People v. Di Laura

The information charged defendants with conspiring to obtain money by false pretenses, subtle means and devices, from five named persons. Defendants were convicted and prosecute review.

Defendants operated a private bank and received money to be forwarded to Italy, and, it was claimed, converted the same to their own use. There was also a count in the information for larceny by conversion, but this was waived by the prosecution at the close of all proofs.

The court was requested to instruct the jury as to what would constitute subtle means, devices, and false pretenses, but failed to do so.

The…