John Fairbanks
Real Name: John Fairbanks
Aliases: No Known Aliases
Wanted For: Fraud, Embezzlement
Missing Since: December 28, 1989
Case
Details: John Fairbanks was a judge in Newport, New Hampshire who also ran a successful law firm. A respected pillar of the society, he handled many of the money affairs of his clients, but John's strange behavior and excessive spending convinced many that he was dipping into the accounts of those who had trusted him. One day, he abruptly resigned from the bench and also left his law firm. Shortly thereafter, four charges of theft were filed against Fairbanks. Authorities estimate he stole $10 million over a 20-year span.
Extra Notes: The case was featured as a part of the October 9, 1991 episode.
Results: Solved. In March 1994, after over 4 years on the run, Fairbanks' body was discovered lying dead in a Las Vegas hotel as a result of suicide by asphyxiation, but no trace of the stolen money has ever been found. Fairbanks had been hiding out in luxurious condo complexes in and around Quebec City from 1991 to early 1994 under the assumed name "Richard Mansfield," telling people that he was a retired history professor who had taught in Ottawa and Boston. Police doubt they will ever find the money he stole. They believe that Fairbanks spent all his clients' money before he took his own life.
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