Downey Savings

"Michael J. Ryerson, Vice-President of Security Investigations for Downey Savings and Loan in Los Angeles, reports of an incident where a thumbprint put the criminal away even when the bank didn't have possession of the fraudulent check for evidence.

On May 12,1999, a female, approximately 24 years of age tried to cash a Downey Savings customer's business check at a branch in Torrance, CA. Per procedure, the cashier had a thumbprint applied and took a photo of the check and the patron. Apparently, the suspect became apprehensive and left the premises, check in hand. Alerted to a possible problem, Downey officials checked with their customer, a dry wall company, and found that these specific checks were indeed mailed, but never received by the intended recipient.

The thumbprint, made with an Identicator Touch Signature pad, was so clear that it was perfectly readable via the microfilm. The picture of the check with the thumbprint was turned over to the authorities who were able to apprehend and convict the criminal. Although good photos of the suspects were available, it would not assist in apprehending or prosecuting the suspect, as there was no evidence of positive identity, no physical evidence without the photo of the fingerprint."