New Britain herald., 1927-09-30
TWO AUTO THIEVES
 GET PRISON TERMS
Gargano and Giardiano Con- mittM to Cells in Wethersield
GUILTY ON FIVE COUNTS
Judge Booth in Superior Court Fx-
 presses Belief New Britain Men
 Were Associated With Gang
Stealing Cars on Streets.


 Hartford, Sept. 30.-Found guilty of the charge of theft of automobiles on five counts, after a long hearing in superior court, Tony Giardiano of 66 Smith street, New Britain, was sentenced to states prison for term four years on the first count and rot more than two years on each of the other counts, while his com- panion, Leo Gargano, also Of G6 Smith street, New Britain, was sen fenced to not less than one nor more than three years on the first count and not more than two years on each of the others. Ciardiano's sentence is not less than two nor more than 12 years and Gargano's is not less than one nor more than II years. Judge John R. Booth of Danbury who heard the cases. pro- nounced sentence at , o'clock yes terday afternoon and both men ac- cepted the courts finding without Whimper, They had maintained their innocence throughout the trial and on the witness stand they denied having stolen the automobiles or tempered with the engine numbers, despite the overwhelming evidence of the state.
 Believed Associated With Gang
 Judge Booth observed that if Giardiano and Gargano had not actually committed the thefts, he was satisfied that they were asso- clated with a gang operating in New Britain and vicinity. Attorney s. Gerard Casale, representing both men, told the court he had made every effort to cooperate with the states attorneys office and learn the truth. but his clients insisted that they were innocent and therefore he could not conscientiously allow them to plead guilty. T interviewed them at Hartford county jail a number of times and l conferred with the states attorneys office about them" Attorney Casale said. When I talk ed With the accused I felt ashamed for doubting them, so strong were their protestations of innocence. I believe that they did not steal those cars, but they were probably the in- nocent tools of gang, the identity Of the members of which they are afraid to reveal"
 Gideon Demands Prison
 Assistant States Attorney R. L. Gideon asked for substantial prison on the ground that every count against the pair had been proven. He called the courts atten- ton to the finding of several articles In possession of Giardino and Car gano, which had been in cars stolen off the streets of New Britain and Hartford. and recovered later with engine numbers filed off and new numbers stamped in their places.
 Giariiano On Stand Two Hours
 Late yesterday afternoon. Giardi mo took the witness stand. He spoke .airly good English and needed an interpreter only when Judge Booth wished to make clear to him the meaning of the word "incriminate." lie said, in reply to Mr. Gideon, hat he was born in Italy o7 years lgo and had lived in Scranton, Pa, md other places before coming to New Britain about four months ago. tie lived at All Myrtle street prior 0 moving to 66 Smith street, where le lived about 10 days before he vas arrested. He seemed dcsirous of defending himself and was on the witness stand almost two hours, re- 'ltlng the story of how he came into possession of automobiles which he lad sold. He did not know the full names Of the men from whom he bought the cars and he explained he finding of numerous articles which were identified by their own- ITS by saying they were left in his ruck by picnickers whom he took 0 Momauguin on Sundays.
 Tt must be that some gang is try ng to make trouble for me and
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