The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-05-07
Four Denoted Police In
spectors Convicted
by Jury.
QUICK DECISION
CAUSES SURPRISE
Former New York Officers Sent
Back to Tombs to Await SEN
tence Next Week-Whitman
Hopes for Further Prosecu-
tons on Indictments Carry
ing Heavier Penalties.
Especial to The Times-Dlspatch.l ]


New York. May 6.-Former Inspec-
tors Denis Sweeney. John J. Murtha,
James f.. Hussey and James F. Thomp-
son were tonight found guilty of con-
spiraoy to obstruct justice by Jury
before Justice Seabury. in the Criminal
Division Of the Supreme Court. The
verdict was returned after the jury
had been out thirty-two minutes.
The quick decision by the jury, as
we'll MS the conviction of all four men.
came as a surprise TO many. When
the jury filed out Of the courtroom at
1925 o'clock this evening. after hearing
the charge by Justice Seabury. the gen
era! opinion was that the twelve men
would be out practically all night. and
that the Indications were strongly in
favor of the acquittal of Mt least one
of the men or a disagreement over the
fate OF the four.
Most Important Case.
The verdict of guilty marks long
stride in the graft investigation con-
Quoted by District Attorney Whitman
The case of the four former inspectors
now captains under suspension. was felt
to be the most important to be brought
to trial following the long list of SEN
sational exposures in which men close
to the graft ring literally fell over each
other to turn informer, with the hope
of saving themselves.
After the verdict had been returned
Justice Seabury ordered the four po-
lice officers returned to the Tombs to
await sentence. which will be made
early next week
The indications were tonight that
the four men would appeal through
their attorneys. But the fact that tho
district attorney has used extreme care
in handling the case and has appeared
willing to exclude large portions of
grounds for an appeal.
The maximum penalty which the men
can receive will be not exceeding one
year in Sing Sing.
Further Prosecutions.
The most important feature OF the
conviction from the district attorneys
standpoint, however, is that II will
lead to further prosecutions on indict-
ments carrying greater penalties. A
number of other indictments are pend
ing against Sweeney. and the district
attorneys Office will now make every
effort to bring to speedy trial the men
under moro serious charges.
1t Is also known that Mr.. Whitman
hopes that the conviction of these four
men Will lead to new and more start
ling confessions which will lead to the
real man higher up' who the district
attorney has all along contended was
the real man he was after.
In his summary to the jury. District
Attorney Whitman spoke two hours
and thirty-seven minutes. Only once
during this speech did the prosecuting
officer mention the name of John J.
Murtha.
That was when he spoke Of Murtha's
alleged statement to Detective Al
Thomas. during which the detective
testified that Murtha told him that he
was willing to chip in on the fund to
keep Sipp out of the State.
For the greater part the district at
torney confined his scathing attack to
the breaking down of the alibi defense
put forward for Sweeney. James f.
Hussey and James r. Thompson.
Ridiculcs AlibI Defense.
District Attorney Whitman ridiculed
the alibi defense for Sweeney, particu-
larly that part put forward by Mrs
Sweeney. her daughter and her sister
The district attorney took unique
stand when he strongly defended the
testimony furnished by several of his
witnesses whom he frankly admitted
bore unsavory regulations.
we have had TO take our witnesses
where we found them" said ne. But
because the regulations OF some of
them are unsavory is no reason why
their testimony is not truthful"