and uncovering no reliable leads.
  • Friday learns of Ed Jacobs's temporary reassignment, making way for Lockwood's introduction as his new, inexperienced partner—an opportunity for mentorship and team-building.
  • “Well, somebody had to do it for us. That's the way it goes.” — Joe Friday [08:01]

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4. Piecing Together the M.O.

• Explaining the Scam [09:40 – 11:09]
  • The conman typically rents high-end office space, hires a secretary, places alluring want ads, and presents himself as a business counselor with clients eager to invest.
  • Victims are lured by tours through legitimate businesses seeking investment, adding to the ruse's credibility.

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5. Interview with the Secretary, Vivian Castle

• Victim of Deceit [12:42 – 16:12]
  • Castle, Preston’s former secretary, offers a physical description and recounts being owed back pay and left alone after the suspect closed his office abruptly.
  • Despite social outings and some workplace familiarity, Castle cannot provide a solid lead; she typifies the peripheral victims of bunco schemes.
  • “Seemed like such a nice man. I've never been so disappointed in my life.” — Vivian Castle [13:34]

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6. New Victim Surfaces: Marie Barrett

• Another Swindle [17:27 – 20:24]
  • Barrett, a toy shop owner, details being shown through a legitimate plastics factory and ultimately tricked into giving Fairchild (Preston) her entire savings of $6,400 for a fake business investment.
  • The conman’s “perfect gentleman” demeanor repeatedly reassures victims.
  • “I can't call him a crook. He just isn't that kind.” — Marie Barrett [20:17]

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7. Stakeout and Break in the Case

• Pursuing Leads via Social Connections [21:18 – 23:31]
  • Castle returns with vital information: the suspect contacted her friend, Norma, for a dinner date, giving Friday’s team an opportunity to arrange a stakeout. However, Preston cancels at the last minute.
  • “He called it off.” — Charlie Riblett [23:28]

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8. Near Miss and Arrest

• Final Pursuit [24:30 – 30:00]
  • A bartender’s tip almost leads to Preston, but the conman slips away yet again—now inebriated and reckless.
  • The detectives then question Fred Sandel, Preston’s drinking companion, whose evasive answers result in Friday checking his own record—leading to Sandel’s arrest for grand theft auto.
  • Meanwhile, word comes in that Preston has finally been picked up—on a drunk charge, with multiple IDs in his possession.
  • “You worked two months on a case, and just when we start to get close, somebody else picks the guy up.” — Charlie Riblett [28:31]
  • “There's no angle. Some days you gotta settle for less. That's all.” — Joe Friday [29:49]

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9. Resolution

• Outcome of the Case [30:00 – 31:35]
  • On April 5, Preston/Fairchild is tried and convicted on three counts of grand theft; Sandel is also convicted of grand theft.
  • Both are sentenced to San Quentin State Penitentiary.

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10. Post-Show Reflections by Adam Graham

• On the Character and Actor of Bill Lockwood [32:49 – 36:30]

  • Graham explores what might have been if Milner had remained Friday’s partner—suggesting the show could have shifted to a mentorship arc and even prepared for Jack Webb’s eventual departure.
  • He discusses Milner’s career, noting his later television successes (Route 66, Adam-12) and his personal reputation as a hardworking, amiable actor.
  • “It would have, one way or another, changed the history of American television. I'm not saying it would be better or worse, but it would definitely have been different.” — Adam Graham [34:45]

• On the Foolishness of Fred Sandel [36:30 – 38:10]

  • Graham opines that Sandel’s insistence on bargaining with the detectives only highlighted his own criminality, leading to his arrest with minimal detective effort.
  • The episode, he notes, delivers practical lessons for Lockwood (and the audience): Investigations often require immense effort with little direct payoff for the detectives themselves.

• On Teamwork in Police Work [38:10 – 39:00]

  • Even with months of legwork, a case’s breakthrough might arrive via chance or another team—offering a realistic (if unsatisfying) look at law enforcement work.

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Notable Quotes

• On switching partners and mentorship:

  • “I remember when I first started. It didn’t come much greener than me. Partner did all the work, took all the chances. Helped me every foot of the way. Never mentioned it once. I never forgot that. It's a good cop.” — Joe Friday [08:03]

• On the conman's manipulative skill:

  • “It's got everything that goes with it. Nice clothes, well mannered, good looking. He doesn't try to high pressure anybody. Tells them if they have confidence in him, he'd be glad to invest their money. If they hedge at all, he shows them right through the office.” — Joe Friday [11:13]

• On the humbling nature of detective work:

  • “Some days you gotta settle for less. That's all.” — Joe Friday [29:49]

• Adam Graham on the potential impact of casting:

  • “It would have, one way or another, changed the history of American television... but it would definitely have been different.” — Adam Graham [34:45]

• Adam Graham on the episode's lesson:

  • “Just because you put in the legwork and you did all of this doesn’t guarantee that you’re going to be in on the capture. You're part of a team... sometimes you put months into an investigation and have very little to do with the way it... ends up concluding.” — Adam Graham [38:30]

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Important Timestamps

• [01:28] Adam Graham sets up episode & casting backstory
• [03:33] On Martin Milner’s role and significance
• [05:05] Case introduction in Dragnet dramatization
• [08:03] Joe Friday’s reflection on mentorship
• [12:42] Interview with secretary Vivian Castle
• [17:27] Interview with victim Marie Barrett
• [21:18] Stakeout opportunity arises via Castle’s friend
• [28:31] Preston captured—detectives reflect on process
• [30:00] Legal outcome and sentences read
• [32:49] Graham's analysis of casting and series trajectory
• [36:30] Graham discusses Sandel and the pitfalls of arrogance in crime
• [38:10] On the realities and teamwork of police work

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Conclusion: Episode Themes and Takeaways

• The "Big Bunco" explores not only a classic bunco (con) scheme but the day-to-day reality of detective work—perseverance, teamwork, and often, anti-climactic resolutions.
• The episode also serves as a window into possible alternate realities for Dragnet, with the casting of Martin Milner as a potential long-term successor and mentee for Joe Friday.
• Both the case and the behind-the-scenes reflections provide enduring insights into the nature of both crime-fighting and the evolution of television storytelling.

