Ernest J. Stevens’ trial took place in the fall of 1933, and he was found guilty of embezzling $1.3 million from Illinois Life. He is pictured here on the day of the verdict with his oldest son, Ernie, at left. The Chicago Tribune reported at the time that the teenage John Paul Stevens was also there for the verdict, while Stevens’ mother, Elizabeth, was not because she was watching Stevens’ brother, Bill, perform in a play. The Steveneses were surprised by the verdict and felt wronged by prosecutors and the Chicago press, says Bill Barnhardt, author of John Paul Stevens: An Independent Life. Ernest Stevens posted $25,000 bond and awaited appeal.
Photo from Chicago Tribune, © October 15, 1933. All rights reserved