Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-09-29
CONVICT DECLARES
SCHENCK Boosted
. OF FRAME-UP PLAN
Prisoners Letter Is Given
Group of Lawyers InveSti-
eating Staples Case.
LEAvENW0RTH CHARGES
BACKED BY AFFIDAVITS
Officials Prepared to Present Police
Accusations to New Grand
Jury October z.


The District Commissioners have
turned over to the Committee of
Lawyers investigating the grand iury's
charges in the Staples case, a letter
from prisoner in the Federal peni-
Tertiary at Lavenworth. which is said
TO declare that former Policeman Fred
erick A. Schenck had boosted he pro-
posed to frame a couple Of cops In
washington. The committee also Is
said to be in possession of affidavits
supporting the statement, given to De-
partment OF Justice agents by Schenck's
fellow prisoners at Leavenworth.
Scnenck, who was serving q 20-year
term at Leavenworth on robbery
charges, was brought to Washington
about 10 days ago at the request of
the District Commissioners, so he would
mlttee OF lawyers. He is now in the
District Jail.
Prisoners Name withheld.
The name Of the prisoner who wrote
the letter was not disclosed. He Is re-
ported to have said, however. that
Schenck told other convicts in July that
he was going to Washington to frame
couple of cops" Schenck was brought
70 washington at that time to testify
De1ore the grand jury. After hearing
his testimony, the grand Jury, Septem-
Der issued special report recon-
mending the reinstatement Of former
Fonceman Staples and punishment of
those responsible for his dismissal.
henry p. Blair, chairman of the IN
vestigattng Committee, would neither
deny nor confirm the receipt of the
letter 1t has been Mr. Blair's policy.
however, TO maintain strict secrecy
ABOUT the activities of his committee
The committee is expected to 20 to
the jail within the next few DAYS 10
question Schenck and have him re-
peat the story he told the grand fury
In connection with the Staples case.
Denies Atlanta Transfer.
Schenck viii remain at the jail until
municipal and Federal authorities are
through with his testimony Sanford
Bates, Federal superintendent of pris-
ons, denied persistent reports that the
former policeman would be sent to the
Atlanta Penitentiary instead of being
returned to Leavenworth The rumors
are thought to have arisen from the
fact that all prison records in the
Schenck case have been brought here
from Leavenwortf.
The reports of an impending transfer
had been given some credence in official
circles because Of the knowledge that
Warden Thomas White at Ieayenworth
considers Schenck a "trouble-maker."
1t Is assumed White would be glad to
be relieved Of custody of Schenck.
Supt. Bates said White has made no
omc1al complaint regarding Schenck
and has not requested the prisoners
transfer to some other penitentiary.
Bates added, however, that the Attorney
u
out awaiting request from the warden.
Virtually Complete Review.
1t is understood Schenck has ex-
pressed desire to be transferred per-
manently to Lorton Reformatory, but
there was little prospect of this.
The committee of lawyers has vir-
tually completed review of the 1884
page trial report of the Staples case,
and will devote its time this week to
interviewing the more than a score of
fore the Police Trial Board three years
ago. Already the committee has con-
ferred with United States Attorney Leo
A. Rover and Corporation Counsel Will
liam w. Bride, whose Office prosecuted
Staples.
Plans for the new grand jury pro-
ceedings were being discussed this aft
ernoon.
In conference with Justice repre-
sentatives, United States Attorney
Rover was to review the list of APP
proximately 200 witnesses with a view
to sending out notifications for their
appearance before the inquisitorial body
October z.
Intimidation Cases First.
The entire proceedings must be re-
enacted because of disqualification of a
member of the present grand jury. It
is probable intimidation charges against
two self-styled friends of headquar-
ters detective will be heard first.
The Government will expedite the
grand jury hearing in the hope of COM
plotting representation Of all the police
brutality cases before the end of the
first week of the new jury's delibera-
tions.
There is a possibility that one or two
additional third-degree cases, brought
to attention of investigators since dis
rupt1on OF the first grand jury sessions,
will be presented to the October body.
The Government is preparing to ask
indictments in II cases involving o
score OF policemen. it is understood.
Detective Explains.
The intimidation cases to come be-
fore the jury name Cecil F. Mason and
Maurice O'Connor. Mason, when ar
raigned before United States Commits
sioner Needham G. Turnage last Satur-
day. pleaded guilty to charge of "ob-
structing justice" in the case of United
States versus Robert Barrett, ct al"
O'Connor pleaded not guilty to a SIM
liar charge.
Barrett is a headquarters detective.
He has submitted to Superintendent of
ElNlf T1xsAA
giving his explanation of why his name
appeared in the warrants against Mason
and O'Connor.