The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-06-25
TRUE BILLS NEAR. IN CITY SHORTAGE DAVIS INDICATES
Lehman Involves Others In Sensational Story
 To Grand Jury

William l.. Lehman of Kilby prison went before the grand jury late Tues day and told sensational story about the recent city hall shortage.
 His story implicated others," So- licitor Jim Davis said, land the jury instructed me to keep him, here for further questioning"
 The solicitor hinted that indictments would be voted shortly.
 The youthful clerk, who was sent up for a term of one to three years after confessing embezzlement of $4,9O0 from the public improvement fund in the city comptroller's office, was closeted with the grand jury for more than an hour.
 He reiterated in detail the story he told Solicitor Davis at Montgomery ten days ago, and called the names of others he claimed were involved in the shortage.
 One of the men named by Lehman is not now employed by the city, it was learned. He mentioned another person who still is holding city post.
 Testimony Guarded
 Lehman stoutly maintained that he only took $4,900 of the city money, and that the remainder of the missing $7,145 was taken by some one else. Also, it was learned, he gave a mass of other information to the grand jury. His testimony was carefully guarded by Solicitor Davis in advance of definite action by the grand jury.
 Sometime Wednesday, Lehman will go back before the grand jury and re- sume his narrative. Subpoenas for a number of other witnesses then will be issued, according to indications.
 Solicitor Davis was reluctant to dis cuss the case at this stage, but he made it plain that startling developments were near at hand.
 Lehman was allowed to come here alone from Montgomery. He is stay ing with his parents, and has been seen several times since Sunday riding about the streets in an automobile.
 The auto belongs to his father, So- licitor Davis said. He added that Leh- man would be sent-back to prison as soon as the jury dismisses him.
 It may be the last of the week before the grand jury completes it's probe, &C., cording to officials.
 meduW0lle, no lnIlmdCIOu udS Dceu given as to whether the statements made by Lehman can be substantiated by other witnesses or by an audit of the city books.
 Probe Makes Progress
 Several city officials, including Po- lice Commissioner W. B. Cloe, have ex- pressed the opinion that Lehman should be made to produce facts or shut up," and that his unsupported testimony should be given little credence.
 In reply to questions Tuesday night, Solicitor Davis declared the investiga- tion was making progress" and that he might have something to give out Wednesday or Thursday.
 Before the jury probe is completed, City Commission President D. B. Me Lendon will ask to be heard in connec- tion with the city muddle over the proposed third audit of the books. MT. McLendon wants to know whether the jury wishes a further audit made. If so, he will move to have an auditor named, either by the state association of certified public accountants or by a committee of local bankers. A recent commission resolution asked Judge c. D. Mccall, head of the state board of examiners, to name an auditor, but it is generally expected that he will de- cline to act, in view of the split in the commission over the question.