Daughter uncovers father’s criminal past in shocking confession before his death

In a startling revelation, Ashley Randele discovered her father’s hidden past when he confessed to being involved in one of America’s greatest unsolved bank heists back in 1969, just before his death from lung cancer in 2021.

Ashley’s father, Theodore ‘Ted’ Conrad, had been living under the alias Tom Randele for years, concealing his involvement in the robbery of $215,000 (equivalent to $1.7 million today) from the Society National Bank in Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked as a bank teller.

Fleeing over 750 miles away to Lynnfield, Massachusetts, Conrad started a new life, got married, and became a father, keeping his criminal past hidden from his family and friends.

After his death, Ashley, spurred by her father’s final confession, embarked on a journey to uncover the truth about her enigmatic father, reaching out to his former associates and girlfriends in Cleveland. Despite Conrad’s plea for her not to delve into his past, Ashley’s curiosity led her to uncover the extent of her father’s double life.

The revelation came to light when a crime reporter in Ohio received Conrad’s obituary and connected it to the unsolved bank heist, prompting the police to investigate. However, Ashley and her mother had already decided to come forward with the information, leading to the confirmation of Conrad’s true identity and the assurance that they would not face any legal repercussions.

Reflecting on her father’s hidden life, Ashley expressed her shock at the depth of his secrets, stating, “He was always so relaxed and easy-going. I would have never guessed how many secrets he had.”

This poignant story serves as a reminder that sometimes, even those closest to us can harbour the most unexpected secrets.