New Britain herald., 1928-03-17
DETROIT MAN HELD FOR sl0,00D RANSOM
Kidnapers Take Grocer to
 Extort Money

f Detroit March r pt-kldLaper i extortionists who have Nictlmlzed q score of persons here during the i past few months, today were known to be holding for ransom two prom i inent local men, and reports that q third wealthy victim had fallen into the hands of the gang was under in- vestigation.
 1 James F.. Hall, wealthy cafe own CT, and former hotel operator. was kidnapped from his home in the ex- elusive Crosse Pointe village dis trict last night by two men posing as detectives, and was being held for s10,000 ransom.
 While friends and relatives Of Hall were reported to be negotiat- 1 ing with the eXtortionists for his release. police received information that the same gang had captured James l.. Shumway, operator or string of cafes here. Members Of l Shumways family however. declar- ed the cafe owner was out of town on business trip and was expected ' TO return lIlc I!lSl o- HSAI "SN-N' They professed ignorance of his whereabouts Joseph Reiman. prom inent local real estate operator and friend of both Hall and Shumwav. called in by the police, also denied that Shumway had been kidnapped. Contrary to the assertions Of the lat ter's family, Reiman declared the man was in Detroit. but he also de- clned 10 reveal Shumway's where abouts. Early today police had been unable 10 locate Shumway.
 The two cases followed closely on the heels of the Kidnapping Monday of Harvey Watson, local labor lead CT. who is being held for $25.o00 ransom. The ransom notes were re- ceived by local officials of the American Federation Of Labor, who turned them over to police.
 Hall was at dinner with his wife when two pseudo detectives entered and forced the victim to accompany them at the point Of pistols. To allay the suspicious Of Mrs. Hall the men declared they were taking her hus- band to the McClelland avenue pre- cinct police station. but the wife or calling the station learned that she had been duped.
 shortly afterwards two other men arrived at the Hall home with the ransom note.
 Mrs. Hall informed the police 0: the threat but a few hours latei friends and relatives of the men held besought the authorities to postpone their Investigating activities pend ing completion Of negotiations fol tn, victims release.
 Police expressed the opinion that shumway's friends failed 10 report the rumored Kidnapping through fea' that the victim would be harmed by his captors.
 Labor officials after receiving th' ransom demands for Watson fiatS refused to pay the money.
 Despite the disinclination Of We tims to furnish police with informa ton the authorities planned to leav, no stone unturned in an effort tt smash the gang whose operation: have been carried on boldly over period of nearly year. The heav' est sufferers heretofore. accordin' ] to police, have been rum dealer and gamblers. The authorities hay learned of at least 70 extortion case attributed to the ring in the pas
 few months, but few victims hav' lodged official complaints. The au , thorities also hold the alleged ey tor.ionists responsi' ole for the blood, internecine strife V'aged between un derworld factions. that has resulte, Z in more than q score of slaytngs dur ! ing the period.