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Transcript

[Vivian Castle]

Hey everybody.

[Lady Luck]

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[Charlie Riblett]

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[Grainger Announcer]

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[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. But first I want to encourage you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. Today's program is brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. You can become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month at patreon.greatdetactives.net now we have the first of many casting changes in terms of Joe Friday's partner. This is a decision that played out on radio, but really had its root in the television program. Ed Jacobs was meant primarily as a stopgat, and the network really thought that Barney Phillips looked too much like Jack Webb. And throughout Dragnet's first season, they tried a lot of things in order to make this less apparent. They used glasses, they dyed Barney Phillips hair, and they also for one episode, gave him this amazing leather rain jacket, which I really wish had gotten more airtime. You know, if they had to, they could just say it was raining all the time in Los Angeles. But apparently they were not satisfied. And so they began the search for a permanent partner. This mostly doesn't come play out very much on tv, as Barney Phillips would play Ed Jacobs throughout the entirety of the first season. And then in the second season, it wouldn't be long before Ben Alexander would take over as Frank Smith. But over radio, it was different and they tried a few different things. This may have been the best idea they had. And if it had worked, it would have been a big shift in the series. The new partner, unlike Friday's other partners, was a younger man. And so was the actor who played him, Martin Milner, who had just turned 21 and would go on to success on television, most notably in Route 66 and then later for Webb again in Adam 12. Now, from April 17, 1952, here is the big Bunko.

[Charlie Riblett]

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[Joe Friday]

All the table games you love, with hundreds of slot games and real cash Prizes.

[Charlie Riblett]

That'[e-mail] S P I N Q U E. Spin Quest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spin quest.com for more details.

[Narrator]

The story you are about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent.

[Joe Friday]

You're a detective sergeant.

[Narrator]

You're assigned a bunco detail.

[Joe Friday]

An experienced confidence man is set up

[Narrator]

up from his first two victims.

[Joe Friday]

He gets more than $8,000. You've got one good lead on the

[Charlie Riblett]

suspect, his method of operation, your job.

[Joe Friday]

Get him,

[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 end, from crime to punishment, Dragnet is the story of your

[Joe Friday]

police force in action. It was Tuesday, December 9th. It was windy in Los Angeles. We were working the day watch out of bunko detail. My partner's Ed Jacobs. The boss is Captain Steve. My name's Friday. I was on the way into the office and it was 7:50am when I got to room 38. Bunco detail.

[Charlie Riblett]

Morning, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Hi, Charlie. How'd you make out yesterday?

[Charlie Riblett]

Nothing.

[Joe Friday]

No luck at all, huh?

[Charlie Riblett]

Nothing's gonna help us much. Same description on the guy. Used the Same name, same M.O. didn't get anything we don't already know about him. How about you? Your luck any better?

[Joe Friday]

About the same. Checked out the building where the suspect rented office space. He moved out three days ago. No forwarding address. Checked the hotel he was supposed to be stopping at.

[Charlie Riblett]

Didn't pan out, didn't sign. I'll stick his neck out again.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, it doesn't guarantee we'll reach him. Too late to start. When the complaints come in, we're gonna have to dig Up a faster way of getting to him.

[Charlie Riblett]

Hey, you got a magic.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, sure, Charlie. Here you are.

[Vivian Castle]

Thanks.

[Marie Barrett]

Too bad.

[Charlie Riblett]

Oh, by the way, what's this I hear about your partner?

[Joe Friday]

What?

[Charlie Riblett]

Ed Jacobs. Understand you're losing.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, yeah. Temporarily, anyway.

[Charlie Riblett]

What's the deal?

[Joe Friday]

Well, he's going on a loan out up at the academy. Gonna be an instructor up there. Two months anyway, maybe more.

[Charlie Riblett]

When does this happen?

[Joe Friday]

Tomorrow, the 10th.

[Charlie Riblett]

What are you gonna do for a partner? You and Ken gonna work together?

[Joe Friday]

No, the captain's bringing in a new man. Young fella.

[Charlie Riblett]

He's been working in the business office. You mean the big Irish kid, works the early morning?

[Joe Friday]

No, no, this boy's been working days. Name's Bill Lockwood. I asked for him as soon as I found out I was gonna lose Ed.

[Charlie Riblett]

Know him well?

[Joe Friday]

A little bit. Yeah. You remember Ben Romero?

[Charlie Riblett]

Yeah, sure.

[Joe Friday]

Well, Lockwood's a nephew of Ben's sister's boy. Tall, red hair.

[Charlie Riblett]

Oh, yeah, I see him around. Seems to be a nice enough kid. A good record isn't.

[Joe Friday]

Well, the captain thinks so. Figures he ought to work in pretty well.

[Charlie Riblett]

Oh, by the way, have you seen Ben's wife lately?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I did a couple weeks ago. Seems to be doing all right. Still misses Ben, of course. Yeah, I imagine the little boy's sure getting big. Looks a lot like his dad too.

[Charlie Riblett]

Miss him quite a bit yourself, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, Charlie, I guess I do.

[Charlie Riblett]

Well, I better get on my horse. I got some checking to do. I hope the Lockwood boy works out for you.

[Joe Friday]

Well, I think he'll do all right.

[Charlie Riblett]

Can't say I'd be crazy about the idea myself, breaking in a new man. No detective experience. I go out to pick up a thief, I like to figure I've got some good backing. I mean, a partner I'm used to. Tough enough watching out for yourself, let alone a green youngster.

[Joe Friday]

Well, somebody had to do it for us. That's the way it goes.

[Charlie Riblett]

Yeah, I suppose.

