[104-10305-10000.pdf — page 20]
# Novel Admitted Bunker Theft, Rhodes Is ToldContinued from Page 1New Orleans to Houma at night in a Lincoln automo-bile owned and driven by Gordon Novel, and in a panel truck."AFTER ARRIVING at the site of the bunker, which was leased by Schlumberger Well Services Corp., the defendant, Gordon Novel, Sergio Arcacha Smith, David W. Ferrie, and others, unnamed, unlawfully entered it by cutting the lock with a pair of bolt cutters which had been brought along for the purpose.""After entry into the bunker (they) took various forms of explosives and munitions. Thereafter they returned to the city of New Orleans with the stolen munitions."# Novel Admitted Bunker Theft, Rhodes Is ToldAn affidavit filed with new extradition papers sent to Columbus, Ohio, claims that Gordon Novel admitted his part in a burglary of a munitions bunker in Houma in 1961. The new extradition papers were sent to Ohio Gov. James Rhodes as part of Orleans Parish Dist. Attorney Jim Garrison's efforts to bring Novel back to Louisiana on a burglary conspiracy charge. Garrison wants Novel in connection with his investigation of President Kennedy's assassination.James Alcock, an assistant district attorney, said in the affidavit:"The said Gordon Novel responded to questioning by Jim Garrison, district attorney for the Parish of Orleans, and William Gurvich, investigative aide to Jim Garrison, that he and the parties, named here-in did in fact commit the conspiracy and burglary outlined above.""In the body of the affidavit, Alcock declared that Novel, Sergio Arcacha Smith, David W. Ferrie and other unnamed persons 'did conspire, agree, and combine to burglarize a munitions bunker located in Houma, La.'"He said the conspiracy was entered into in New Orleans at the home of Arcacha.Alcock said that the men went to Houma on or about Aug. 21, 1961."The trip was made from (Turn to Page 4, Column 5)The extradition papers also included a photograph of Novel identified by a former girl friend, Marlene Manci, 50, 42 Oaklawn dr., Metairie, who had dated Novel in 1961.THE DOCUMENTS also contain a copy of the simple burglary charge leveled against Novel and Arcacha by the sheriff of Terrebonne Parish. The affidavit was signed by Capt. Bert Boyne.Meanwhile, the DA's office said a new figure in the investigation scheduled for questioning today was interviewed last night by a Garrison aide.A DA's office spokesman declined to say what questions were asked or what information was obtained from the man.He is Juan M. Valdes, a self-described Latin playwright who figured in one of the city's more sensational murders. A subpena was issued for him yesterday.Valdes in the summer of 1964 discovered the mutilated body of Dr. Mary Stults Sherman, a women physician who occupied the same St. Charles ave. apartment building where the summoned witness lives.HE WAS investigating smoke coming from the Sherman apartment when he stumbled onto the body. Dr. Sherman's killer, who has never been found, tried to burn the body.Garrison would not comment on what questions will be asked Valdes.Another Latin, 30-year-old Carlos Quiroga, spent two hours and ten minutes before the grand jury yesterday and emerged without comment.QUIROGA, a Cuban exile, was once a close friend and associate of a fugitive witness from the Garrison inquiry, 44-year-old, Sergio Arcacha Smith.