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1945-69 WILLIE THE ACTOR SUTTON Rare Signed New York State Prison Record !

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,800.00 USD Estimated At:2,400.00 - 2,800.00 USD
1945-69 WILLIE THE ACTOR SUTTON Rare Signed New York State Prison Record !
Autographs
Notorious Bank Robber Willie “The Actor” Sutton Signed Prison Record from the New York State Corrections Dept.
WILLIE “THE ACTOR” SUTTON (1901-1980). American Bank Robber.
This official Partially-Printed Document Signed, “William Sutton” is a rare Signed Prison Record from the New York State Department of Corrections measures 8” x 5” card stock (top edge is chipped and worn), stapled together with two 8” x 2” Supplemental Records, with entries dated from 1945-69, Very Good. This Document notes his numerous court appearances with dispositions, transfers, hospitalizations, and probation orders. Some sample entries: “There are 4 warrants logged against this inmate”; “3/5/52, re-sentence, 15-20 years state prison...”; “12/2/69, Dec 10, 1969 to meet parole board.” Signed, “William Sutton” next to a small black & white prison mug shot, and a fingerprint. A unique piece of criminal lore. Tears on edges, else good condition. Quite Unique!
One of the most storied criminals of modern times, Sutton was known as “The Actor” for the many disguises he used in holding up banks. On his capers, which netted him an estimated $2 million over 35 years, he masqueraded as a postman, messenger, window cleaner and even bank guard and police officer.

Although he committed numerous crims from the age of 10 to 25, he managed to stay out of prison until 1926, when he was sent to Sing Sign for four years on a burglary conviction. He achieved even greater fame over the years for his elaborate prison escapes. In 1941, he fashioned a self-portrait plaster head which he planned to leave in his bunk while he escaped (this plan was subsequently foiled by alert guards).

Returning to a life of crime after his release, he was placed on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted list in 1951, was captured, and sentenced to 60 years in prison. It is from this last stint in jail that this piece dates. He is probably best remembered for his response to a reporter who asked him why he robbed banks: “Because that’s where the money is.”