The New York herald., 1921-01-11
THREE GIVE EVIDENCE
Avenue A Grocer and Fam
lily Tell of Alleged Fraud
in Shoplifting Case.
ALBERT AGAIN CALLED
Refuses to Give Names of Re-
spondents for Whom He
Has Given Bail.

William A. McQuade. Assistant Dis
trict Attorney, who is conducting the
bail bond inquiry before Magistrate
Simpson, began the presentation or
testimony yesterday to show that pro-
fessional bondsmen work in con1unc-
ton with shyster lawyers in the Mag
istrates' courts to fleece the tirnid and
the ignorant who are arrested. Mr..
McOuade declared this practice is
widespread and that as the inquiry
proceeded he would produce a mass
of evidence to show such things ex-
isted all over the city.
Frank Stupka, a grocer and coal
dealer of 1866 Avenue A; his wife and
their sixteen-y year-old daughter. Anna,
agreed as to the details of what hap
pened when Mrs. Stupka was arrested
last September charged with shoplift-
ing at the National Outlet Store IN
West Twenty-fourth street. Mrs.
Stupka testified that she was ap-
preached at the Jefferson Market
court by a young man whom she didn't
know and who suggested that she
communicate with her husband
Later Stupka received telegram
signed with his, wife's name which
read. "I am in trouble. See Mr..
Katz. III West Tenth street, inn
mediately." Mrs. Stupka testified
that she did not send this message.
Hall Alleged mt $500.
Stupka andh is daughter went TO the
West Tenth street place and found
man who described himself as Harry
Katz. They testified that Katz told them
the bail in Mrs stupka's case was $500
and that he could obtain her release for
$40. whereupon Stupka gave him two
$40 bills. Mrs. Stupka later waived
examination and was held for the Court
of Special Sessions. Court records were
introduced by Mr.. McQuade to show
that the bail actually flxed in her case
was $500, and not $500, as Katz is al
legged TO have told Stupka.
Anna Stupka corroborated the testi-
mony Of her father that Katz had sug-
gested TO them that they employ Mr.
Weir. next door to the Katz place. as
attorney for the accused woman. Stupka
said he paid Weir SIS for appearing at
the Jefferson Market court and once at
Special Sessions Later Weir told
stupka. according to the latter, that It
was very hard case and that he would
"a n
peared a third time. Stupka said he re-
fused to agree TO this and engaged an
other lawyer.
The Stupkas also testified that Katz
had Stupka make out an inventory of all
his stock in trade, his household furnl-
ture and all his personal property. in
cluding an account OF more than $500 m
the Bank of Europe. and sign II over to
him before he would put up bail for Mrs.
Stupka Neither Katz nor Weir gave
receipts for the money paid them, the
three members of the Stupka family
said.
Albert Is Recalled.
Hyman Albert. the bouncer employed
at the Grand Street Motion Picture The
atre at 25S Grand street. who testified
Friday that he frequently went bail for
lnc DOyb when tfey were III lTOuDIc
purely from kind heartedness and with
out taking collateral from them as Sc
curity, was recalled yesterday. Mr..
McQuade Is interested in discovering
why the Fidelity and Casualty Company
OF New York and the New Amsterdam
Casualty Company are willing unques-
tioningly to furnish bail bonds to crimi-
nais who are vouched for by Albert.
Albert denied he ever accepted coll
lateral in any form from any Of the men
who applied 70 him for bail bonds. In
answer to Mr.. McQuade's questions he
said he had at present three men out on
bonds furnished by the Fidelity and
Casualty Company of New York and a
number on bonds executed by the New
Amsterdam organization Joe Topper,
agent for the New Amsterdam. has re-
fused to give Albert list OF the men,
the witness said.
Albert was pressed TO reveal the
names Of the three respondents at lib-
erty on Fidelity and Casualty Com
pany bail. but refused to give them un-
less Mr.. McQuade would agree ITO pro-
tcct' his "rights' and assure him that
the men seeing their names In print.
would not resent the publicity and flee.
Mr.. McQuade declined TO give any as
surarces and when ordered TO answer
by Magistrate Simpson, Albert persisted
i'm his refusal. at least until he had an
opportunity TO consult Samuel MarlSe-
wich. his attorney and former Assist
ant District Attorney. Albert will have
until 80 o'clock to-day 70 make UP his
mind whether he will answer or not.
ORANGE ENOCH ARDEN