Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-04-07
GARDINER BOY EIREbUC SENTENCED TO
REFORM SCH00L--W ARREN OF THIS CITY
COMMITTED TO JAIL BY JUDGE BEANE

Gordon c. Smell, the 15-year- old
Gardiner youth who confessed that
he fired several buildings in that
town, was sentenced to the State
School for Boys for the remainder
of his minority, by Judge Beane at
the Saturday afternoon session OF
superior court. Two other young
men. who were implicated in the
series of malicious acts In the down
river city, were given Jail sentences
and placed On probation. Harold A.
Warren of Augusta received a total
sentence of eight months in the
county jail on two charges, one a
liquor count and the second for
wanton behavior. Several other
sentences were meted out at the
Saturday session.
The following additional indict-
ments returned by the grand jury at
the April session of the Kennebec
superior court were made public at
the calling of the criminal docket
Saturday afternoon.
Clarence Severance of Waterville,
delivering a worthless check for
$459.20 on the Ticonic National Bank
of Waterville. payable to the Ameri-
can Radiator Company.
Gordon G. Smell, Clifford Horne
and Laurel A. Williams of Gardiner,
malicious injury to q building by
breaking window in the residence
Of Mrs. M. J. Walsh at Gardiner.
Andrew Upset Of Bangor, illegal
transportation of intoxicating liquor.
Joseph Belanger, alias Joseph
Boulanger of Waterville, unlawful
possession of a still.
Perley E. harrington Of Fayette,
having carnal. knowledge of a fe-
male child. -
Thomas kessard of Waterville, un-
lawful possession of a still.
Laurel A. Williams of Gardiner,
malicious injury to building, by
breaking a window in the High
School building at Gardiner.
John Berube of Waterville, unlaw-
full possession of q still.
Ernest C. Yeaton of Belgrade. OPP
Grating an automobile while under
the influence of Intoxicating liquor.
Dana Booker of Oakland, unlaw-
full possession of still.
Gardiner Arson Case
Gordon c.. Smell of Gardiner, 10
years, self-confessed firebug, who
for some weeks terrorized the citi-
zens of Gardiner and Randolph by
the setting of fires. pleaded nolO con-
.tendere to an indictment for arson
and was represented by Charles A.
knight Of Gardiner as counsel. The
indictment charged Young Smell
with burning barn owned by Mrs.
BENZ. Johnson and Lucy Loring at
Gardiner and a barn in Randolph
owned by James Hayes. An indict-
ment was also returned by the grand
jury at this term against Smell, Cliff
ford Horne and Laurel A. Williams,
all OF Gardiner, for malicious injury
to building by breaking window
in the residence of Mrs. M. J. Walsh
at Gardiner.
Attorney knight said that Smell
would be 10 years of age next Au-
gust and was large for his age. So.
His father and mother say that
the young man has been a good
scholar" said Attorney Knight. HE
has always borne good reputation
and comes from a fine family, and
his family was shocked as well as
other people by these crimes. His
mother never went to bed at night
until the boy was in the house and
night after night he did not leave
home. His actions came as a great
surprise. There is no evidence of
a criminal mind in this case and as
near as I can find out. the boy did
these things in his craving for ex-
element.
"society should first be protected"
continued Attorney Knight. 1.-THE
parents realize the seriousness of
this offence. If he takes his sentence
manfully he may live 1t down. as he