Evening star., 1950-06-29
Jury Convicts
Policeman on
Theft Charges
Pvt. Forron Awaits
Sentence for Stealing
Two Air-Conditioners

Police Pvt. Warren G. Farran, 80
of No. 8 precinct. guilty of steal
ing two air-conditioning units
from the Berkshire Apartment
building project on June 6. The
jury had deliberated about 20
minutes.
Judge Alexander Holtzoff, who
presided at the trial, thanked the
jury for its service. He described
the case as "regrettable" but told
the jury he did not see how 1t
could have reached any other
verdict.
Judge Holtzof permitted Far
ran to remain at liberty on bond
pending sentence, for which no
date was set. He ordered an in
vestigation by the probation Off
Ger in the meantime.
Assistant United States Attor-
ney John c. Conliff, jr., in final
argument told the jury that Far
ran would not have driven away
with the units in private auto
mobile at night while on police
duty if he had been performing an
honest act.
Drove With Lights Out.
Mr.. Conliff also emphasized
the trial testimony that Farran
had driven the automobile with
lights out while being chased by
Police 1t. August Helwig.
Defense Attorney T. Emmett
Mckenzie argued that Farran had
permission from a watchman on
the building project, in the 4200
block of Massachusetts, avenue
NV. to remove the units.
The watchman, Sherman Gala
way, testified yesterday, however,
that he had not given Farran per-
mission to take the air. condition
ing units.
Another 9th precinct private,
who was indicted with Farran, was
cleared yesterday afternoon when
Judge Holtzoff ordered a judg-
ment of acquittal because of lack
OF evidence. The policeman ac-
quilted was Henry j. Martin, So
Farran's trial then went ahead be-
fore the jury of seven men and five
women.
The two officers were on duty
in q canIYf ~ tho {iySNA
was accused of committing the
alleged theft. q
Tells of Scout Car Call.
A Government witness, Dennis
F. Manning, police radio dis
patcher. testified yesterday he had
received call from the scout car
in which the two officers were on
duty. asking that it be put out of
service temporarily. This was
about 10 pm. on June 6, Mr..
Manning testified.
Mr.. Manning said the explana-
tion given was that the officers
wanted to investigate a vacant
house" He said he did not know
which officer had called. The Car
was placed back in duty in about
Is minutes, Mr.. Manning testified.
1t. Helwig testified he chased
F'arran, who was in a private auto
mobile and overtok him some dis
tance from the scene. 1t. Helwig
testified the two air-conditioning
units were found in Farran's auto
mobile. He testified Farran was
running without lights.
Testify on Character.
Three police heutenants of No.
8 precinct testified as character
witnesses for Farran, saying his
reputation was good. They were
Its. Daniel o. Fletcher, Karl G.
Mccormick and Earl Noble.
Capt. Anthony Richitt, COM
manding officer of the precinct,
also was called on to. testify as
character witness for Farran.
Capt. Richitt, however, said he
had never discussed" the officers
reputation.
Farran was prosecuted by Mr..
Conliff and Assistant United
States Attorney w. P. Arnold.
Farran was represented by At
torney T. Emmett Mckenzie. At
torney James K. Hughes repre-
Sented Policeman Martin.