In a daring raid, a team of police officers, led by Sergeant O.J. Letterman, stormed an alleged speakeasy in the 1100 block of Eighteenth Street N.W. on Wednesday. But what they discovered behind the heavy electric doors was more than just a rowdy bar – it was a sophisticated operation aimed at evading the law. According to Assistant District Attorney David A. Hart, the existence of these ‘hated’ doors, combined with the discovery of broken liquor containers and a strong odor of bootlegged spirits, constitutes prima facie evidence of liquor violations.
Hart, who is holding off on charging Frank A. Smith, 24, of the 1300 block of Thirteenth Street N.W., with the crime, is eager to build a case against the suspect. ‘We will not be swayed by Smith’s claims of innocence,’ Hart declared. ‘The evidence speaks for itself.’
On the night of the raid, Sergeant Letterman and his team encountered a heavy electric door at the entrance of the apartment. Smith, who was reportedly in charge, eventually allowed the officers to enter, revealing a scene of broken glass jars and an unmistakable smell of liquor.
The officers claim to have found one and a half pints of bootlegged liquor in the rear of the apartment, further incriminating Smith and the alleged speakeasy. Police Superintendent Pratt and Assistant Superintendent were keen on investigating this lead, and Hart’s decision to hold off on charges is seen as a strategic move to gather more evidence.
As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: the owners of this alleged speakeasy will stop at nothing to keep their operation running. But with the law closing in, it remains to be seen how long they can keep their ‘electric gates of deceit’ shut.
Hart’s decision to hold off on charges has raised eyebrows in the community, with some questioning the motives behind the delay. ‘It’s clear that the prosecution is trying to build a strong case against Smith,’ said a local resident. ‘But what about the others involved in this operation?’ The controversy surrounding the case is only set to intensify as the investigation unfolds.
As the city struggles to combat the rise of organized crime, the alleged speakeasy on Eighteenth Street N.W. has become a flashpoint in the battle against bootlegging. With the law tightening its grip, one thing is certain: the owners of this alleged speakeasy will face justice.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: National
- Category: Organized Crime
- Era: Historical
- Source: Library of Congress — Chronicling America ↗
📬 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Organized CrimeOrganized CrimeOrganized CrimeOrganized Crime