New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1922-06-03
BRIBERY CASES May
NOT Be PRESSED
State Unlikely to Proceed Against
Men in MCAulife Matter

States Attorney Hugh M. Alcorn
In n statement has practically infer
red that the cases. pending against
Charles and Samuel Gardino, who are
under bonds for alleged bribery,
would be nolled.
This action has been considered
since the death Of Thomas McAuliffe
the former prohibition enforcement
officer, who was under indictment on
charger OF accepting bride from the
Gardinos. With a nolle entered In
the cases against the Gardnos, the
same action would probably be pur-
sued In the cases OF Wallace r. Rich
ardson, Andrew F. Richardson, Ar
thur H. Harris and Jacob Jennings
who were arrested at the time OF the
big expose In this city.
Case Rocked State.
The McAuliffe case was one that
rocked the entire state, due to the
prominence OF the defendant, who at
the time was entrusted with the en-
forcement of prohibition in this state.
He was placed under arrest at his
office at New Haven, few days az
ter Richardson, his two sons and
Jake" Wrinkle were taken into Gus
tody In this city by the state police.
Then came the arrest of the Gar
dinos. the proprietors of the Hotel
Grand on Myrtle street. Arthur H.
Harris, a truckman and Jacob Jen-
nings, a local sportsman. Harris and
Jennings were able to procure bonds
men at once, and were liberated Har-
ris' father provided a bond Of $1,000
while friends of Jennings. put up a
$4,000 bond for him. The Gardinos
were incarcerated in the Hartford
county Jail for several days. until To-
cal people furnished bonds of $4,000
in each case.
The Richardson boys we're also
locked up for considerable time. Wal
lace Richardson, the younger of the
two, was first let. out on $4,000
bond furnished by his mother. After
the conviction of the elder Richard
son, the junior Richardson was al
lowed his freedom, on a bond also
furnished by his mother.
Alcorn Had Confessions.
From an authentic source it has
been learned that the Gardinos. in
their reported confession at the time
Of their arrest, said that they had
paid to McAuliffe the sum Of $500
to protect load of liquor which was
being transported from New Jersey
to this city. This amount Of money
covered more than one transaction,
according to the obtained information.
1t was disclosed that Andrew F.
io1 arAc cio
the truck containing consignment of
liquor, and on which A. j. Richard
son and McAuiffe rode, the liquor be-
ing taken to the Richardson farm
in Newington.
The Famous Double Cross.
The role in which Harris played
part was one of the most sensa-
tional of the whole affair, it is said.
The truck owned by Harris had been
hired to transport liquor here from
New Jersey Escorts believed to be
federal men accompanied the load
from New Jersey into Danbury. On
this load was liquor valued at 5000
and the Gardinos, according to in
formation. paid McAuhffe $500 for
protection" This was in May of
1920, and everything went right, I'M
til the truck was held up at Waling-
ford by gang said to have been
headed by Richardson, senior. The
liquor was taken off Harris truck
and stolen by a preafrangement, it
is said.
Accused Told All.
The states attorney admitted that
the stories as told by the Gardinos
and Harris corresponded and al
though part of it has become public,
there are still many other phases of
the case which are being withheld
by the states attorney. Mr.. Alcorn
is credited with the statement that |
the confession of Richardson and the |
Gardino brothers, supported the claim
of the state that brides had been paid !
to McAuliffe.