Walter Basinger Accused of Forging War Risk Insurance Check, March 8, 1921

Walter Basinger, a young man who has been in the employ of a pool room, is under arrest of a charge of forging the name of his employer to a war risk insurance check for $387 sent out by the federal government.

Basinger was arrested Monday afternoon while attempting to have the check cased at a local clothing store after making the purchase of a suit of clothes. Clerks in the establishment became suspicious of the check, and the police were called, it was reported.

Basinger had been in the employ of a pool room on West Trade street for some time. Recently the proprietor became ill and has been in a hospital in Baltimore. Basinger had been opening his mail, it was claimed, and found among letters received one containing the war risk check.

Basinger was brought up for trial before Recording J. Laurence Jones Tuesday morning. His case was continued, however, owing to the absence from the city of the employer. Chief Walter B. Orr said the case likely will be turned over to the federal authorities as the forgery is in violation of the federal statutes.

From the Charlotte News, March 8, 1921