The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-09-06
GIRL AMONG THE ROBBERs.
Minnie Brotherton's Alleged share In tho VIII.
ton RurEinrIra.

tnn htrOInertOn'a Alleged snare IN tho Will
ton BurEInrles.
BRIDGEroRT, Conn.,, Sept. 5.-The excitement
occnsioned by n series Of robberics in the town
Of Wilton and the efforts of the local con-
stabulary TO find tho robbers have brought out
the fact that the alleged leader Of the band
is an 1s.year-old girl. Her name is Minnie
Brotberton. She lives with her father and
mother In an old house on a hill back OF tho
reservoir which supplies tho city of Norwalk
with water.
Tho robberies committed were evidently not
the work OF professionals. but the visits were 30
carefully planned and executed that for a long
time the town authorities were unable TO get
any trace Of the robbers. Money was seldo n
taken, but the cellar OF each house visited
would be cleaned out. Tho pantry seemed to
have n special attraction for the robbers, and al.
most any kind Of provisions they could lay
their hands on were carried away. After such
a visit the gang would 20 TO some secluded
spot In the hills and there enjoy n feast cooked
by the girl leader. The gang broke into and
stole from the "Hawkhurst" 500 in money. a
gold watch. two hams. and a pair Of shoes. Sam
Buttery's house ut Silver Mines was also en-.
tered and ten pounds Of pork taken, with ff-
teen cans Of fruit. The Tcmpleton house lin
Jones's house was entered ono day when the
old man was away In Sorwalk., -.
maurice ButuerS Is the regular constable or
the town. but there being need OF extra force.
~, DE witt, has been appointed n special con-
stable TO assist the regular force. Head Con-
stable Buttery and his assistant have been hard
at work on the robbery case for some time. and
decided that Minnie BrOtherton knew all about
the gang committing the robberies in the town.
Yesterday Constable Buttery said:
ION Thursday l went down and served a
warrant on the BrothertOn girl. ! left her
there M sort of stool pigeon 80 as TO hive the
gang when they came around TO get her to go
out with them"
A confession secured from the girl leaves no
doubt as to who entered Hermit Jones's hut.
one Of the last places visited. The method OF
this gang is well illustrated by the robbery OF
the hermit. They must have known that he
had nothing Of value to steal, but they wanted
excitement apparently. and broke into the
house for the sake OF an evenings sport.
Minnie was set to work making biscuits.
While the girl was mixing the dough the men
sat about drinking and telling stories.
When a reporter called at the home Of Minnie
Brotnerton to-day she was there with her father
and mother. She was willing to talk "a little
about the visit to Hermit .Jones's house.
What made you 90 with the gang to break
into the housed" the reporter asked.
Il did not know where i was going" an
swcred the girl.
You knew vou were going with them on
some expedition, didn't your she was asked.
Yes, but l did not ask where. I just went
along with them
Then the girl stopped talking, and nothing
would induce her to make any further state
ment. Minnie's father seemed to take little in.
crest in the affair. The girls mother. however,
says that Minnie has got beyond her control.
a lot of trouble
Yes. | know I'm In q lot Of trouble. but l
piled with q toss Of her head.