The Private Confession

A conman beat the law and a priest through some chicanery.

The story goes that in 1910 Anthony Blum conned Father Arthur DeBruycher into investing in a “sure thing” gold mine in Gleeson, Arizona. When the mine didn’t pan out, the priest filed suit alleging fraud and misrepresentation. At his trial Blum was on the stand when suddenly he slumped forward, clutching his chest. Blum pleaded for a priest; the only clergy there was Father DeBruycher. The priest heard Blum’s confession–however, that meant that the priest could never reveal what Blum told him. Amazingly, Blum regained his health. The priest could no longer testify and Blum went free.