Arrest Three For Chicken Theft Charge

JAMES, MIKLES, MAIN MAYNE

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 7/27/2013 at 16:01:11

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register
Sept. 29, 1938

ARREST THREE
FOR CHICKEN
THEFT CHARGE
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Bill James, Formerly of
Grinnell, Pleads His
Innocence
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Sheriff D.A. Mulcahy and Deputy Fred Cochran ended the depredations of an alleged chicken stealing ring at Searsboro Wednesday with warrants for the arrests of William James, 60, formerly of Grinnell, Temple Mikles, 16, and Edgar Main, 20, the latter two from Searsboro.

James, who bought and sold poultry in Searsboro, is alleged to have purchased the poultry which the two boys are said to have stolen. After the deal was completed, according to Deputy Cochran, the money was split three ways.

James stoutly maintains he is innocent, but County Attorney Charles Vogel is said to have secured confessions from the two boys. They were "small" operators, according to the officers, the largest haul being about thirty chickens. They have already confessed to six robberies, Cochran said. All three are in the county jail, pending preliminary hearings.
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The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register
Oct. 6, 1938

THREE ARE GIVEN
FIVE YEAR TERMS
FOR CHICKEN THEFTS
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Montezuma, IA., Oct. 6, Special:

Wm. James, Temple Mikles and Edgar Mayne appeared in court Monday and entered pleas of guilty to charges of stealing domestic fowls.

Tuesday morning, Mr. James was given a sentence of not to exceed five years at Fort Madison and Mayne and Mikles were given not to exceed five years at Anamosa.