[Joe Friday]

I remember when I first started. It didn't come much greener than me, partner. Did all the work, took all the chances. Helped me every foot of the way. Never mentioned it once. I never forgot that. It's a good cop.

[Charlie Riblett]

What was his name?

[Joe Friday]

Ben Romero. In our particular setup, before a man's eligible to apply for duty in the Detective Bureau, he has to have a minimum of 5 years experience as a police officer, either assigned to radio patrol, traffic duty or some other general assignment. After the initial five years of service, the men go through a screening process to determine which department and which Job they'll fit into best some positions that they seem to show a natural aptitude for. If a man applies for duty in a division of the detective bureau, and if he's accepted, he's assigned a partner to work with the day he goes on the job. Generally a working detective with some experience. In the case of Ben's nephew, Bill Lockwood, he put in his first five years working Wilshire Traffic and also doing radio patrol in Holland, Beck and 77th street divisions. After spending another 11 months in our business office, Captain Steed put in a request for him and he was transferred. When I heard Ed Jacobs was going to be loaned to the police academy as an instructor, I talked to Captain Steed about Lockwood, and he assigned him as my new partner. The changeover happened in the middle of one of the toughest investigations we'd had in months. A bunco artist who was working hard at the business opportunities racket. The following morning, December 10, Bill Lockwood reported in for work and we drove out to check a potential lead on the suspect. On the way, I laid out the case for him.

[Charlie Riblett]

Nothing on the men in R and I, huh? No record at all?

[Joe Friday]

No, not as far as we know. Bill checked Brereton up at Sacramento cii. Nothing doing there. He couldn't help it.

[Charlie Riblett]

What have you been going on? His description?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, that and his M.O. and his name. He uses a different alias on each job. Russell Preston. That was the last name he used.

[Charlie Riblett]

I see. He usually starts by putting a want

[Narrator]

ad in the paper.

[Joe Friday]

Is that him? Well, he rents himself an office first, Usually pretty expensive when well furnished. Then he hires a good looking secretary, has her put a want ad in the daily papers for him, and he's in business. How do the ads read?

[Charlie Riblett]

The usual.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, typical thing you see in the daily paper. Business opportunity for people with vision, good investment, high profits. Apply now, you know. Then he gives his address and phone number. There's nothing clever about it, but people still go for it.

[Charlie Riblett]

He get many replies, do you know?

[Joe Friday]

Well, we figure he got between 20 and 30 on that last deal he pulled. Seems all he has to do is land one victim out of the bunch with enough money and he's got it made. Took his first victim here for 5,000, second one for 3,200. Both elderly women took him for their last dollar.

[Charlie Riblett]

About the way he sets up the deal with these different businessmen, Joe, I

[Joe Friday]

don't think I got it quite straight. Well, how do you mean?

[Charlie Riblett]

Well, say the owner of that manufacturing plant, this Russell Preston lined up. Yeah, you Say Preston went to the plant, introduced himself as a business advisor. Told the owner of the plant he had some people with money to invest. He convinced the owner who's legitimate.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, that's right.

[Charlie Riblett]

And Preston had his two victims shown through the plant and convinced him they ought to invest their money in the business.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, that's it.

[Charlie Riblett]

Do you mean to say the plant owners were acting in good faith?

[Joe Friday]

Well, they were all checked out, Bill. Everything about them. They all have good business reputation. They didn't know any more about the deal than the victims. They needed more capital for their business and they figured this was it.

[Charlie Riblett]

This Preston or whatever his name is. Sure must have a line that won't stop.

[Joe Friday]

It's got everything that goes with it. Nice clothes, well mannered, good looking. He doesn't try to high pressure anybody. Tells them if they have confidence in him, he'd be glad to invest their money. If they hedge it all, he shows them right through the office.

[Charlie Riblett]

Pretty good pitch. Once they're sold on him, he's got

[Joe Friday]

them over a barrel. About the size of it.

[Charlie Riblett]

Yeah. Funny, there's no record on him. Sure sounds like he's had a lot of experience. What are the other names he's used? You remember?

[Joe Friday]

Well, just two of them we know of. Russell R. Preston and George A. Fairchild.

[Charlie Riblett]

I guess the newspapers have been checked out, huh? The ones he ran. The what? Antib.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, they've all been talked to. All their personnel have been notified to watch for ads of that type. Be one way to get a lead on him if he tries again.

[Charlie Riblett]

What about the buildings where he rented office space? Didn't the people there help any?

[Joe Friday]

Well, they confirmed his description. We picked up samples of his handwriting. That's about it. He only rented the offices long enough to cover his deal about two weeks, see? What hundred block is this, Bill? Can you see over there?

[Charlie Riblett]

Let's see. Yeah, 1700.

[Joe Friday]

We want the next one.

[Charlie Riblett]

1811. Who's this woman we're going to talk to? Vivian Castle. That right?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. I'm not sure if she's the right girl or not. Got the lead from an employment agency. Chance she might be the girl Preston hired to be a secretary. I don't know now.

[Charlie Riblett]

Oh, good parting place up there ahead, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, that's good. Pull up anywhere along here. It's fine.

[Charlie Riblett]

Two doors down, Joe. Real estate office, 1811.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I see. Good morning.

[Vivian Castle]

Good morning. Can I help you?

[Joe Friday]

Police officers, ma'. Am. We'd like to talk to him. Ms. Castle? Vivian Castle?

[Vivian Castle]

I'm Vivian Castle.

[Joe Friday]

There's our Identification. This is my partner, Officer Lockwood. My name's Friday.

[Charlie Riblett]

How do you do?

[Vivian Castle]

How do you do? What is it you want, Officers?

[Joe Friday]

We'd like to find out if you know a George Fairchild, ma'.

[Charlie Riblett]

Am.

[Vivian Castle]

Fairchild? No, I don't know anyone by that name.

[Charlie Riblett]

How about a Russell Preston, miss? That mean anything to you?

