Stokes v. United States

This was an indictment against the defendant Stokes and 13 others for a conspiracy to commit the offense described in Rev. St. § 5480, of using the post-office establishment of the United States for fraudulent purposes.

The artifice was described as one wherein each of the defendants represented himself as a dealer in various kinds of merchandise, certifying each other to be financially responsible, and ordering merchandise from various parties, having no intention of paying for the same.

Upon the trial, Stokes and eight others were found guilty, and subsequently sentenced to fines and imprisonment.

Defendants thereupon sued out this of error.

John D. Burnett, for plaintiffs in error.

''Sol. Gen. Conrad,'' for the United States.

Mr. Justice BROWN delivered the opinion of the court.