The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1829-12-16
WORCESTER:
WEDNESDAY, DEC. le. 1872
CRIMINAL RECORD.

|
CRIMINAL RECORD.
! The criminal business before the Court Of
Common Pleas, for the present term, has all
been disposed of The following is a list of the
cases finally decided:
! Commonwealth VS.. Thomas E. TIL ompson.
| This was prosecution for false imprison.
ment On behalf of the Commonwealth, Mo-
SEES B. Clements testified that on the evening of
Saturday, the 10th of October last, he and his
father were on their way from Ashford Conn
to Worcester. His father removed from Wor-
cester to Connecticut about year age; he
| owes money there, which he is unable to pay,
and was fearful, if his visit should be known.
that some of his creditors might arrest him and
make trouble for him. For that reason they
! travelled as privately as possible. They arriv-
ed at Charlton about 8 o'clock in the evening.
| and drove their horse into tavern shed. While
there witness sat in the wagon wrapped in a
buffalo skin, and his father fed the horse with
some hay which they brought with them.
While sitting there person came out to the
wagon, and began to examine its contents, and
to make some inquiries respecting the loading.
Witnesses father told him to be careful, for
there was box with fresh paint on it, which
he would get upon his clothes The man then
went away, After staying about Is minutes,
they again proceeded on their journey, but had
not gone far when man rode rapidly by. Wit.
ness's father said he suspected some plot was
on foot among his creditors, and he would drive
on. Just before they arrived at South Leices-
ter he got out of tho wagon, saying he would
go on foot awhile. Shortly after passing South
Leicester, three men rode quickly by, when
one of them dismounted, and, taking witness
horse by the head, stopped him and turned him
around. Witness demonstrated, telling them
that he was anxious to get to Worcester that
night. The horse was then led back to Ryan's
tavern, when witness ascertained that it was
Thompson who stopped his horse and led him
back. 1t was he, also, who examined the wag-
on at Charlton. After getting to the tavern.
Thompson again examined the wagon, and
some one inquired what had been done with
the other box, There had been no other box in
!
the occasion of his detention was, suspicion
that he had dead body on board the wagon,
which was intended for dissection. He was
offered his liberty, provided he would produce
his father; but, as he could not do that, he was
still detained. The box, which had excited the
suspicious was made to pack some shears in
for shearing machines, and some tools, which
they were going to get at Worcester, and the
joints were painted to prevent any moisture
from getting into 1t, lift should happen to rain
After being detained till between and 10
o'clock the next morning, Josiah S. Prentice
! Esq, who was acquainted with the witness
happened to call at the tavern, and informed
him that his detention was illegal, when those
who had custody of him, being satisfied tina,
their suspicious were groundless, suffered him
to proceed on his journey.
On the part of the defendant it was attempt.
ed to show that Clements remained at the tav.
ern voluntarily through the night and it was
argued, that, as the prisoner had probable Cause
of suspicion, and acted under a mistaken i'm.
preston, without any malice, he ought to be
acquitted. The court and jury, however
thought differently, and verdict of guilty was
returned against him. The court sentenced
him to pay a fine Of SIS and costs, amounting
in all, to about $50. His own costs and ex
penses will probably swell the amount which
he will have to pay to 800 or upwards. Thus
he will find, that, although he was disappointed
of finding subject from the grare, as he had
expected, the attempt has, nevertheless, proved
a Craze subject to him; and. although dane.
ing master by profession, he will be satisfied
that he has, at least once, danced to the ,orong
tune, and will, probably be deferred from TAX.
ing false step of the same kind in future.
Same VS.. Thomas Luther.
| The prisoner was charged with receiving and
secreting two swarms of bees and 100 lbs. of
honey, the property of Pliny Allen of Spencer,
knowing them to have been stolen from him.
1t was proved that the hives were taken on
Tuesday night of the last week in September.
Suspicious falling on certain persons, warrant
was procured, and one person has been con-
victed of tho theft. On search, barrel full of
the honey was found behind tho door of Ger.