The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1896-08-20
GREEN GOODS.
A FARMER SAID TO BE IN
SERIOUS TROUBLE.
A Charge of "Drunk and Suspicion"
That Develops Into a Belief
That There Is a Grave
Charge Back of 1t.


Charge Back of 1t.
An entry upon the police blotter at the
police station reads "a B. winnett, sus
plcion and drunk; arrested by Officers
Blake, Battin, MoQuern, Ryan and
Bruce" The entry is not an unusual
one, but the fact that five policemen did
the work usually done by one, and the
continued presence Of Deputy Revenue
Collector Weber in the vicinity of the po-
lice station, caused some comment, and
an investigation revealed the fact that the
officers believe that they have at last cap
tured real, live, green goods man, who,
1t is said. has eluded the efforts of the
local authorities and of Cleveland de.
teotives for the past two years. The Off
GERS received tip yesterday and late last
night an East End resort was surrounded
and Winnett was captured and taken to
the central police station, where the en-
try was made as stated. Winnett is said
to be prosperous farmer living four
miles northeast of the city.
From an outside source 1t was learned
that the man had attempted to dispose
of counterfeit money yesterday. 1t is al
so alleged that he has confessed to the po-
lice Of having been engaged in the prac-
tice Of handling the spurious bills and
that he had paid his taxes to the county
treasurer with the goods.
Prosecutor Bow was consulted by the
officers and telegram was sent to the
United States marshal at Cleveland.
Two years ago every effort was made to
discover the dispenser Of green goods In
this county, and it is believed that the
man has at last been located.
The arrest Of A. b. winnett, on suspi,
ciop, a report Of which was given exclu-
sively in these columns, Thursday, proves
to be one of the most important made by
the police for long time. Winnett, to-
gether with a we'll known local man about
town, was first located in Jennie Lees
place in South Saxton street by Officer
Barnes. The officer, who was in full uni
form, called Officer Ryan, who was doing
duty in citizens clothing. Ryan entered
the house and Officers Blake, Barnes,
McQuern and Bruce stood guard upon
the outside. The young man who accom-
panied Winnett, knew the officer, and fol
lowed by Winnett, he left the house. They
were, however, promptly arrested by the
officers in waiting, who took tn IN to the
police station. The young man was al.
lowed to depart, as there was no evidence
to hold him.
Winnett was searched and 5000 check
was found on his person. The check was
signed by p G.. Smith, neighbor who
lives near the Winnett home, and was
later found to be forgery.
Officers drove to the Winnett farm last
evening and informed Mrs. Winnett of hel
husbands arrest. She appeared much
alarmed when informed of the charge
placed against her husband, and said she
knew nothing of the matter. my hus
band frequently remains away from home
for four or five days" said Mrs. Winnett,
"and never knew what he was engaged
in during his absence. went to Cantor
with my husband, Wednesday, on some
business, and waited until O'Clock for
him. He did not appear and I drove
home"
The officers went TO the home of P, G.
Smith and that gentleman said he hat
not drawn nor given Winnett any cheol
whatever, and declared that it wa
forgery.
The case has been placed in Prosecutol
BOWS hands and that official is awaiting
instructions from the United States au
thorities at Cleveland.
For over ten years efforts have beer
made to locate the man who, at times
flooded the county with spurious cur
renoy, and 1t is now believed he Il
caught in the tolls Of the law. Office
Barnes and those who assisted him are h
be congratulated on their successful cap