Chase first gained notice as George's wife on December 23, 1923, when he was arrested for an altercation during which he was shot by Ella Keller. Keller stated that George and his companions attacked her because she had reported them to the police and that she had to shoot George in self-defense. After arresting George, the police went to his home, where they found Chase wearing six diamond rings. Chase was arrested for suspicion when she could not explain her possession of the multiple rings. She was released after three days when further evidence could not be found against her.