This post is the third in a series of posts about the life of Elridge Solomon Price, Sr. You can find the first two installments here: Part 1 and Part 2.
When we left ole Elridge in 1930, he had been charged with assault to murder for shooting A. J. Couk, the father of Elridge's daughter-in-law and a former employee of his. Neither party would explain why the shooting happened. A. J. survived, but I could not find a single article the rest of 1930 or 1931 about the incident. Nothing about a trial, a sentence, nothing. However, the newspapers were silent about Elridge Price the entire year of 1931. So was he in jail? Again, I do not know, but he kept a low profile for just a year.
Then came 1932. Elridge was busier than ever. I don't know how he kept up with court dates and bond amounts.
On March 5th, Elridge and a man named D. A. Frank were sued for $25,000 in federal court. The plaintiff said he was sold 250 shares in the Price Oil Company at the rate of $100/share, on representations by Price and Frank which later proved to be untrue.
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| Newspapers.com, Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Corpus Christi, Texas, Saturday, March 05, 1932, Page 1 |
Then a Dr. J. B. Spalding of Richmond, California filed a complaint against Elridge. He alleged that Elridge sold him $6,000 of worthless oil stock. This complaint was taken very seriously, and by March 26, Elridge had been arrested and was being held in jail in Corpus Christi, awaiting extradition to Contra Costa County, California.
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| Newspapers.com, Martinez News-Gazette, Martinez, California, Saturday, March 26, 1932, Page 8 |
On March 30, Contra Costa sent a deputy sheriff to Texas to bring Elridge back to California to face charges. However, Elridge had a plan...
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| Newspapers.com, The Oakland Post Enquirer, Oakland, California, Tuesday, April 5, 1932, Page 12 |
However, being influential in Texas and a smooth talker, Elridge was successful in blocking the extradition:
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| Newspapers.com, Martinez News-Gazette, Martinez, California, Thursday, April 7, 1932, Page 1 |
Somehow, June 10 became June 15 - 20.
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| Newspapers.com, The Oakland Post Enquirer, Oakland, California, Friday, June 10, 1932, Page 16 |
Then, in June, Elridge fled Texas and went to New Orleans. There he was arrested again.
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| Newspapers.com, Martinez News-Gazette, Martinez, California, Wednesday, June 22, 1932, Page 1 |
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| Newspapers.com, The Times-Picayune, New Orleans, Louisiana, Wednesday, June 22, 1932, Page 2 |
It only took a day for the sheriff in New Orleans to find out Elridge was wanted all over the country.
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| Newspapers.com, The Tribune, New Orleans, Louisiana, Thursday, June 23, 1932, Page 3 |
What is a "Blue Sky" suspect, you may ask as I did? I asked Google Gemini what is a blue sky law and here is the reply:
"A blue sky law is a type of state law in the United States designed to protect investors from fraudulent securities offerings. These laws regulate the offer and sale of securities, requiring issuers to register their offerings and provide full and fair disclosure of material information to the public before selling stocks, bonds, or other investment products.
Key Aspects and History
* Origin of the Name: The term reportedly originated in the early 20th century, credited to a prominent Kansas Supreme Court justice or banker who remarked that some promoters would try to sell "building lots in the blue sky" to unsuspecting buyers. The laws were enacted to stop fly-by-night promoters from selling worthless, highly speculative investments backed by nothing more than "blue sky."
* First Law: Kansas passed the very first comprehensive blue sky law in 1911, setting a national precedent. Other states quickly adopted similar legislation over the next decade.
* State vs. Federal Regulation: Blue sky laws operate at the state level. They complement federal securities laws (such as the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), which are enforced nationally by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Even if an offering is registered federally, it typically still has to comply with state-level blue sky regulations unless it is exempt under federal law."
On June 27, officers from Contra Costa County, California prepared to travel to New Orleans to pick up Elridge Price.
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| Newspapers.com, The Independent, Richmond, California, Monday, June 27, 1932, Page 1 |
On July 6, a San Francisco County, California grand jury indicted Elridge on six counts of grand theft and one of violating the corporate securities act.
