New Way of Defrauding Employers, George C. Benham out on bond signed by Ralph Hemingray

New Way of

Defrauding

Employers

IS CHARGED AGAINST THE

OHIOAN WHO IS HELD FOR

ROBBING MUNCIE FIRM OF

$30,000

Muncie, Ind., April 6 — After being shadowed by detectives for four days and held at the police station all of last night, charges of grand larceny and embezzlement for the alleged defalcation of about $30,000 were filed today against George C. Benham, clubman, society leader and manager of the Muncie Garment Company, by John H. Smith, President of the concern. Benham was released tonight on a bond of $2,500 with Ralph Hemingray, glass manufacturer, formerly of Covington, Ky., as the lone security.

Benham is 32 years old and highly connected at Columbus Ohio, whence he came here seven years ago. He has been a social lion, and is alleged to have squandered large sums for wine suppers.

As manager of the company, it is alleged that Benham would place notes in local banks for alleged claims his company had, against wholesale merchants throughout the country. Securing money on them just before the notes were due, he would appear at the bank with what purported to be a letter from the company against whom the note was issued, asking for more time and making a small payment. Those letters were written on letter heads bearing the names of the respective concerns, and it is asserted that a local printing office made the letter heads. Furthermore, it is charged the names of Mr. Smith and Mr. Bennet, wealthy residents of Muncie, were forged to notes on which it is claimed $10,000 was secured.

Benham's brother arrived here from Indianapolis tonight, accompanied by Henry Spaan, who will defend the case.