On April 27th 1923, three men robbed the Bank Of Smithville. The bank robbers were said to have gotten away with approximately $20,000 in cash, bonds and stamps from the heist. The trio left the area in a car they’d stolen locally.
After fleeing the area, the robbers ended up in Randolph County near Dalton where the experienced automobile trouble and abandoned the stolen car. This is where the three allegedly split up with two of the robbers ending up at a residence in Dalton.
This wasn’t just any residence, it belonged to James Brown, Deputy Sheriff.
The pair gave Brown false names and wanted to know the route to Mammoth Spring. Deputy Brown grew suspicious of the men and reportedly ordered the pair to put their “hands up”. One of the robbers allegedly pulled an automatic pistol but Deputy Brown already had the drop on the pair, they quickly surrendered.
The pair was identified as G.R. Patton and Fredrick O’Connell, both escapees wanted out of Oklahoma with extensive criminal past including robberies.
Patton and O’Connell were kept overnight in the Randolph County Jail before the decision was made to move the pair to Walnut Ridge, newspapers of the time described the jail in Walnut Ridge to be more secure.
Once in Walnut Ridge, the pair suspected of robbing the Bank Of Smithville reportedly gave a full confession. They pair admitted a 3rd person involved, only identified as “Frank” had parted ways with them near Dalton.
When the pair was caught by Deputy Brown, the two had a small handbag containing $78.35 in currency, $100 in Liberty Bonds and $50 in War Savings Stamps.
Patton and O’Connell both tried convincing law enforcement they’d burned the remaining bonds due to them being registered, the Sheriff stated he doubted this story was true and suspected the third member aka “Frank” probably had them.
The two also admitted they’d been in the Smithville area several days prior to the robbery, casing the bank and observing the locals.
In late August 1923, Patton and O’Connell stood before Judge Coleman in the Powhatan Court House where they were sentenced to 10 years each in prison. The convicted pair were also informed by Judge Coleman that once their sentences were complete they’d likely face Federal charges, part of the stolen loot was US Postage stamps kept in the bank for safekeeping.
Deputy Brown received a $1,000 Reward for the capture of the pair.
“Frank” was never found.