NEW YORK POLICE

Hokitika Guardian, 4 March 1933, Page 6

NEW YORK POLICE

IRE DENOUNCED AS “RATS,”

kidnapping conspiracy

NEW YORK, February 24. Two members of New York’s police force wore arrested to-day on the charge of conspiring with criminals in kidnapping, Mr Ernest Sehoenig, a wealthy, resident of. New Jersey,; and. holding liiih for a ransom of £20,000'. 'JK. John Nevins and Arthur, Graef, were 'brought before their chief, Inspector John Sullivan, this afternoon, and, after, being stripped of their uniforms, were denounced, as “sewer rats covered with ; slime” before being lodged in gaol to await trial. The men declared, however, that they were innocent. Two hundred policemen and detectives: were assembled in the police^ , statjqayto witness the degradation of the accused men and to hear those responsible .for their arrest praised for their, zeal and. honesty in not hesitating in their duty when the trail ap--1 pea red to lead to members of the force. ,

The abduction of Mr Schcenig occurred on December 27, when the two constables are alleged to have persuaded him to accompany them on the pretext that- lie was wanted, as a witness in the court. They took him, it is .stated, to a dismal unfurnished flat wear the river, where- there were other men who kept him prisoner for ten days,, and forced him, under the menace of. -a. -pistol,, to write, three ' letter^..to; Iris wife begging her to pay the l.argjOH) .demanded. When the letters:. remained unanswered the captors, it. is pstertgcl, became frightened and released, their prisoner. By clpyei: detective work the kidnappers" hiding-place was discovered and a man was arrested. A document ! relating to p diamond ring, which had ..been . taken from Schoenig, wais ’held to have sealed his guilt. He is .alleged to lxavq. made a statement involving the two policemen.