Criminal 2004

Gaddis builds his conman persona

Richard Gaddis uses his appearance and demeanor to present himself as a prosperous businessman, understanding that looking the part is essential to a successful con. He relies on polished clothes, a confident gait, and smooth talk to hook marks. This foundation sets the tone for how he conducts future schemes.

Gaddis scouts for a new partner

While surveying potential marks, Gaddis spots a young man named Rodrigo performing minor con games in a casino-bar. He recognizes a rare mix of charm and naiveté that could be a valuable counterweight to his own ruthlessness. The encounter sparks the possibility of a larger collaboration.

Rodrigo is caught; Gaddis intervenes

Rodrigo is briefly apprehended by security, and Gaddis steps in, posing as a vice officer to save him. The act of authority and protection creates a powerful first impression on Rodrigo. This gesture plants the seed for a potential partnership.

Gaddis tests Rodrigo's trustworthiness

To gauge Rodrigo's reliability, Gaddis subjects him to several small tests. Rodrigo's face and naïve manner make him appear trustworthy, while his willingness to go along with the ruses convinces Gaddis to commit further. The tests solidify their budding partnership.

Partnership formed for bigger schemes

Having proven his reliability, Rodrigo agrees to partner with Gaddis on larger cons. They decide to pool their skills and take on more sophisticated scams. The alliance marks a turning point in the trajectory of both their lives.

Plan formed: fraudulent silver certificate

The duo plots to sell a fraudulent version of a silver certificate currency note to William Hannigan, a wealthy collector who is in town. They envision exploiting Hannigan's appetite for rare notes as the centerpiece of their deception. This plan tightens the bonds between the two conmen and shapes the forthcoming events.

Hannigan's interest brings Valerie into the scam

Hannigan takes a fancy to Valerie, Gaddis's sister and a hotel concierge, and Gaddis drags her into the scheme. Valerie's access and position make her a crucial asset for the con, tying her fate to the unfolding plot. The involvement also raises the stakes for all the participants.

A price: Michael's confession about inheritance

To secure Valerie's cooperation, Richard insists that Michael admit he was cheated out of his share of their inheritance. The demand serves as leverage to keep Michael aligned with the plan and complicates loyalties within the family dynamics. The family dynamics become a weapon in the con.

Twists mount as loyalties deepen

As the scam progresses, each character becomes more deeply invested, layering deception upon deception. Richard continues to maneuver, attempting to squeeze more from Rodrigo, Valerie, and Michael while maintaining control over the operation. The plot thickens with every new turn.

The fraud against Hannigan moves forward

With the participants aligned, they execute the fraudulent note scheme against Hannigan, aiming to reap a large payoff. Tensions rise as the mark's suspicions loom, and the group braces for potential exposure.

The twist is revealed

In a dramatic turn, it is revealed that all the major players—including Rodrigo and Hannigan—were themselves engaged in a confidence game against Gaddis from the start. Each participant pursued their own agenda, masking true loyalties as the con unwinds. The perception of who is in control collapses.