Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 170, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 July 1920 — BOYS CHARGED WITH AUTO THEFT IN JAIL HERE [ARTICLE]

BOYS CHARGED WITH AUTO THEFT IN JAIL HERE

, Sheriff Gardner of Newton coun•ty was here today, having brought j Merle Casper, age 22, of near Knox, ; and John Manis, a lad of 17, of ' near Plymouth here, to place them in j the custody of Sheriff Woodworth. The boys are charged with having । stolen an automobile belonging to I Arthur Cooper, of near Foresman, at Morocco during the Fourth of July celebration. The lads were । captured at Knox and returned to i Kentland. They denied having I stolen the car, asserting that they had purchased it of a man named I Heineman of Chicago. However, numerous other automobile paraphernalia and jewelry were found lin their possession, strengthening the belief that they are guilty of | the charge lodged against them. ; Had not a guard at the Kentland I jail inspected their cell while the prisoners were at dinner Tuesday, ' the latter would have escaped, as ; during the morning hours they had succeeded in tearing out the brick wall and were within a few minutes of freedom when called to their lunch. Their trial will be held at the October term of court.