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| Newspapers.com, The Fresno Bee, Fresno, California, Wednesday, July 06, 1932, Page 8 |
By July 9th, Elridge had abandoned his attempt to fight extradition and was on his way to Martinez, Contra Costa County, California.
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| Newspapers.com, The Independent, Richmond, California, Saturday, July 09, 1932, Page 1 |
Elridge arrived back in Martinez on July 12 and was living in style.
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| Newspapers.com, Martinez Herald, Martinez, California, Wednesday, July 13, 1932, Page 1 |
However, San Francisco threw a wrench into Elridge's plans:
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| Newspapers.com, Martinez News-Gazette, Martinez, California, Friday, July 15, 1932, Page 1 |
As a sidelight, I have to say I am loving the genealogical information the newspaper added at the end of this article! Makes me want to research Edith's family tree!
So for the next several days, Elridge struggles to make bail, but is not successful. He is waiting for friends from Dallas to post the bail of $5,000, but so far it has not happened.
On July 18, Elridge appears in a Contra Costa County courtroom and pleads not guilty. His trial date is set for August 15. The court indicated that it might be agreeable to a reduction of bail from $5,000 to $3,000 after Alameda County authorities indicated their satisfaction of bail in that amount in charges pending against Price in that county. He was still held in jail but expected to secure the anticipated reduced bail.
A few days later, things are looking up for Elridge... but it comes at a steep cost... in bail money.
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| Newspapers.com, Martinez News-Gazette, Martinez, California, Friday, July 22, 1932, Page 1 |
Eliridge made bail and was out of jail by August 1st. He immediately returned to Texas and his attorney, Robert Collins, also came to Texas and spent two weeks with Elridge to map out the defense strategy for the upcoming trial in Contra Costa County, California.
Elridge and his attorney just missed Ralph Harrison, investigator for the District Attorney's office in Contra Costa County.
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| Newspapers.com, Martinez News-Gazette, Martinez, California, Monday, August 01, 1932, Page 1 |
The last line of this article, "...and found that Price and his activities were well known to Texas oil operators," is very telling, I think.
Elridge's trial in Contra Costa had been scheduled for August 15. However, he and his attorney asked for a postponement. Please note the reason for his request.
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| Newspapers.com, Martinez News-Gazette, Martinez, California, Tuesday, August 16, 1932, Page 2 |
Then...
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| Newspapers.com, Martinez News-Gazette, Martinez, California, Friday, August 19, 1932, Page 3 |
Elridge appeared in court in Contra Costa County on October 17 as ordered. However, an arrest warrant out of Los Angeles County was waiting for him. Price was hopeful that Los Angeles would accept a $10,000 bail. His Contra Costa trial was continued to October 24. They seemed confident he would be back from L.A. by then, didn't they?
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| Newspapers.com, Martinez News-Gazette, Martinez, California, Tuesday, October 18, 1932, Page 1 |
So in a couple of surprise twists (or at least they were a surprise to me), Elridge's attorneys withdrew from his San Francisco case at the absolute last minute. The trial was continued to November 9.
Also, after doggedly coming after him for months, Contra Costa County's D.A. asked for a continuance until after Price is tried in San Francisco County. They agreed to do this as there were more victims in San Francisco and more money involved.
On October 26, just two days after his attorneys withdrew, Price hired two new attorneys to defend him in the San Francisco trial.
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| Newspapers.com, Martinez News-Gazette, Martinez, California, Tuesday, October 25, 1932 |
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| Newspapers.com, Martinez News-Gazette, Martinez, California, Wednesday, October 26, 1932, Page 1 |
Here's where I have a question. If he couldn't afford to pay the first two attorneys, how is it THE VERY NEXT DAY he can hire two new attorneys??? Perhaps his Dallas friends came thru again. I don't know.
On November 12, it was announced that his San Francisco trial had been postponed once again - to December 5. No reason was given.