[Vivian Castle]

I used to work for Mr. Preston. Russell Preston?

[Joe Friday]

About how long ago was that?

[Vivian Castle]

Month, month and a half ago.

[Joe Friday]

Where does he have his offices?

[Vivian Castle]

I did have him on South grand, near 8th. The old Belmont Harris Building. Why?

[Joe Friday]

Would you mind describing Mr. Preston for us, ma'?

[Charlie Riblett]

Am?

[Joe Friday]

Just the general description of him.

[Vivian Castle]

He's about 40, 45 years old, brown hair, a little gray. Nice build. Seemed to be very nice man at first. Always dressed so nice.

[Charlie Riblett]

Wore a dark blue suit.

[Vivian Castle]

Seemed to be very nice.

[Charlie Riblett]

Checks out so far. Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Vivian Castle]

Do you mind telling me what it's about?

[Joe Friday]

We'd like to locate Mr. Preston, ma'. Am. You any idea where he is now?

[Vivian Castle]

I wish I did. I'd call the State Labor Commission. Seemed like such a nice man. I've never been so disappointed in my life.

[Joe Friday]

How do you mean, Ms. Campbell?

[Vivian Castle]

He owes me two weeks pay. $65 a week. I'd need the private secretary. Good jobs aren't hard to get now, either. He can't say he was giving me a break when he hired me. Are you from the Labor Commission?

[Joe Friday]

No, ma', am, we're not. Could you tell us how long you worked for this Mr. Preston?

[Vivian Castle]

Just three weeks. He said I was going to get paid every Friday. Gave me the money for the first week and that's all. Kept waiting for my pay, but he kept putting me off. Last week and a half, he didn't even show up at the office. I was there all alone, eight hours a day. The building manager showed up and told me it was all over. Mr. Preston closed the office. Didn't even have the decency to come in and say thank you, goodbye. I just left.

[Charlie Riblett]

And you have no idea at all where Mr. Preston is now?

[Vivian Castle]

No, sir.

[John Hunter]

I wish I did.

[Charlie Riblett]

Were there any office files, mail files? Any way to get a possible line on him?

[Vivian Castle]

As far as I know, I didn't keep any files for him. Matter of fact, I didn't do any work at all. Just a showpiece, I guess. That's all he kept me there for. There's no reason why he shouldn't pay me, though. Are you sure you're not from the Labor Commission?

[Joe Friday]

Did Mr. Preston ever have you place any want ads in the daily papers, Ms. Castle?

[Vivian Castle]

Yeah, he did a couple of times. Ads for business opportunities. You know, he was in the investment business. Helped people invest their money.

[Joe Friday]

Would you happen to know anyone who invested money with him? I mean, would you know them by name?

[Vivian Castle]

No, not by name. Quite a few people came through the office. I know a few of them made deals with Mr. Preston. I wouldn't remember their names, though.

[Charlie Riblett]

And you don't know any friends he might have had in town? Any of his business associates?

[Vivian Castle]

No, sir, not a one. I didn't know he had any associates.

[Joe Friday]

How about where he was staying, Ms. Castle? You must have known that.

[Vivian Castle]

Now, the first week I was there, I did. The only week I got paid for, he was staying at a small hotel on South Flower. The next week, though I don't know where he went after that. Neither does the hotel. I asked him.

[Joe Friday]

Well, during the time you worked for him, ma', am, did you ever have anything to do with Mr. Preston socially, I mean, Was it part of your job to go out to dinner with him, things like that?

[Vivian Castle]

I did once or twice when he asked me. I didn't think it was part of my job, though. The Preston didn't mention it either. Once we went out to dinner, just the two of us. Another time we went out with my girlfriend, Norma. I had a terrible time. Mr. Preston was awful.

[Charlie Riblett]

How do you mean, miss?

[Vivian Castle]

Well, he drank too much and was throwing his weight around. You know, the bar. He kept making a play for my girlfriend, Norma. I think he liked her quite a bit. Sure was embarrassing, though. Look, would you mind telling me what's the matter? Is Mr. Preston in trouble with the police?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma', am. Afraid so. He's cheated some people out of quite a bit of money. It's not the first time, either.

[Vivian Castle]

What was it? What did he do?

[Marie Barrett]

Confidence scheme.

[Joe Friday]

Selling interest in the company he had no connection with.

[Vivian Castle]

That isn't the limit. I guess it's my own fault. I should have known better. It's happened before. Well, they hire you, they give you a beautiful office, nice soft chair to sit on, and never give you any work to do. Don't have to lift a finger. I finally got the dress. Yeah, those are the kind you have to watch out for.

[Joe Friday]

Bill Lockwood and I continued questioning the former secretary of Russell Preston, alias George Fairchild. But she was unable to come up with any kind of a definite lead as to the suspect's whereabouts. We left our card with a girl, and she promised to contact us in the event she came across any information regarding Preston. For the rest of the day, we ran down three more possible leads. They came from an informant, a head waiter in the Second Rate nightclub, a small time grifter with an ax to grind. They all figured they had the right answer, where to find Preston. We checked out the three locations they gave us. A motel out near Santa Monica, a rooming house in Hollywood, a cocktail lounge in Highland Park. Not one of the three paid off. Russell Preston, alias George Fairchild, wasn't known at any of the places, either by name, dress or physical description. During the next three weeks, along with Sergeant Charlie Riblett and Ken Scarce of Bunko Detail, Bill Lockwood and I ran down every possible lead on the suspect hotels, the want ad departments of the daily papers, managers of downtown office buildings, secretarial employment agencies, small businesses, advertising stock for sale. They got us nothing. Despite all the precautions and all the legwork. On January 6th, we got a call from a Mrs. Marie Barrett in the Westlake park area. She owned and managed a toy shop just off Wilshire Boulevard. Bill Lockwood and I drove out to talk to her.

