Welcome to a New Season of Criminalia: 'THE SNAKE OIL SALESMEN'
Snake oil. Today the term describes any worthless remedy that's promoted as a cure-all. And, by extension, snake oil salesmen are considered a bunch of rip-off artists who peddle fraudulent goods. We’...
12 Mar 20242min
When Blackmail Accidentally Uncovers Political Corruption
This is a story of a Texas oil tycoon, a congressman from Idaho, and a financial commodities broker in Oklahoma City. It’s a story of blackmail, yes. But it’s also a story of political corruption and ...
5 Mar 202427min
Duke of York and Mary Anne Clarke
Mary Ann Clarke attempted to blackmail her ex-lover, the Duke of York — who led the British army — by threatening to publish his letters. Sounds similar to Wellington but it takes a turn: His politica...
27 Feb 202423min
The Story of Walter Minx, the Sears Extortionist and His Homemade Submarine
Milwaukee Magazine once described Walter Minx as slender and fidgety, with, "the kind of sharp-featured handsomeness that the movies had taught people not to trust." He was German-born, and immigrated...
20 Feb 202428min
Blackmail Fail: What Happened When George Ratterman Reformed 'Sin City of the South'
When All-American footballer George Ratterman announced his candidacy for sheriff of Campbell County, Kentucky, in April of 1961, he said, “I am told that if I run for sheriff, I will be the victim of...
13 Feb 202426min
Inheritance Lost: The Murder of Captain Joseph White
Joseph Jenkins Knapp, Jr. was expecting to receive a sizable inheritance upon the death of his 82-year-old great uncle, wealthy retired shipmaster and trader Captain Joseph White. But with debts pilin...
6 Feb 202435min
‘Acid Burns’: That Time Mae West Was Blackmailed, Know What I Mean? See?
It started just after Labor Day, with an envelope postmarked September 13, 1935, sent special delivery, addressed to Miss Mae West of 570 N. Rossmore, Ravenswood Apartments, Hollywood, California. The...
30 Jan 202421min
Why Charles Augustus Howell Was Called the Worst Man in Victorian London
Described by some as a, “charming rogue,” Charles Augustus Howell was a dodgy figure in Victorian art circles, in particular London’s Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood movement. There was extortion. There wa...
23 Jan 202424min
