The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1943-10-02
Cops


and Stewart make sworn statements
to him. privately. He also con-
terred with Sgt. George Harmon,
special investigation officer as
signed to the case.
Both the men were released Tues
day afternoon after their bonds had
been posted by two business men,
Sam Brant, owner OF Little Sans
Cabaret and Sunnie Wilson, owner
Of Mark Twain Hotel.
A weekend fight by a trio OF at
torneys TO have the bond of sus-
pended police officers, Jesse Stew
art and William Williams reduced
from $1,000 and two sureties was
climaxed this week as Assistant
Prosecutor Edward Ellsarelli gave
his reason for insisting that the
two men be placed on a "substan-
tisi bond, while being held as
witnesses in the case against Leo
Upton.
Upton is accused by police of
spreading false rumors that led 10
the appearance OF a large group of
Negroes on Belle Isle on June 20.
which incident later resulted in the
race riot and in the loss OF lives by
"a citizens.
Recorders Judge John p. Scallen
heard in part Monday arguments by
Attorneys John X. Graham and
Edward A. Simmons on a motion
TO lower the present $1,000 and two
sureties for suspended police Of
ficers, Stewart and Williams.
The matter was adjourned until
Tuesday at am, by Judge Scallen,
at which time he stated he wanted
TO interview Stewart and Williams
before determining whether to
grant the motion to lower their
bond, which Graham and Simmons
term excessive"
Judge Scallen stated that no mo-
ton OF any kind had ever been
made before TO reduce the bond OF
the two former patrolmen.
Assistant Prosecutor Ellsarelli
blamed concerted effort by or
CARNATIONS and individuals to see
that the people do not have a case
against Leo Upton"
He added that 'one OF two i'm
portant witnesses had been appre-
hended as he attempted TO leave
Detroit and another after he had al
ready left the city.
Important Witnesses
The assistant prosecutor added
that neither Stewart or Williams
had volunteered any information
concerning the alleged Forest club
incident until 20 days after the riot,
and then did not make statements
of their own free will.
1--WE feel that they are important
witnesses and should be held under
substantial bond" he declared.
Attorney Edward A. Simmons
asked that the two suspended Of
flcers be placed on a personal bond
in view of their character and
meritorious service with the police
department.
Attorney John K Graham argued
for a lowered bond by citing the
apparent educational background of
both men and Of their being rooted
in the community"
He disclosed that Stewart, OF 566
Erskine, was University OF Michi-
gan graduate, was married, the
father OF three children and was
employed by the Police Depart
ment since 1910. earning 10 cita-
tons "for bravery" and had no def
merits Williams, OF $40 TheodorS
is graduate OF New York uniS
Sity.
Both" Graham declared. Ofe !
the respect OF the colored C. Xns I
in civic. fraternal and chur11Sat
fairs"
Attorney Fred Yates stated that
he knew both men personally and
urged that a lower bond be set for
them.
Last week Attorney John K Ora
ham appeared in circuit court on
behalf OF Stewart and Williams,
seeking to lower their bond.
Following a question OF whether |
that court had jurisdiction in the |
Attorney Graham went 10 !
Lansing TO obtain a decision from
the state supreme court, which was
expected to rule in the matter.
Meanwhile. Graham withdrew
the writ in circuit court without
Friday. thus leaving the
supreme court with jurisdiction in
the matter.
In an interview with a Chronicle
last week both men
stated they felt they could do more
good attempting 10 arrest the per-
son responsible for addressing the
crowd on the night in question.
Both denied either seeing or
hearing Leo Upton make the re-
marks credited 10 him by the police /
and prosecutors Office.