A University of Wisconsin/Madison student has been arrested on charges he stole signatures of early American figures while he was working at a Yale University library over the summer. Benjamin W. Johnson, 21, allegedly stole and sold about 70 documents bearing the signatures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and other historical figures.
According to an October 10 Associated Press report, Johnson also faces charges in Connecticut of first-degree larceny and first-degree criminal mischief. Catherine Barnes, president of the Professional Autograph Dealers Association, told police she paid Johnson $3,750 for Washington’s signature September 6 after Johnson contacted her via e-mail. Barnes said Johnson told her that he had inherited the documents from his father and uncle, who collected presidential autographs. Capitol Police Detective Ed Bardon told reporters that Johnson’s father still works at Yale.
Posted October 15, 2001.