New Britain herald., 1917-05-12
HIGGINS ACQUITTED
 OF FRAUD CHARGE
Judge Meskill Says Court Is Not
 Collection Agency.

Collection Agency.
 Commenting that his tribunal is not in tho mercantile collection business. Judge James T. Meskill, in police court today. dismissed charges against John J. Higgins. real estate broker. alleging the taking of $90 from Rocco Patano of 214 Elm street with intent to defraud. He ruled that evidence indicated that the alleged differences constitute grounds for civil action, if any. Testimony introduced, accord ing to Prosecuting Attorney George w. Klett, gave an entirely difeersnt aspect to the case, caused Q temporary recess and the subsequent ruling by Judge Meslkill. As a result of the ar alignment and testimony. Probation Officer Edward c. Connolly claims that Patano, the complainant in the case, has previously applied for city aid and received 1t. How he could properly do 50 and still have money to put into real estate, according to MT. Connolly, will be made a subject of inquiry.
 Higgins represented by Attorney Henry F. Roche. did not deny receiv- Patano as installments on purchase of lot in the Glendale tract. He contended that there was every good intention but circumstances. including prospective legal action to determine | avD nA afrnf of YNo prevented transfer of the title and deed as soon as demanded. He. through counsel. contended that he owned one-third of the tract. pr. H. T. Bray having the property in his name and being the one who would have to sign any transfer.
 Dr. Bray, on the witness stand, said that, until interviewed by Detective A. J. Richardson, he was unaware of the payments by Patano and contended that full credit would be given to him on a purchase of the lots noted. He admitted that Higgins owned one- third of the property, that 1t was list ed in his own name but that Higgins had authority to sell parts. or the whole property. As to the exact amount of Higgins' equity in the property, Dr. Bray said 1t Is for courts to determine. Prosecuting Attorney Klett admitted that the testimony of Dr. Bray presented a new and unex- pected aspect to the case and did not oppose diamissal of the complaint. The hearing was continued one.
 Junk Man Fined $50.
 Pleading guilty, through Attorney A. A. Greenberg, and throwing him. s>HA <>4 Co., uel Levi of IT Laurel street. was fined $100 and costs at a continued hearing for buying junk from minors. Of this amount, $50 was remitted by Judge Meskill, Attorney GreenberE making representations relative to the good character of his client, his domestic conditions and willingness not to vto- late regulations again. He said that Levi aided the police in every way, a frank confession of making the al- legged purchases, had given up his junk business as 8 result of the trouble and intends seeking employ. ment in a factory. Prosecuting At. ! torney Klett did not oppose leniency admitting that the accused had made 8 frank confession, had aided the au. thorities and, apparently had not in tentionally violated the law.
 1 Plant Sent to Jail.
 Unable to satisfactorily explain hi presence in the kitchen of Mrs. Car l rie Waschow's home at 62 Silve street yesterday, Arthur Plant O Buckingham street, Hartford. wa sentenced to six months in jail. HI has been arraigned in the local cour previously for somewhat similar con duct Motorcycle Policeman William P. Hayes testified as to the arrest an, finding the accused held at bay b, indignant women of the neighborhood Plant contended that he was in tn neighborhood looking for. someone and. finding the door of the Waschov domicile unlocked entered. only t
 be discovered before he found tn apartment vacant.
 Much indignant, as he claimed, be cause of being arraigned when h
 only acted in self defense as a resul
 of q dispute over the occupance of
 garden near his home and methods o the complainant in cultivating 1t. Pete
 McKenna of Henry street was fine
 $ and costs for assault upon Fred erick Whaples. The arrest was mad
 upon complaint. McKenna said tha the assault, was caused by Whaple
 daring him to fight and putting u
 his fists" McKenna admitted takin
 the dare 1t was contended tha
 the conduct of the complainant's SO also had a part in causing the trouble |