The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1920-01-29
POLICE DISCOVER DIAMONDS IN
COUNTY JAIL; BURGLAR GIVES
STOLEN GEMS TO GAIN FREEDOM
Captain Harper's Arrest of Ack-
ley and Subsequent Confess
sion Causes Sensation.
POLICE CONTINUE PROBE
City Officers Believe They Have
Solved Mystery of Burglar
les But Look for Gang

Twenty-one diamonds of varying
sizes We're taken from a hiding place
in one corner of a cell occupied by
McNaigle, one Of the prisoners of the
county, and 4 more were taken from
Ackley. a man held in the city Jail
yesterday afternoon by the police de-
partment Three more diamonds of
the same lot are held by the sheriff's
office as a part of an appearance bond
put up by Ackley for his release from
the county jail
These stones We're all a part of the
loot obtained by thieves in this city
during the recent burglarizing that
has been the cause of much loss of
sleep. Most of the diamonds found
last night belonged to the jewelry
that was taken from the Sullivan
home in the early part of January.
The loot was recovered through a
partial confession made by AcIxley to
Captain Harper, Officer Han and
Charley Johnson. AclIley was arrested
by the sheriff's department last week
charged with stealing a suit case AMI
Mariana upon request of Sheriff
Whitaker and returned here.
Yesterday Ackley attempted to make
bond, which was $3.50. until his APP
pearance for trial Through the ef-
forts OF Detective Moore, who was
recently brought in here to investi-
gate the Cooley murder, he was al
lowed liberty after putting up an un-
named sum Of money and diamonds,
the diamonds to be cashed by Mr.
Moore in case Of default.
shortly after being released AclSley
an of this city. She declined to buy
claiming that the stone was too small.
but that she would take a larger one
Ackley said that he had a quantity
Of diamonds of varying sizes, valued
at several thousand dollars. These he
claimed to the woman were obtained
by him from a soldier in France and
he promised TO return with a larger
one. The lady Immediately telephoned
to Capt. Harper and with Officer Hall
went to the residence and waited UNI
til Ackley came with a larger stone.
The officers took him to the station
and he told them that he had been
given diamonds by soldier. of them
being in the sheriff's office as part
Of $3.50 bond, the other one he had
with him. After searching him, 3
others were found in his shoes. He
then told the police officers about
MS working with McNaig1e and that
he latter had the other diamonds in
he county Jail. The officers went 10
he Jail where McNaigIe promptly de-
lied any knowledge OF the theft of
he jewelry.
Later when confronted with the con-
,ession, AIcNaigle admitted having the
diamonds in his cell With police Of
!, IA
.eu but the diamonds had all dis
appeared. Some of the inmates had
found the stones and appropriated
hem. After thorough search they
we're found hidden in another place
III p wrapped in small piece Of pa
Der. AIcNaigle had hidden them on
lis person when he was taken to jail
and later had concealed them in a cell
AcEafgle was first arrested short
y after the Sullivan home was burg
arized. He had been employed at the
.ome as yard man and was sus-
,ected as being implicated in the
obbery.
Detective Moore is said to have
sked the authorities to accept a
mailer bond than $50 but when this
zas denied he interested himself in
citing AckIey released, the sheriff
inaIly to take part Of the bond in cash
nd diamonds to make up the re-
In case the man left the city
was understood that the detective
-as to make the amount good that
IS represented by the stones.
According to the sheriff, Detective
Loore claims that Ashley had prom
led to help him in some work
hat he had planned and was trying
, get the man released on that account.
ekley was transferred from the city
o the county late yesterday afternoon
where he was charged with grand
arcency.
All the stones recovered had been
aiken from their original mounting
nd the gold thrown away. both
risoners claimed. All the stones were
ose and none Of the valuable mount
lgs We're recovered.
When asked his version OF the ar
iir last night. Sheriff Whitaker was.
cacommittsI.