[Marie Barrett]

Yes. They told me it was the opportunity of a lifetime. A big opportunity. I just can't believe it. Can't understand it. Why, he even took me out and showed me the factory. Even the man around the place they're making plastics showed me the whole plant.

[Charlie Riblett]

Say, the plant was out in Glendale, ma'. Am. Where about?

[Marie Barrett]

It was right along San Fernando Road. Maybe a mile or two before you get to the airport. They showed me through the whole plant.

[Joe Friday]

Who showed you through?

[Marie Barrett]

Ms. Barrett, owner of the place. Miss. Mr. Fairchild. It's a big place, making plastics of all kinds. Can't say I wasn't impressed.

[Charlie Riblett]

What was Mr. Fairchild's first name? Do you remember?

[Marie Barrett]

George. George Fairchild and Associates. That was the name on the door of the office when I went up to see him. Of course, I really didn't have a notion to invest any money when I first went up. It was a newspaper ad, you know, And I answered lots of them. Kind of a hobby with me.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Marie Barrett]

Am. So I went up to see him and we talked. And as I say, I wasn't thinking of investing any money. But Mr. Fairchild seemed like such a nice man. Seemed to have a good business head in his shoulders. Well, ended up with me putting my whole savings account into the plastics plant. $6,400. Every penny of it. I haven't heard from Mr. Fairchild since. I just don't know what to think. I can't understand it.

[Joe Friday]

You have any idea where to contact this Fairchild now? Any address, telephone number?

[Marie Barrett]

Well, I called his office. It's in the Oxford Exchange Building. There's no answer, though. They say it's disconnected. I've been trying for a week to contact Mr. Fairchild. I mean, $6,400. I just don't know what to do. With all my savings. I don't know what to do. Excuse me, please. Customer can't afford to miss the sale now.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Charlie Riblett]

Am.

[Joe Friday]

You go right ahead.

[Marie Barrett]

Alan, will you help this lady, please?

[Charlie Riblett]

Looks like he scored again, huh?

[Joe Friday]

I wouldn't doubt it. She seems to do a fair business here, huh? I mean, after Christmas and all.

[Charlie Riblett]

Yeah, I suppose. Of course, the women go for it. You hang up a sale sign, you can't beat them off with a club. See this gadget here? Pretty clever, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Miniature Sherman tank.

[Charlie Riblett]

What's it do? Watch.

[Joe Friday]

Well, how about that?

[Charlie Riblett]

Pretty cute, isn't it? Cannons on the side, sparks coming out. My nephew got one for Christmas. Got a lot of power, Trevor. Climb over just about anything.

[Marie Barrett]

Uh huh. Sorry to keep you waiting, Officer. Jason. Customers have to be 10 to you.

[Joe Friday]

Surely we understand. Now, about this money you gave Fairchild and his Barrett. The $6,400. How'd you work that? I mean, did you give him a check or how'd you do it?

[Marie Barrett]

Yes, I gave him a check with cash the same day I gave it to him. I found that out from the bank.

[Charlie Riblett]

What was it you were supposed to get for your money, ma'? Am?

[Marie Barrett]

Interest in the plastics company. 1/5 interest. Seemed like such a good idea at the time.

[Joe Friday]

Did you ever discuss the deal with the owners of the plastics company? I mean, when Mr. Fairchild wasn't around?

[Marie Barrett]

No, I guess I never did. Mr. Fairchild didn't think it was a good idea. Said he wanted me to get the most for my money. Said he was afraid if the company owners talked to me alone, he might argue me into taking this profit. Didn't want me to talk to him

[Joe Friday]

at all if he wasn't around. And you weren't suspicious of him at all, huh?

[Marie Barrett]

Mr. Fairchild? Oh, very nice man. There are a few things he did that made me a little uncertain. But he always explained everything to me. Always had a good reason for everything he did. Nice man. Clean cut, well dressed, beautiful manners. Never take him for anything but a gentleman.

[Joe Friday]

You see what I mean?

[Marie Barrett]

What do you mean?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Marie Barrett]

Am. Just a perfect gentleman. I don't know what to think. I can't call him a crook. He just isn't that kind.

[Joe Friday]

Well, they took him money, Ms. Bear. What else would you call them? 2:18pm when we got through interviewing the latest victim, Marie Barrett, Bill Lockwood and I drove out to the plastics company on San Fernando Road, where we talked to the owner and manager. The story was pretty much the same. The suspect, using the name of George Fairchild, had called on them three weeks before, introducing himself as an investment counselor. He told them he had clients with money to invest in a growing industry such as theirs, and they went for the story. They told us Fairchild had come back two or three times with different persons whom he introduced as his clients. They'd been shown through the plastics plant and given a sales talk. That's about all the company owners could tell us. When we got back to the office, we checked their names through the regular business channels and found out they were reputable businessmen. Was nothing to indicate that they had anything to do with the suspect's bunko operations. 4:30pm yeah, Bill.

[Charlie Riblett]

Girl out here to see us, the one who used to be Preston's secretary, Vivian Castle.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, yeah. Did she say what she wanted?

[Charlie Riblett]

No. Seems a little anxious.

[Vivian Castle]

Officer. I'm glad I found you in.

[Joe Friday]

How are you, Ms. Castle?

[Vivian Castle]

I'm all right. I was going to phone you, but I couldn't remember your number. Lost the card you gave me, so I decided to come down. You remember talking to me, don't you? About Mr. Preston, my old boy?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[John Hunter]

Am.

[Joe Friday]

Have you heard from him?

[Vivian Castle]

Well, no, I haven't. But you remember me telling you about my girlfriend, Norma?

[Joe Friday]

Mm.

[Vivian Castle]

I remember the time Mr. Preston took me out. Norma and her boyfriend were with us.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Charlie Riblett]

Am.

[Vivian Castle]

The way Mr. Preston kept making a play for Norma. Well, I saw Norma at lunchtime today. First time in a week. She told me she got a call from Mr. Preston. I told her I'd tell you all about it. She's got a date with him.

