Crime News from 1917

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New Jersey Courier 20 Apr 1917


Friday Judge Jeffrey received the plea of a number of prisoners, and fixed bail. Joseph P. Johnson of West Point Pleasant, charged with beating up his wife, and the mother of his children, Bessie Johnson, pleaded not guilty. Trial was set for April 30. Having no one to go his bail, but owning real estate, he was allowed to go on his recognizance, and Arthur P. Gallagher of Lakewood, was assigned to defend him.

Acton and George Bunnell of Cedar Creek, indicted at a previous term for malicious mischief, were allowed to give bail in the sum of $200, to appear for trial on April 23. They were charged by Frank W. Briggs, proprietor of the Greyhound Inn, Forked River, with damaging his electric light plant. Howard Applegate, a former owner of that hotel, went their bail.

Charles Willey, colored, pleaded guilty to stealing some $60 from the money drawer of the Manhattan hotel, Lakewood, where he was employed as bellhop. He was caught by Charles Hecht, proprietor, and his son, who marked money, put it in the drawer and then watched to see who took it. Sentence day was set for April 30; bail $200 with Charles Preston of Lakewood as bondsman.

M.J. Pirkig, indicted for assault and battery upon Fred Waegerlee, pleaded not guilty. Charles Baker went his surety for $200. Trial set for April 30. The two men got into a dispute over a horse deal, and some other business transactions, and Waegerlee claims that Pirkig jumped him. They live in Jackson township.

Another Jackson township assault and battery charge was made by E.W. Voorhees against Joseph F. Thompson; the latter plead not guilty and gave $200 bail, as his own surety to appear for trial April 30. Voorhees asserts that during the last December snow, Thompson tore down two small shade trees, to drive across his (Voorhees) fields; that he protested, and Thompson struck him with a stake.

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