John Grey Returns to N.Z. a Free Man

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 868, 11 January 1930, Page 1

John Grey Returns to N.Z. a Free Man

RESTITUTION MADE BANK DROPS CHARGES United P.A—By Telegraph—Copyright (Received 4.45 p.m.) TEMPLE (Texas), Friday. Thirteen indictments against A. B. Crouch, known in New Zealand as Mr. John Grey, charging him with forgery were dismissed by District Judge Breaster today on the motion of the District Attorney. It is learned that Crouch left immediately to sail for New Zealand, accompanied by his wife. The Attorney of the City # National Bank, the heaviest loser among the several Temple institutions involved, asked Mr. Taylor, for the prosecution, to move for a dismissal of the charges. The District Attorney explained that the bank had stated that Mr. Crouch had made restitution, and since there was no other plaintiff, Mr. Taylor had not opposed the move. Mr. Crouch gave a bond of £6,000 when he returned here several weeks ago, and lived in Temple. His case had been set down for hearing in Court for January 21, but the bank's disposition to clear him of the charges resulted in the motion being presented today. A. B. Crouch, who had been living at Helensvilie for 11 years and had. conducted the business of land agent under the name of John Grey, was arrested at Helensvilie on September 24. He was identified by Sheriff John Bigham, of Bell County, Texas, and appeared in the Police Court later on a forgery charge involving the sum of 250,000 dollars (£50,000). After numerous remands, an extradition orde.r was granted and Crouch, in company with Sheriff Bigham, .Mrs. Crouch and an Auckland solicitor, Mr.- Terry, left by the Aorangi for the United States.