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Smith, Carl of Grinnell, Arraigned

SMITH

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 11/22/2015 at 09:06:21

The Carroll (IA) Times Herald
Feb. 20, 1958

GRINNELL, IOWA - Carl Smith, 50, of Grinnell, who Police Chief Earl Brown said threatened physical violence to members of two families in extortion letters was nabbed by police and FBI agents here Friday night. Smith was taken to Des Moines and arraigned on a charge of attempted extortion. U.S. Dist. Atty. Roy Stephenson filed information charging Smith with causing to be mailed at Grinnell, last Dec. 5, a letter with intent to extort $3,000 from Wilfred C. Kearney. Acting U.S. Commissioner Don Tidrick set a preliminary hearing for 10 a.m. next Friday with bond at $5,000. Smith did not immediately post bond. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison or a $5,000 fine or both. Chief Brown said, at Grinnell, that the letter carried a threat of harm to a boy in the Kearney family. Brown said letters were sent Feb. 13 and Feb. 18 to the second Grinnell family, demanding $2,000. These letteres, officers said, did not contain a threat but did specify that the writer wished the money to be placed in a mailbox along U.S. 6 just west of Grinnell. It was at this mailbox that the second trap was laid. Smith was arrested when he drove up in his car, picked up the dummy package and started to drive off, authorities said. Smith was not armed. He has no previous police record and is described as "a respected citizen." Kearney is a Grinnell motel operator. Identity of the second family which received letters was not disclosed [see note]. Smith is married and the father of two married children. He was an employee of an appliance firm (The Maytag Co.)

NOTE: Second family was Mrs. Herbert Decatur, a widow.


 

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