Free trader-journal and Ottawa fair dealer. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1920-1927, 1921-09-26
KOEN|C D|SM|SSES
MOONSH|NE CHARGE.
AGAINST HOLMES.
ABSENCE OF IMPORTANT WIT.
NESS CAUSES COURT TO RE.
LEASE PATROLMAN ACCUSED
BY PETER FARRELL OF MAX.
ING AND SELLING LIQUOR.

Failure of Peter Farrell, accuser Of
Patrolman Jesse Holmes, to prove his
charge that the police officer operated
an Illicit still and sold moonshine
whisky, brought dismissal of the
state warrant, alleging violation of
the search and seizure act, in Judge
! George Koenig's court Saturday df-
/ ternoon.
The allegation failed in convincing
proof when Michael Fox, one OF the
| principal witnesses for the state did
not put in an appearance to testify
at the trial. Notwithstanding that
bench warrants had been issued for
Fox and regardless of his promise to
States Attorney Kelly to be in court
at the hearing, Fox turned up miss.
ing" and tho the city was combed fore
and aft by deputies from the sheriff
office, no trace of him could be found.
After a two hours hunt for Fox
to corroborate statements made by
Peter Farrell. prime mover in the
case against Officer Holmes, Judge
koenig announced he would dismiss
bind the patrolman over to the grand
jury.
Court Explains Decision.
Il was informed that Fox would De |
here for the trial" announced Judge /
Koenig, "and | see no reason for his ,
not being here, unless he refuses to |
act as a witness for the prosecution. |
/ am inclined to believe that he seeks /
purpOsely to avoid that task and has /
deliberately absented himself so he .
will not have to take part in the case
In view of the witness conduct |
| can do nothing else but dismiss the
complaint If the state desires to go
further into the charge there is the
grand jury remaining where it or the
complaining witness may get further
redress, should Mr.. Kelly think the
charge warrants additional looking
into or investigation
But on the evidence presented thus
far | see no reason for holding the de-
fendant under bonds to await action
CT that body, therefore | dismiss the
hearing.
Kelly Substantiates Court.
States Attorney Kelly who had
worked up the charge to the point
where he had a presentable case until
FoX's mysterious disappearance up
set his plans after Judge KOenig's
decision made a statement, in which
he said the court under the circum-
stances could have taken no other
action He added that he had talked
with Fox Saturday morning and eX-
acted from him assurances that he
would be on hand to testify at the
Ed, Warner one of the defendants,
accused by Joe Farrell William Fox
and Peter Farrell, all of whom testi-
fed of his selling moonshine to them
at different intervals, was bound over
to the grand jury under bonds of $500,
Joe Farrell, his arm in a sling, and
William Fox, showing the effects Of
his injuries, were the principal wit
nesses against Warner. Both men
were wounded when the police inter
rupted them in the act of robbing the
DenisOn grocery, Friday, September
16, but were sufficiently recovered 30
be in attendance at the trial and tell
their story. Warner, they said, sold
them mOonshine on the night they at
to burglarize the grocery.
Resent Accusations.
Keen resentment prevails in the po-
lice department against the wild and
fanciful rumors in circulation during
the excitement following the Farrell
charges. Even those not mentioned
in the scandal" resent accusations
being made against their brothers on
the force.
The vailed hints that Motorcycle
Cop Walter Hisler was associated in
any way with the alleged bootlegging
ring has met with strong refutations
from everybody knowing the police
officer. iIIisler, himself was more
hurt than aggrieved al the charges
Anyone knowing me very well
should know that | would not be
guilty of any such a gross breach of
the law. | never. at anv time. took
any part in selling, making or buy
ing intoxicating beverages. and fur
thermore have done my best to
catch and prosecute thCsemixed up
in this unlawful business" said the
motor officer.
Il believe the same to be true of
Continued on Page 5, Col. a j