Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1920-06-05
ADAMS GIVES
@. X. TO DELAY
IN JAIL CASE
Judge Holds Decision on Mein.
ert and Trial of Another
Is Deferred.
CELL BOSS WAS GOAT?

The case of William "Puss" Meinert,
former assistant cell boss at the Marion
county Jail and formerly a prisoner,
charged with operating a gambling game
in the Jail, was taken under advisement
by Special Judge James NJ. Berryhill in
the criminal court today.
The court first announced that a de-
cision would be given next Tuesday, but
on the request OF Ira Holmes, attorney
for Meinert, the court agreed to give his
decision at o'clock on the morning Of
Monday, June II.
Mr. Holmes stated that 1t would be
appreciated by Meinert if the court would
rule early in the morning OF June IA,
as Meinert is under indictment to report
for trial before Federal Judge A. B. An
derson on that date.
Mr. Holmes explained that Meinert
would be compelled to come from Evans
vile. Ind, and that one trip on June
il would put Meinert in both the criminal
and federal courts.
Prosecutor Adams made no protest to
the favor being shown Meinert. as Adams
is making plans to attend the republican
convention in Chicago.
ADAMS AT LIBERTY TO
ATTEND CONVENTION.
Because of Mr.. Adams visit TO Chicago,
the case of John Douglas, former en-
ploye Of the Jail. who is also under in
dictment for keeping a gambling house
at the jail. was not set for trial imme-
diately but tentatively set for June II,
Mr. Holmes insisted that Douglas de-
manded an immediate trial.
Adams pointed out TO the court that
John Hampton, former cell boss and the
chief witness for the state. has not been
definitely located for service Of sum
mons.
In making his final arguments to the
court in Menert's case. Prosecutor
Adams maintained that the evidence
showed that Meinert arranged the poker
games IN the jail, prepared the tables,
bought the cards and collected the rake
OF"
Mr.. Holmes maintained that a prisoner
under the Indiana law could not be
found guilty of being the keeper OF =
game in the Jail because Meinert was
confined to the tail as a prisoner and
was subject 10 all rules and conditions
by which other prisoners were governed.
Holmes stated that under the Indiana
statutes. the sheriff Is responsible for
conditions at the jail aud that the sher-
III cannot legally delegate any of his
authority 70 a prisoner.
Judge BerryhilI asked counsel to give
him all legal references cited during the
arguments 50 the court could study the
authorities closely before giving de-
cision in Meinert's case.
MEINERT ATTEMPTS
TO PASS THE BIC
William Melnert. known as "Puss."
took the witness stand in his own de-
tense and made sweeping denials OF all
material allegations made by witnesses
for the state regarding bis alleged own
eTshlP Of the game
Meinert attempted to pass the re-
sponsibility Of operating the poker game
In the jail to John Hampton. known as
Jack" former cell boss at the Jail and
the principal witness for the state who
tailed to appear to give testimony dur
ing the trial.
Jack Hampton instructed me to take
a nickle out every time and then bring
him the money after the poker game had
stopped" testified Meinert in his owl de-
tense.
Meinert, who is big, strong appear
Ing man, attempted to appear Of gentle
character as he related story of how
Jack Hampton threatened" TO take his
Job of assistant cell boss away If he
(Meinert) did not take the ''rakeon' from
the poker games.
Meinert tried to impress the court with
the testimony that he at one time told
Hampton that he no longer desired TO
take the ''rakeoff" because deputy United
Continued on Page Nine.)