[Joe Friday]

When?

[Vivian Castle]

Dinner, Friday night.

[Narrator]

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

[Joe Friday]

Wednesday, January 6, 4:50pm we called Vivian Castle's girlfriend, Norma Cummings, and then we drove out to talk to her. The Cummings girl told us that Russell Preston had telephoned that morning and made the date with her for Friday night at 7:30. He said they were to have dinner at a nightclub out in the Wilshire district. He also mentioned to her that he was staying in a hotel, but she didn't know the name of the location. We made arrangements for a stakeout at Norma Cummings apartment. The girl agreed to cooperate with us. Thursday, January 7th. We checked with the personnel at the different restaurants, bars and nightclubs which Preston and the Cummings girl were to visit. Some of them remembered Preston, but as far as they knew, he hadn't been back. We left our cards with each one of them and we asked him to contact us if he should return. Just after lunch on Friday, we. We got a phone call from Norma Cummings.

[Charlie Riblett]

When was that, Miss? Huh? Did you find out where he was? I see. Will you be there for the rest of the day? All right, fine.

[Fred Sandel]

Yeah, we'll call you back.

[Charlie Riblett]

Goodbye. Yeah? Cummings girl. She's at work. She just had a phone call from Preston. She tried to find out where he was. No go.

[Joe Friday]

What do you have to say?

[Charlie Riblett]

That dinner date he had with her tonight.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah?

[Charlie Riblett]

He called it off.

[Joe Friday]

Later that afternoon, we went out and talked to the Cummings girl. She told us Preston explained on the phone that he had to cancel a date that night because of some business deal that had come up. He told her he'd get in touch with her over the weekend. He didn't. By Thursday of the following week, she still hadn't heard from him. Two days later, on a Saturday afternoon, we got a call from one of the cocktail lounges Preston had visited. The bartender remembered us being in there to inquire about the suspect, and he'd saved our card. He said Preston was there now with another man drinking at the bar. We asked the bartender to try and delay the suspect as long as possible. Then we got in the car and drove to the location. It was too late. The bartender explained that he tried to delay the man that he thought was Preston, but he didn't have much luck. The suspected left a few minutes after the bartender had called us. He'd been drinking heavily. The man Preston had been with was still there. He was sitting at an old upright piano in the back of the place, trying to pick out a tune with one finger. Bill and I went back and talked to him. He gave his name as Fred Sandel.

[Fred Sandel]

Yeah, that's right. I was drinking with a fellow. Why? What's the matter, Officer?

[Joe Friday]

You ever seen a man before?

[Fred Sandel]

Yeah, once or twice.

[Charlie Riblett]

In here.

[Fred Sandel]

Place up the Street, 780club. I had a couple of drinks with him in there.

[Joe Friday]

You know his name?

[Fred Sandel]

Well, what's the angle? You want him with something?

[Joe Friday]

It's just a routine check. We'd like to talk to him.

[Fred Sandel]

Oh, I don't know. I might know his name. Yeah, well, what's the angle on the thing? You want him for something big?

[Joe Friday]

We want to talk to him, that's all.

[Fred Sandel]

Did he blind? Something like that? Hey, he didn't look like that kind of guy. Lousy thing. I never could get that right.

[Charlie Riblett]

How about it? You say you might know the man's name. What was it? Well, I don't know.

[Fred Sandel]

I. I'm not sure if I'm the one that understand.

[Joe Friday]

How do you mean?

[Fred Sandel]

Well, I don't want to get anybody in trouble. I want to give out names.

[Charlie Riblett]

I.

[Fred Sandel]

What's the angle on him? You want him for something big or what?

[Joe Friday]

Big enough. Yeah.

[Fred Sandel]

Oh, well, his name's Preston. I think that's the name he gave me. Anyway, I see him around bars in the neighborhood every once in a while.

[Joe Friday]

How much do you know about him?

[Charlie Riblett]

Well, not much.

[Fred Sandel]

I had a few drinks with him now and then.

[Joe Friday]

Talk a little bit. That's about all.

[Charlie Riblett]

What did you say your name was?

[Fred Sandel]

Sandel. Fred Sandel. What's the angle on this, Preston?

[Joe Friday]

We want to get in touch with him. You know where he lives?

[Charlie Riblett]

I don't know.

[Fred Sandel]

I might.

[Joe Friday]

I.

[Fred Sandel]

You're on for something big, isn't that right?

[Joe Friday]

Well, what's the difference? We want him. Well, there'd be a lot of difference.

[Charlie Riblett]

I. I mean, what's the angle?

[Joe Friday]

If it's.

[Fred Sandel]

If it's important to you and I. I helped you, you probably won't do the right thing, huh?

[Joe Friday]

I don't know if I got you right.

[Fred Sandel]

Well, I mean, if you. If you really want the guy, you know, if it's important to you and I helped you reach him, you'd want to make it square with me, wouldn't you? Not that I'm asked for payoff. You understand that?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, we understand. Where's Preston live?

[Fred Sandel]

Well, I didn't say I knew where the guy lives. I didn't say that.

[Joe Friday]

Do you know where he lives?

[Fred Sandel]

I'm not sure. I might. I don't know if I'll tell you, though. I don't.

[Joe Friday]

All right. If you want to stand by here, Bill, I better check in.

[Charlie Riblett]

Yeah, fine.

[Joe Friday]

Okay.

[Charlie Riblett]

City hall, 2625.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, John, this is Joe Friday. Bunko.

[Charlie Riblett]

Yeah, Friday.

[Joe Friday]

Like to check on a suspect, John. He gives the name of Fred Sandel. He's a WMA, about 45, 5 foot 10, 170 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes, ruddy complexion, small scar just below the left ear.

[John Hunter]

Okay.

[Fred Sandel]

Want me to call you back on that?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, would you, please? I'm at dunkirk 35016. Right.

[Fred Sandel]

I'll call you.

