The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-03
T0RRINCTON

Proprietor of Seized Still ls Jailed
 Michael Machuga, who was ar- rested here November 19 following a raid on a huge distillery about a mile south of Burrville, was sem tenced to 60 days in county Jail at Litchfleld after a plea of guilty to charge of illegal manufacture of intoxicating liquor when arraigned in the United States district court in Hartford yesterday. Assista mt United States District Attorney John A. Danaher told Judge Thom- as that more than 2,000 gallons of alcohol were found in a cow barn near the accused's home. in addi- ton to equipment for making al- cohol. The court was also told that Machuga has steadfastly maintain ed that he had rented the barn to a person he does not know; and that this unknown person paid him money for using the barn. The dis tillery, capable Of producing 5000 gallons of alcohol a day, <, was raided by federal and local officers early in the morning of November 19. About 30,000 gallons of high grade sugar mash were brewing in three immense vats. About 1,b00 gallons of 190-proaf alcohol were In a, cooling vat and several gal Ions of alcohol were awaiting ship ment in hundreds of five gallon cans. The cans and about two tons of sugar were stored in the loft of the barn. The barn which housed the distillery is located on the Michael Machuga farm on the Torrington- Winsted road. The place was. almost an ideal place for that purpose. On the windows, to give 1t the appearance of hay barn, were stuffed racks of hay, which gave the passer-by the idea that the barn was filled up with hay.
 Machuga was held in cell at the local police headquarters and then later taken to Waterbury, where a hearing was held before U, S. Commissioner Harry Krasow. who assigned his trial for yester- day. E. A. Miner and George L. Lewis of this city served on the grand jury at the court session The jury excused in the afternoon after considering evidence in. sev- eral cases heard during the morn ing. Unless an emergency arises the court explained. the jury will not be summoned again. tt
 Dwycr Fined As Result of Raid
 Sunday
 Edward Dwyer, 29. 7s, Spear street was fined $150 with costs of $1O.40, a total of $160.40 when found guilty by Judge P. Rora- gack in city court yesterday for keeping a gambling establishment and Q slot machine. He pleaded guilty to the second charge and nolo contendere to the first. He was represented by Attorney Miller oi Thomaston. Dwyer was arrested early Sunday morning when local police officers raided his establish ments, which is located on East Main street. A slot machine, punch board, cards, dice and bottles and glasses were taken by the police The police claim that before he opened the door to admit them he smashed bottles containing liquor and beer. They also state that a card game was in progress at the time but the players fled. No liquor charge was brought against
 Attorney Miller told the court that the slot machine seized was an old one and was rarely used. He also stated that card games were held there but they were social affairs and that if they did wager to add interest to the game. the house did share in any of the money. Dwyer filed notice of an ap' peal from Judge Rorabacks de- cision. Bonds were fixed at $200.
 Heavy Increase in F.. c. Receipts
 Torrington post ofiice receipts for the, past month as compared with the corresponding months oi the previous year showed a great increase, in fact. the most de- cisive increase since the peak dayi of the boom years. The total foI the past month was s10.6lb.73 ai com pared with S8,949.72 for No. vember of last year. an increase oi si,66s.Ol. The figures were made public by Postmaster A. WelIman The substantial increase is consid' cred an encouraging sign tha' business in general Is on the up grade here.
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