"UP TO 2 YEARS IMPRISONMENT &/OR $10,000 FINE"

FORBES & THOMPSON GUILTY OF CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD GOVERNMENT

Chicago, Illinois (JFK+50) On January 31, 1925, The Evening Star reports that last night Col. Charles R. Forbes* and John W. Thompson "were found guilty...of conspiracy to defraud the Government in contracts for soldiers' hospitals."

These men face up to two years imprisonment and/or $10,000 fine.

The main charge was "the alleged payment of $5000 cash" to Forbes by Elias H. Mortimer, chief prosecuting witness.

Associated Press adds that Mr. Forbes is also indicted in Baltimore on charges of conspiracy to defraud the Government through sale of surplus supplies from the Veteran's Bureau storehouse located at Perryville, Maryland. 

*Charles Robert Forbes (1877-1952) was born in Scotland & educated at Columbia University & MIT.  CRF served in the US Army & USMC.  He was the 1st director of the Veteran's Bureau, 1921-1923 & was sent to Leavenworth Prison in 1926 for a 20 month sentence.

SOURCE

"Forbes Convicted, Faces Jail Term," The Evening Star, Washington D.C., January 31, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Charles R. Forbes

U.S. Veteran's Bureau

National Photo Company

Library of Congress

"CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT"

CONGRESSMAN ASSAILS DAUGHERTY FOR NOT ARRESTING FORBES

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50)  On January 13, 1924, The Sunday Star reports Representative William W. Larsen* (D-Georgia) has "assailed" Attorney General Harry M. Daugherty "for not bringing about the arrest of Charles R. Forbes**, former director of the Veterans' Bureau...with conspiracy to defraud the federal government."

The congressman declared the Senate investigation of the matter had uncovered "a scandal that is a disgrace to the people of this country."

Mr. Larsen also indicated the possibility of finding "somebody else (a big man) that is crooked as Forbes." 

*William Washington Larsen (1871-1938) was born in Hagan, Georgia & attended the University of Georgia.  WWL was admitted to the bar in 1897 & served in the US House of Representatives 1917-1933.

**Charles Robert Forbes (1878-1952) was educated at MIT & Columbia, served in the USMC 1894-1900 & US Army.  CRF was director of the Veterans Bureau 1921-1923 but his term was marked by corruption & scandal.

SOURCE

"Arrest Of Forbes Asked By Georgian," The Sunday Star, Washington, D.C., January 13, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

William Washington Larsen

D-Georgia

Harris & Ewing Photo

Library of Congress