[John Hunter]

Thanks.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, say, John, could you switch me over to Bunko, please? I'm calling from outside.

[Fred Sandel]

Yeah, sure.

[Charlie Riblett]

Hang on.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[Charlie Riblett]

Yes, would you switch this call over to Bunco?

[Joe Friday]

Detail, please. Bunco r. Joe Friday, Charlie. Anything doing?

[Charlie Riblett]

Oh, yeah, Joe, quite a bit. That suspect of yours, Russell Preston, he's been picked up.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah?

[Fred Sandel]

How'd that happen?

[Charlie Riblett]

Radio car picking up 8th in South Grand. Drunk charge. I understand he's pretty well plastered. Wandering around in the of the street. Had quite a bit of money on him and brought him into robbery for questioning.

[Joe Friday]

Are you sure he's Preston?

[John Hunter]

Yeah.

[Charlie Riblett]

Description checks. Couple of sets of identification on him, too. One for Russell Preston, one for George Fairchild.

[Joe Friday]

Where they got him now?

[Charlie Riblett]

Next door interrogation room. Ken Scarce is talking to him. He's copping out of 2 of the jobs he pulled.

[Joe Friday]

Okay, Charlie, Thanks a lot. We'll be right in.

[Charlie Riblett]

Right, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

All right.

[Charlie Riblett]

Bye,

[Joe Friday]

Bill. See you a minute? Yeah, we might as well check in. Preston's been picked up.

[Fred Sandel]

When?

[Joe Friday]

Probably just after he left this bar. A radio car spotted him, pulled him in.

[Charlie Riblett]

How about that? Yeah, you worked two months on a case, and just when we start to get close, somebody else picks the guy up.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, that's right. It's not very exciting, is it?

[Fred Sandel]

You know, I was just thinking, Officer. I don't want to be a hardhead about this thing, you know. I mean, if you want this guy Preston, I'd be glad. I'd help you find him. I don't want to be a hardhead.

[Joe Friday]

Excuse me a minute. Yeah?

[Charlie Riblett]

John Hunter, Friday, Record Bureau.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, yeah, John, I got a make

[Fred Sandel]

on that name you asked for.

[Charlie Riblett]

Fred Sandel. Puts a warrant on him.

[Fred Sandel]

Grand theft auto. Got a pretty long record. You want me to read it all?

[Joe Friday]

No, that's all right, John. Right.

[John Hunter]

Bye.

[Fred Sandel]

Right.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[Fred Sandel]

What do you say, Sergeant? Suppose we sit down and have a drink and talk things over, and I'll. I'll show you where I think this person hangs out. I mean, if we make the.

[Joe Friday]

Make the right deal. Well, it's already been made. You want to grab your top coat there? We'd like to talk to you downtown. Me?

[Fred Sandel]

What for? What are you talking about?

[Joe Friday]

Grand theft auto. They want you, mister.

[Charlie Riblett]

Oh, wait a minute.

[Fred Sandel]

You made a mistake. You didn't come in here looking for me.

[Charlie Riblett]

You.

[Fred Sandel]

You're not even assigned to my case. This ain't fair.

[Charlie Riblett]

Get your code.

[Fred Sandel]

Let's go. Yeah, but this ain't fair. You're coming here looking for Preston. You didn't want me.

[Joe Friday]

We do now.

[Fred Sandel]

What kind of a deal do you call that? You're looking for Preston. You picked me of. What's the angle?

[Joe Friday]

There's no angle. Some days you gotta settle for less. That's all. Come on, let's go.

[Narrator]

The story you have just heard was true. The names were changed to protect the innocent. On April 5, trial was held in Superior Court Department 89, City and County of Los Angeles, State of California. In a moment, the results of that trial. Russell R. Preston, alias George Fairchild, alias Robert Fairchild, was tried and convicted on three counts of grand theft. Fred Sandel was tried and convicted of grand theft, one count. Both men received sentences as prescribed by law. They are now serving their terms in the state penitentiary, San Quentin, California. Grand theft is punishable by imprisonment for not less than 1 nor more than 10 years. You have just heard Dragnet the series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice comes from the office of Chief of Police W.H. parker, Los Angeles Police Department Technical Advisors Captain Jack Donahoe, Sergeant Marty Wynn, Sergeant Vance Brasher. Heard tonight were Martin Milner, Marion Richmond, Vic Rodman Script by Jim Mosey Music by Walter Schumann Hal Gibney speaking.

[Charlie Riblett]

Foreign

[Narrator]

now it's counter spy on NBC.

[Lady Luck]

Hey everybody, lady luck here and we're celebrating America's 250th birthday. Now all summer long I'm going to be celebrating by playing on finquest.com which is an American owned social casino. It obviously features over a thousand slot games and live blackjack, live craps, live bubble craps. Head on over to spinquest.com get yourself a $30 coin pack for just 10 bucks.

[Charlie Riblett]

Spinquest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[Grainger Announcer]

