Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-06-06

Every seat in the court room was
taken. and the corridors of the City
building were crowded with those I'M
able to obtain admission.
The most prominent absentee. was
former Deputy Sheriff Leach, who has
confessed to having accepted money
from liquor dealers and who was ex-
pected to be one of the star witnesses
at the hearing.
Leach left the city last Sunday, and
mas not been seen since.
Deputy Plummer was represented by
eX-Judge Enoch Foster, County Attor-
ney Whitchouse represented the prose-
cution and John F. A. Merrill was
present as counsel for Frank Ford, who
furnished the information which led to
Plummer's arrest.
The original warrant against Plum
mer. which charged him with accepting
$40 from Frank Ford, had been nolle
pressed and another naming several
sums amounting to 1888 in the aggre-
gate had been issued. When this war
rant was read Plummer entered plea
of not guilty, and Frank Ford was call
ed as the first witness.
Ford began his testimony by saying
that his business was real estate and
handling liquors."
He then went directly to the point in
question, telling of the loan of $500
made to Plummer in mortgage just
before the latter was appointed a dep
uty by Sheriff Pearson and of dealings
they had later. He arranged deal
with Plummer for the protection of his
Of hn lot
pointed he said, and made regular pay
ments.
About March 1 of last year witness
told Plummer that several others want
ed to come in on the deal and finally
Plulrmer consented to include John A.
Feeney and W. H. Farrell, with the I'M
derstanding that they sell only hard
| liquor. They were to pay the deputy
SIS per month each.
Feeney and Farrell made their first
payment about Sept. l. Shortly after
| this time Ford suggested that others be
| let in on the same basis as Feeney and
Farrell. but Plummer objected. He
didn't want to take the chance on any
more saloons, he said, but would agree
| to let in few drug stores and hotels.
As q result of this meeting witness said
VIM. +. Stone, a druggist; Charles S.
SWEET. James A. Sullivan and Thomas
]. Cronin. hotel proprietors, and Michael
j.. Callahan. local agent for the Port
| land & Portsmouth Express Co., were
admitted and began making payments
to the deputy. Callahan was to pay $40
per month for the protection of his
customers liquors while in transit.
Ford said that Plummer frequently
came to his place and played pool in a
room directly over the bar room where
liquor was being sold. At these times
many things were discussed and one
day witness discussed with the deputy
the proposed construction of a trap for
running eff ale. Plummer approved OF
the plan and told him to go ahead with
it.
Ford said that Plummer always ap-
peared nervous before making seizure
at the freight yards and often express
ed fear that he would get hold of some
of the witness liquor instead of that
belonging to other parties.
On cross-examination, Ford was ques-
toned closely regarding his testimony
today as compared with that given be-
fore the grand jury. He admitted that
what he said before the grand jury was
. false and as an excuse for so testifyine
quoted a conversation he had with
, Plummer previous to going before ths
jury. At that time, he said, Plummel
told witness to deny everything ant
, ne would do the same.
Continued on page 81