The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-31

Q pad of paper. on which appeared an imprint of words used in the sec oiid extortion letter. Massucci de nied writing the letters.
 First Letter December 20
 Mayor Hayes received the first threatening letter December 20. Il was addressed to his office at the City Hall and marked Personal. It warned him to get $5yO0O, place I in a bundle and leave it at his home the night of December g. The mayor was instructed to insert 2 classified advertisement in local newspapers to signify he would fol. low the instructions. The ad was tc say that he wished to invest sun in some business.
 Police said that Massucci did gc to Mayor Hayes home, but the mayor was not there, and Mrs Hayes told Massucci to go to his office. The off1ce was closed.
 The second threatening letter ar- rived Thursday and warned the mayor that 1t was his last chance He was to drop the bundle con- taining $5.00O a tthe spot designated last night.
 'eNo. S5''
 Both letters said that the writer when getting the money, woule identify himself by saying, This is No. S5."
 Police were informed by the mayor and an elaborate trap wal prepared for last night. SlpeFin, tendent Roach, Deputy SupeFin. tendent Daniel J. Carson and Chic. Inspector Stevens gaev secret tir- structiens to a group Hf detectives and policemen. Policemen were hid: den all about the l1eighborhood g! the mayors car approached.
 Area Well Blocked
 No police cars were in sight, but several private cars. containing pc. licemen, were within a short dist ance of the Wall street. Catherint avenue intersection. The cars wert so arranged that exery exit iron the area could be blocked at mo, ment's notice.
 All the policemen in cars were ir touch with headquarters and oi1t another by radio, and were able h keep in touch with the approach of Mayor Hayes car. The whole neighborhood had been inspected several hours before and a close check was kept on all cars passing by.
 As Massucci picked up the pack. age thrown by the mayor from hi, car, Detective-Lieutenants Villain Foley and Connie Shanahan ane Patrolmen Donald Monaghan ant Joseph Cavanaugh sprang on him all racing in from nearby vantage points. Some of the policemen were hidden in houses in the neigh borhood.
 Abreast Of Car
 At the approach of. the mayors car, police said, MasSucci began walking very fast, and then went into a run, keeping abreast with the car until the bundle was thrown out. The mayor, alone in the car was driving his automobile equip ped with official markers bearing the number "2".
 Massucci, who has a wife and one child, is a WPA employe.
 Massucci was wearing Soiled shirt shoes and trousers when he entered city court few minutes before 10 o'clock today. He was coatless.
 Not Guilty"
 Prosecutor Mitchell Meyers in- formed him that he was charged with blackmail, and Massucci, in a firm voice, said, Not guilty" Then followed the discussion of the bond with the prosecutor recommending that it be set at $10,000. The prose cutor said that Massucci had nc previous record.
 Judge Mascolo told Massucci that he was entitled to the services of . lawyer, if he wished one. Aftel Massucci said he had lived in Wa terbury for several years and has a family here, Judge Mascolo set bonds at the 5000 figure.
 Federal Autohrities
 Prosecutor Meyers, in asking fol a weeks continuance, said that the case would undoubtedly not be heard in the city court would be turned over to federal authorities since the writing of extortion letters constitutes federal offense. The blackmail charge placed by the state, carries a maximum penalty ot
 YNY NRE~AH0nNY