Elridge appeared in superior court in Contra Costa County on November 16 and gained another continuance. The Contra Costa trial was set for January 16, 1933.
Finally, December 5th arrives...
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| Newspapers.com, The Independent, Richmond, California, Monday, December 05, 1932, Page 1 |
December 6th was also spent seating a jury.
On the 7th, Ralph Harrison was the first witness called in the trial. Appearing on behalf of the prosecution, Harrison was the criminal investigator for the District Attorney of Contra Costa County who spent three weeks in Texas earlier in the year investigating Elridge Price.
The next day (December 8):
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| Newspapers.com, The Times Standard, Eureka, California, Thursday, December 08, 1932, Page 8 |
Elridge insisted his equipment had been stolen and his wells obliterated.
On December 9, Dr. Spaulding, the person who started this whole avalanche, testified.
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| Newspapers.com, Santa Cruz Sentinel, Santa Cruz, California, Saturday, December 10, 1932, Page 1 |
December 12 began the second week of Price's trial.
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| Newspapers.com, Turlock Journal, Turlock, California, Monday, December 12, 1932, Page 3 |
The prosecution's case continued on the 13th.
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| Newspapers.com, The Independent, Richmond, California, Tuesday, December 13, 1932, Page 1 |
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| Newspapers.com, Martinez News-Gazette, Martinez, California, Wednesday, December 14, 1932, Page 1 |
December 15:
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| Newspapers.com, The Independent, Richmond, California, Thursday, December 15, 1932, Page 1 |
On December 16, more testified that Elridge Price operated in Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Long Beach in addition to the northern section of the state. A witness from Pasadena said that Price persuaded him to put his $500 savings in oil stock and promised to make him a private secretary in the company. This witness's mother gave Price a deed to her property for $5,000 worth of stock, per his testimony.
Another witness of Long Beach told how she had been persuaded to invest $1,000 on the promise that Price would make her manager of several apartment houses he claimed to own in Long Beach.
On Monday, December 19, the court heard that Price could and would persuade anyone to purchase oil stock.
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| Newspapers.com, Santa Rosa Republican, Santa Rosa, California, Monday, December 19, 1932, Page 5 |
On December 20th, the prosecution rested its case.
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| Newspapers.com, Martinez News-Gazette, Martinez, California, Tuesday, December 20, 1932, Page 1 |
On December 21, Elridge Price took the stand.
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| Newspapers.com, Alameda Times Star, Alameda, California, Wednesday, December 21, 1932, Page 2 |
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| Newspapers.com, Martinez News-Gazette, Martinez, California, Thursday, December 22, 1932, Page 1 |
It appears that the court took a recess for Christmas. The trial resumed on December 27.
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| Newspapers.com, The Times Standard, Eureka, California, Tuesday, December 27, 1932, Page 1 |
Cross examination of Elridge began on December 28.
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| Newspapers.com, Martinez News-Gazette, Martinez, California, Wednesday, December 28, 1932, Page 1 |
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| Newspapers.com, Martinez Herald, Martinez, California, Wednesday, December 28, 1932, Page 1 |
The year 1932 ended with the conclusion of Elridge's testimony and a continuation to Tuesday, January 3, 1933.
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| Newspapers.com, Martinez News-Gazette, Martinez, California, Friday, December 30, 1932, Page 1 |
There was no reporting from Elridge's trial for January 3-5. Perhaps the court delayed the re-start of the trial after the new year. The next article found is from Friday, January 6.
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| Newspapers.com, Martinez News-Gazette, Martinez, California, Friday, January 06, 1933, Page 1 |
Then on Tuesday, January 10th:
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| Newspapers.com, Martinez News-Gazette, Martinez, California, Tuesday, January 10, 1933, Page 1 |
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| Newspapers.com, Martinez News-Gazette, Martinez, California, Wednesday, January 11, 1933 |
However, there was never a dull moment when it came to Elridge Price. He was just, at that moment, minding his business and waiting for a jury to decide how his life was going to go in the foreseeable future, when...
