The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-08-17
CONSTABLES IN
COUNTY FACE
RACKET PROBE
Methods Used in EVictinq
Families to Be Sifted by
Grand Jury.
JUSTICE TO BE QUIzzED
Warren Township Official
and Bill Collector viii
Be Targets.
(This is the first of series Of four
stories dealing with activities Of con
stables" in Marion county,
BY CHARLES E. CARLL

stories dealing with activities Of Con
stables" in Marion county,
BY CHARLES E. CARLL
Alleged improper activities of pur-
ported constables who are evicting
families for non-payment of rent.
today were being probed by county
prosecuting authorities. and the
matter will be laid before the grand
jury next month.
Charges of evicted persons led to
the investigation, with county off,
Gals already in possession of facts
that will be used as the basis for
the quiz.
First shot in the investigation will
be directed at Charles w. Freeman.
bill collector and horsethief detec-
tive. who represents himself as a
constable" Signs advertise his
business at 1876 North Delaware
street.
Coupled with activities Of Free
man, the probe leaders have an
nounced their intention of question
ing t. S. Crutcher, justice of the
peace in Warren township.
Complaints Are Registered
Freeman and several other CON
stables" have been operating from
the office Of Crutcher at 5448lk East
Washington street. Indianapolis
attorneys admit receiving COM
plants against the operations. as
do the Better Business Bureau and
the prosecutors Office.
Crutcher'S office books show that
Freeman's name has been entered
hundreds of times since the first
OF the year as Special constable"
for eviction cases. For each of these
Freeman receives So. He had more
than a hundred to his credit from
Aug. / to Is and during the winter
months this is increased, last Feb
ruary showing nearly 800.
Crutcher says about 100 of these
get into his court. The rest, it is
presumed, consist of those that are
paid in Freeman's Office.
Kangaroo Injustice Charged
1t also is charged that kangaroo"
courts are being held and that ten
ants are threatened with eviction
and forced to pay back rent and
costs at the "constables' Offices.
1t is alleged that in some cases
tenants do not have a bona fide
hearing before a justice Of peace.
This practice has been EEK
planned" in some instances, in which
it is pointed out defendants rather
would appear" at the constable's
Office than go to the court.
Some Indianapolis real estate
firms and owners of property are
silent" supporters Of the "con-
stables"
They turn over the business to
them, and until their money is re-
ceived in the real estate office, the
activities of the "constables" are
said to be unknown to their clients.
The "constables" make their
rounds daily to the offices of real
estate companies and to individuals.
soliciting business, it is charged.
Protest Is Short-Lived
Recently an attempt was made by
other justices OF the peace and
elected constables in the county to
demand cessation of the alleged
constable racket" Support of the
action waned suddenly on the eve
OF the demand. Since then. no
moves have been made.
Investigation has revealed that
Crutcher distributed to Freeman
summons forms for service on I'M
known defendants which are signed
by Crutcher and which bear the
seal Of his office.
These, as far as the defendant
knows, legally were issued at the
court after a complaint had been
filed against him.
He doesn't know that the "con-
stable" has been carrying thirty or
forty" Of the forms in his pockets
Tor days awaiting business"
Crutcher admitted giving this num-
per TO Freeman at various times.
Crutcher contends Freeman and
ms actions are without "blot" and
14SSIldu IS appointed In
each case as a special constable as
the law provides.
Just for Convenience
But when he is confronted with
'he question Of why the Constable"
should carry the signed and sealed
bank forms with him, although he
S supposed TO appear in court for
Of the Special constable
snip in each case, Crutcher an
swers:
IT'S just a matter of convent
snce."
Crutcher denies he is paid for the
.orms that he distributed for con
1enience."
Financial payments OF Crutcher
nto the Office Of the township trus-
zee are being withheld pending re-
'ort Of e recent investigation into
he court by the state accounts
3oard.
This probe resulted from charges
( irregular activities made several
months ago.
TIIaedav The Tf,,.e. iii sYr