Evening star., 1953-01-12
Catfish Turner
Gets8-24Years,
Fined $4,000
J Others Sentenced
Up to "a Years in
Drug Conspiracy
By Howard l. Dutkin

Randolph (Catf1sh) Turner.
head of a narcotics ring that
brought up to 81 million worth
of dope into the District annual
ly, today was sentenced to to
"a years in prison and fined
$4,000 on six counts on narcotics
conspiracy.
Seven co-defendants also re-
ceived sentences ranging up to
"a years. The sentences were
pronounced by Judge David A.
Pine in the United States District
Court for the District of Colum-
bia. Despite impasSioned pleas by
defense counsel, Judge Pine re-
fused to grant bail pending ap-
peal.
The lightest sentence, six
months to two years, and a 500
fine, was meted to Paul Robin
son, once a member of the ring,
who pleaded guilty to one count
Of the six-count indictment and
testified as a Government wit
ness giving damaging testimony
against the others.
James Gets Stiff Sentence.
The stiffest sentences were
given Turner and Leon James.
The latter also received 8 years
to "a years and was fined $4,000.
Others were sentenced as fol-
lows:
Richard Manfredonia, New
York wholesaler for the ring, 6
years to 18 years and a $4,000
fine; Lawrence Carrado, also Of
New York. years to Is years
and a $500 fine; Edward Meat
head) Atkins, S years to Is years
and a $500 fine; Joseph (Peter
Rabbit) Smith. 6 years to IS
years and $4,000 fine; and Al
Ian (Turk) Williams, 6 years to
18 years and a $500 fine.
The sentences were relatively
severe because of the Boggs Act,
enacted November 2, 1851, which
provides for increased sentences
in the case of offenders who
have violated the narcotics laws
more than once.
Publicity Attacked.
Defense Attorney James ].
Laughlin, pleading for a light
sentence for Turner, declared
that the United States Attor-
ney's Office "fed the press" in
formation on the life of Turner
from the time of his birth and,
the lawyer told Judge Pine.
you'd be less than human not
to be impressed by it"
But the jurist replied that he
did not read the stories. II heard
the case for 81 days. I had
enough of it," Judge Pine de-
clared.
An agent of the probation Of
flee appeared for Robinson, who
had turned States evidence, and
urged the court to place Robin
son on probation.
Sees No Good in Move.
But Judge Pine, while remark
ing that Robinson had been "of
great assistance to the Govern
ment in bringing the defendants
to justice asserted II don't be-
lieve, or society would be bene-
fitted by placing him on proba-
tion at this time. I want to show
him mercy. The others I wanted
to give justice" The Judge
further remarked that Robinson
would be eligible for parole at
after serving six months.
In addition to those sentenced,
three women and three men were
indicted with Turner. They are:
Esther Wright, Pearl Wood
ward, "a; Samuel (One-eye)
Palmer. 81; Warren williams.
So; Letha Simpson, 20. all COL
ored. and Harry Tantlllo of New
York.
The jury acquitted Williams
and Palmer, terming them small
fry" The indictment against
Esther Wright was dismissed.
and Pearl Woodward won a di-
rected verdict of acquittal.
Tantillo, reputed leader Of the
New York importers who sup
piled Turner's heroin, is a fugi-
tive. Letha Simpson, the Cats"
girl friend, did not stand trial
due to illness.