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| Newspapers.com, Martinez News-Gazette, Martinez, California, Thursday, January 12, 1933 |
The very next day, the rollercoaster that was Elridge's life went back up with some good news. (I find it interesting how tiny this article is compared to all the ones accusing him.)
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| Newspapers.com, The San Francisco News, San Francisco, California, January 13, 1933, Page 1 |
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| Newspapers.com, San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco, California, Saturday, January 14, 1933, Page 4 |
However, there was no taking a breath for the (sort of) victor. He had other court dates to keep up with. First off, the date for his second trial in San Francisco will be decided on March 15. On January 17, he appeared in the Contra Costa County superior court and his trial date there was set for April 18.
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| Newspapers.com, Tyler Morning Telegraph, Tyler, Texas, Friday, January 20, 1933, Page 7 |
Wait! Stop the presses! The federal government waits for no one. On March 2, Elridge was convicted in a federal trial in Dallas, and by March 4, he was in jail in Texas, sentenced to six months for evasion of the income tax law. He was also fined $5,000.
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| Newspapers.com, The Oakland Post Enquirer, Oakland, California, Saturday, March 04, 1933, Page 7 |
This next article about his federal conviction has some differences in the story, such as a $5,000 fine rather than $1,000 ($5,000 is correct.) and serving his time in the Dallas County jail rather than in prison.
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| Newspapers.com, San Antonio Express-News, San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, March 04, 1933, Page 2 |
By being in jail, Price had missed every court date he had in the spring. San Francisco had him on their docket list for over a year for the court "date to be set." So in June, there was a reminder in the newspaper that the counties in California that had indictments for him had not forgotten about him.
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| Newspapers.com, Richmond News, Richmond, California, Friday, June 23, 1933, Page 4 |
Elridge got out of jail on August 29, but he had more trouble waiting for him. As a matter of fact, he had more trouble than any of us would have known what to do with. Turns out that as soon as he was released from jail in Dallas for tax evasion and not filing a 1930 income tax return, he was again charged - this time for not filing an income tax return for 1932.
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Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas, Tuesday, November 07, 1933, Page 3 |
It seems that Elridge did one of the things he did well... fled. Authorities caught up with him about December 1st in St. Joseph, Missouri.
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Newspapers.com, St. Joseph Gazette, St. Joseph, Missouri Saturday, December 02, 1933, Page 3 |
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Newspapers.com, Corpus Christi Times, Corpus Christi, Texas, Friday, December 15, 1933, Page 1 |
In February, Elridge was back in the Dallas County jail serving his second sentence for tax evasion and failing to file an income tax return.
Evidently, Elridge, or Price as we see he's calling himself now, had appealed his case to the Supreme Court.
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| Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas, Tuesday, April 10, 1934, Page 9 |
Just when you think things can't get any worse - or crazier - for ole Elridge, his wife, Edith, files for divorce in April 1934.
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Newspapers.com, The Texas Mesquiter, Mesquite, Texas, Friday, April 27, 1934, Page 1 |
In August, Elridge completed his six months in jail on the charge of failing to file an income tax return for 1932.
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Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas, Thursday, August 30, 1934, Page 8 |
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| Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas, Thursday, August 30, 1934, Page 9 |
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Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas, Friday, September 07, 1934, Page 4 |
I really have had to be flexible and make adjustments in writing about Elridge Price's life and criminal activities. This blog post is so long now, I fear few of my readers will stick it out to the end. So I have had to cut back on the years I cover in each post. There is just so much information out there, and many times it is repeated a half dozen times in different newspapers. It is a lot to sift through. I have been at this for days and nights for weeks, and for that reason, I do not have time to do any other research. As always, I want to do a good job for my readers, especially the family. I have become acquainted with Elridge's granddaughter, and she is very excited I am writing this series. I want to provide her the information and help her know her grandparents a little better. I especially want to do a good job for her. So please hang in here. If anything, Elridge is NOT boring!
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