THE VERDICT: FALSE Public records, newspaper archives and interviews with witnesses show Abagnale was in prison between the ages of 17 and 20. CLAIM: Abagnale stole money from Logan Airport dressed as a security guard. THE VERDICT: FALSE Journalist Stephen Hall debunked this claim in 1978 CLAIM: He stole $1.2 million by signing blank checks. THE VERDICT: FALSE In reality, he was arrested in the summer of 1974 in Friendswood, Texas, for theft at a kids' camp, Camp Manison. However despite the work of the reporters, Abagnale's star was rising and he soon wrote the best-selling book, which was later adapted into both the Spielberg film and a Broadway play.

Source: The Nation May 11, 2021 19:52 UTC