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. The idea of Bill Lockwood as Friday's partner is pretty probably one of the more dramatic character ideas that Dragnet ever had for one of their police characters. With Friday shifting into being a mentor and helping bring up a new generation of detectives passing on what had been given to him and it have kept the spirit of Ben Romero alive. It would been an ongoing nod to the show's genesis and its first partner. Looking even further down the line, it also might have provided Jack Webb with an exit route from the series. Webb wanted to end the TV version of Dragnet, after 100 episodes, had the idea of Friday being promoted and serving as a mentor figure to younger officers. Now, the network was at that point not particularly interested in replacing the star of one of its biggest hits with young, unknown actors. However, if Martin Milner had two or three seasons under his belt playing Friday's partner, and Milner was a very solid actor capable of carrying a television series himself, it might have been easier to pitch the network on having Friday promoted and Bill Lockwood becoming the main character with a new partner. It's a case where it would have, one way or another, changed the history of American television. I'm not saying it would be better or worse, but it would definitely have been different. But this is a case where America's military efforts interfered as Milner was drafted. Now Milner would actually continue to make mostly uncredited appearances on radio. In Dragnet, Webb ran a taut schedule with them, also having to get television done at the same time, and they recorded two episodes per day on Sundays. And when Milner could, he got a pass, came down, and would actually earn a month's pay in playing in both episodes that ended up being released. Those who knew Milner considered him really a working actor. He had some important parts, those two big television series that I mentioned already, as well as Swiss Family Robinson, which only lasted a season. He was a dedicated, hard working performer, loved his family, and he also really truly loved fishing. He pretty much had retired from acting by the mid-1990s, but in 1993, 3, he began hosting a radio program in San Diego on the weekends called let's Talk Hookup, a fishing talk show, and was very active in the fishing community. And by all accounts, for those who met him, he was a very good guy to go fishing with. By all accounts, an outstanding individual, very good actor who would play a major role in the sort of trident extended universe, I guess, with Adam12, but might have had a different future on the main series had some other things gone differently then. I do want to go ahead and talk a little bit about Fred Sandel. He might be even more foolish than guys in the big border. At least they believed a common myth about border crossing and being home free in Mexico. Fred was such a genius that he essentially called attention to himself and affected his own imprisonment for grand theft. Whereas if he'd given a generic answer like, oh, I wish I could help you out, but honestly, we were just having a drink, I'd never met him before. All he managed to do was to get Friday to call R and I, because apparently he was operating under the supposition that if Friday was investigating this Bunko case, that was pretty much all he was concerned with. And of course, you'll hear on various dramatic shows that pop police officer saying, I'm not really concerned about whatever minor crime you're doing, as I'm investigating this other crime. And that may happen in real life, but in this case, Sandel found himself a very nice consolation prize. And of course, this episode was also a bit of a lesson for Bill Lockwood, and it suggests some of the things that the series might have done in terms of him learning on the job and learning what it's like. And the simple lesson that just because you put in the legwork and you did all of this doesn't guarantee that you're going to be in on the capture. You're part of a team, and sometimes you put months into an investigation and have very little to do with the way it. That it ends up concluding. All right, well, now it's time to thank our Patreon Supporter of the Day. And I want to thank Pam, patreon Supporter since February 2024, currently supporting the podcast at the Detective Sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Pam. And that will 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 will be back next Thursday with another episode of Dragnet, but join us on Friday. For yours truly, Johnny Dollar Ware.

[Charlie Riblett]

Well, Mr. Cartwright.

[John Hunter]

Cartwright. Yes, sir. Cartwright, huh? Well, that's very interesting.

[Charlie Riblett]

I beg your pardon?

[John Hunter]

What's the matter? Don't you hear good? I said, that's very interesting. You see, my name is Cartwright, too.

[Charlie Riblett]

No, no, you miscended.

[John Hunter]

So, what can I do for you, Mr. Cartwright?

[Charlie Riblett]

No, listen, would you. This is Johnny $$.

[John Hunter]

Oh, now, what's the idea of trying to confuse me that way? I'm Cartwright, you remember?

[Charlie Riblett]

Yes, sir.

[John Hunter]

And, Johnny.

[Charlie Riblett]

Yeah?

[John Hunter]

How did you do it?

[Joe Friday]

Do what?

[John Hunter]

Get out here so fast. I only put in that call to Hartford about an hour ago, and here you are. I mean, how did you manage it?

[Charlie Riblett]

Oh, well, you see, Mr. Crane, I

[John Hunter]

know these new jet flights are pretty fast, but. Johnny, you haven't been fooling around with some of those rocket ships, have you?

[Charlie Riblett]

No, no, no, I'm afraid not. I just happened to be here already. You see, I was working on a case up at Morro Bay.

[John Hunter]

And did you solve it?

[Charlie Riblett]

Yeah, it came out all right.

[John Hunter]

Well, congratulations. Janna, you are a wonderful. And I think you deserve some kind of a reward for it. So maybe I'll think of something.

[Charlie Riblett]

Oh, well, thanks, but that won't be necessary.

[John Hunter]

Whatever you say. I know that I'm deeply indebted to you for the things you've done for me. So. Johnny.

[Charlie Riblett]

Well, don't worry about it.

[John Hunter]

Whatever you say. Well, nice to talk to you. Goodbye.

[Charlie Riblett]

Now wait a minute.

[John Hunter]

What? Wait a minute. Can't you see I'm busy?

[Charlie Riblett]

But you sent for me.

[John Hunter]

I did?

[Charlie Riblett]

Yeah, you called Hartford, said you wanted to see me right away.

[John Hunter]

Oh, of course I did. What's the matter with you anyway? Of course I want to see you. Jonathan Peebles too. Right away.

[Charlie Riblett]

Who is Jonathan Peebles?

[John Hunter]

He's an old friend of mine. He lives out here. I telephoned him to come a running too.

[Charlie Riblett]

Oh, well, what's it all about, Mr. Carteret?

[John Hunter]

But just you get yourself on over here to my house and I'll tell you. And don't you waste any time. You just hurry.

[Charlie Riblett]

Pretty important, huh?

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box13greatdetectives.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.

[Vivian Castle]

Hey everybody.

[Lady Luck]

Lady luck here and we're celebrating America's 250th birthday. Now all summer long I'm going to be celebrating by playing on spinquest.com which is an American owned social casino. It obviously features over a thousand slot games and live blackjack, live craps, live bubble craps. Head on over to spinquest.com get yourself a 30 coin pack for just 10 bucks.

[Charlie Riblett]

Spin is a free to play social casino. Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[Grainger Announcer]

When you're a maintenance engineer in a beverage manufacturing plant, you keep production lines moving and quality on track because there is no room for slowdowns. With Grainger's vast selection of high quality motors, sensors, belts and hard to find parts, you can get what you need fast and all in one place. So nothing gets in the way of getting the job done. Call 1-800-granger click ranger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.