Alleged Pickpocket Faces Third Charge

In City Of South.

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HAS CAUSED COUNTY OFFICIALS TROUBLE

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Has Record Of Crimes And Has Served

Sentence Several Times.

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Charles Murphy, professional pickpocket, bond jumper, and general good-for-nothing is again in the toils of the law. After having twice jumped his bonds within the past seven months he now finds another pick-pocket charge staring him in the face. He is at present being held in Oklahoma City,Okla., according to word received by County Attorney T. O. Streissguth from the chief of detectives of that city Tuesday.

Will Be Tried There

Murphy is being held on a pick-pocket charge and will be tried in Oklahoma City in the near future. If convicted the local county attorney states that he will do nothing towards bringing him up here as it would only mean additional expense to the county. However, he intends to write to the authorities of the Oklahoma City giving the facts of Murphy’s apprehension in this county and the charge against him and also the facts regarding the jumping of his bonds both here and in Kansas City, Mo., where he was apprehended a few months ago. This will no doubt influence the judge into giving Murphy a stiffer sentence and if the local county authorities deem it advisable to go after Murphy upon his release they can always do so.

Jumped Bond Twice

It will no doubt be remembered that Murphy was arrested in this city by Ed Wagner one of the local police officers. He was given a preliminary trial and bound over to the grand jury. His bond was fixed at $2000 and he was given his freedom when two Minneapolis parties went bonds for him. When the case was called on at the December term of court he failed to make his appearance and a bench warrant was issued for his apprehension.

Arrested In Kansas City

Sheriff Julius immediately sent out circulars to all parts of the United States and on Feb. 3, of this year he received a wire from Kansas City, Mo., stating that Murphy was in custody and that he refused to sign a waiver and that the sheriff should secure extradition papers. Sheriff Julius immediately made preparations to leave for St. Paul to get the extradition papers when County Attorney Streissguth received a wire from the Chief of Detectives that Murphy had been arraigned on the fugitive warrant charge and that his hearing had been set for February 17 and the officer should be there at that time.

Murphy Admitted to Bail

On the strength of this telegram the Sheriff did not leave until February 13, arriving at Kansas City the next day. He immediately called on the Chief of Detectives and was informed that Murphy was out on $3,000 bail. The next day, (Sunday) the Sheriff armed with a letter from Attorney General Hilton to the Attorney General of the state of Missouri proceeded to Jefferson City to see the Governor of Missouri. The attorney general informed him that his office could not function and that he should see D. W. Peters, a member of the Legislature who might be of assistance to him. The Sheriff next called at the Governor’s office and was told by bis secretary that a hearing had been demanded by Mrs. Murphy and that no date had yet been set for the hearing. When the Secretary was in-formed that Murphy was to appear be-fore a justice of peace in Kansas City on the 17th of February, the Sheriff was told that the justice had no legal authority to fix any date and that he (the Secretary) would set February 18 for the hearing on the extradition papers. Monday the Sheriff returned to Kansas City to be on hand at the hearing set for the 17th. When the case was called the bondsmen of Murphy appeared in Court and asked for an extension of time to produce Murphy and the hearing was continued until the 20th.

Extradition Granted

Then Sheriff Julius wired to County Attorney Streissguth, asking for further instructions, Streissguth immediately left for Kansas City, arriving there Tuesday afternoon and on Wednesday they went to Jefferson City to be present at the hearing before the Governor. No one appeared to oppose the granting of the extradition papers and they were granted.

Hearing Continued by Justice

When the case was again called in justice court February 20 the bondsmen appeared thru an attorney and stated to the court that Murphy’s wife had died and that another continuance was necessary which was granted to February 27 County Attorney Streissguth and Co. Com. Polkow had left for home and when another week’s continuance was granted the Sheriff concluded to come home also and not wait for the hearing.

When the case was called on the 20th of February the bondsmen appeared be-fore the court and asked to be relinquished from their bond and offered a reward for the arrest of Murphy. However the request of the bondsmen was denied and bail in the sum of $3000declared forfeited. That was the last of the Murphy case until his recent arrest at Oklahoma City.

Murphy Old Offender

From all the Sheriff can learn, Murphy is an old offender, has been arrested at least twelve or fifteen times and that he has served time again and again.

Whether Murphy will be convicted at Oklahoma City is uncertain, for if they leave him out on bonds there is no doubt but that he will again jump them and flee from justice.

New Ulm Review,

March 18, 1925

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