The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1897-07-02
SERRITBLLA HELD.
Prosecutor Winfield Takes
a Hand In Policeman
Abernethy's Case.
GRAND JURY WILL ACT
Proceedings Before Justice Nsvia
This Morning Interrupted
Accused Man Very
Much Surprised.

The examination set down for today Of
Policeman Henry Abernethy, who is ac-
cused of stealing 81 cents and two pocket
knives from Mike SerriteIla of No. Y Rail-
road avenue, a few nights ago, was
abruptly terminated this morning by the
intervention of Prosecutor Winfield, who
ordered the prisoner to be sent to the
Court House until the Grand Jury shall
determine the case laid before them. It
is understood that Abernethy has been
indicted not only for the larceny from
the person but for perjury in the matter
of his appointment as a patrolman.
When the court opened this morning
every seat was quickly occupied and the
rear of the room was crowded with people
curious to hear the trial Of a policeman,
brother of Police Commissioner, charged
with highway robbery. Coppers of duty
peered in at the doorway and there was a
fine assortment of tough ana battered
humanity, male and female, scattered
among the benches.
The accused officer, accompanied by his
counsel. Mr.. William K1ink, and his
brother, Maxwell Abernethy, entered the
room at nine O'Clock and took seat near
the door TO the prisoners pen. He was
neatly dressed in black. had his hair oiled
and mustache eurled and nervously played
with his soft brown hat. Captain Cox
sat near him and from time to time con-
versed with him in whispers. While JUS
tice Nevin was disposing of assault cases
Abernethy left his seat and went into the
Justices private room with his brother
and counsel.
Is Mike Serritella here?'' said Justice
Neyin. when Lawyer Donelan had finished
a M af rrr~xy an l7c In
spring subject of Henderson street high
hats" There was no response and the
court at once sent an officer to hunt up
the prosecuting witness. Half an hour
later Serritella came in with policeman
at his heels and took a seat facing the
policeman, who, he says, held him up ana
robbed him.
Justice Nevin was just about to begin
when he was informed by his clerk, ]. E.
Norton. that Prosecutor Winfield had sent
down a Constable with Instructions to
bring up Serritella to the Court House.
The Justice was also told that the Grand
Jury were celebrating on Abernethys
case and therefore a trial in the Police
Court was not to be thought Of But Mr.
Nevin was in doubts whether or not he
ought to proceed with the examination.
1t was true he did not issue the warrant:
his colleague, Justice T. Herbere Potts.
did that, and in order to hunt up authori-
ties he ordered a recess for few min
utes.
In the meantime the telephone between
the Prosecutors Office and Police Head
quarters had been busy, and Mr.. Winfield
sent down his assistant, Mr.. Joseph
Noonan, to straighten out any difficulty;
but before that gentleman could reach the
court Justice Nevin ordered Abernethy to
the bar and in few words said be would
adjourn the case for one week.
'.As the Grand Jury has all the papers
in this case. I Will postpone the hearing
for one week. during which time suppose
it will act
Serritella, who had been standing during
these proceedings near the reporters
table. started to leave the room when
the Constable from the Prosecutor's office
slapped him and said to him he was to
go to the jail to be held as a witness.
Be no underestimate Inglesa,'' he said,
and when it was interpreted to him he
looked frightened and there was a sus-
picion of tear in his dark eye. But sud-
denly he frightened up and said to the
was paid.
"Oh, yes. you'll get SO much day.,
was the soothing reply and Mike looked
Counsellor Klink and the accused police-
man with his brother took a car 10 the
Court House TO arrange the question OF
bail with the Prosecutor.
Abernethy was very much surprised
when he learned that Prosecutor Winfield
had taken a hand in the case, and h8
appeared very much cast down. It was
said that he expected the case would be
thrashed out before Justice Nevin and
hoped for a dismissal of the charge, but
the new turn of affairs had fill
ed him with apprehension still
more increased when it was wIis-
pered about the court room that the
Grand Jury had indicted him for per-
jury in the matter of his appointment.
Seritalla arrived at the Court House at
noon. brought up by Constable Hague and
was committed to the County JAIL There
were no proceedings in Court