Wilmington, DE – June 26, 1900
On a sweltering summer morning, Municipal Court convened to address the scoundrels of the city’s streets. Among the accused was William Little, a sly pickpocket with a reputation for swindling unsuspecting citizens.
Little, with a shifty gaze and a telltale air of guilt, was brought before the court to face the charge of pickpocketing. The evidence against him was damning, and the prosecution confidently presented their case.
However, Little’s defense attempted to downplay the severity of his actions, claiming that he had merely been ‘held up’ by the heat and the temptation of the city’s bustling streets.
But the court saw through his ruse, and Little was held in bail for a higher court, where he would face the full weight of the law.
Meanwhile, in another case, George LeFevre, a disheveled elderly man, was brought up on charges of drunkenness. LeFevre, who claimed to have merely lain on the pavement to sleep, was met with skepticism by the court, which ruled that the pavement was no place for a sober man to rest.
A fine of $1 and costs was imposed, a paltry punishment for the transgressions of this sorry soul.
Also in court was Henry Walley, a man with a history of periodic benders. His latest bout of intoxication had reached such a violent form that his wife, Mrs. Walley, was forced to take drastic action and have him arrested.
The court, in sympathy with Mrs. Walley’s plight, sentenced Walley to a day’s imprisonment, a punishment met with a mixture of relief and despair.
Lastly, Peter Work, a man with a year’s worth of unpaid fines, was brought before the court to face the music. His plea for mercy was met with a stern lecture and a fine of $1, a stark reminder of the consequences of his actions.
Related Federal Cases
- Joshua J. Murphy Promoted to Counterintel Role, Los Angeles CA, 2024 · Washington
- Homietos Motorcycle Gang Members, Racketeering, Intimidation, Murde… · Arkansas
- Jaquorey Carter Faces Federal Charges in California · Washington
- Federal Defendant Brought to Justice for Racketeering, New York NY,… · Washington
- Steve Barclay Admits Alligator Smuggling, Beaumont TX, 2023 · New Mexico
Key Facts
- State: DE
- Category: Organized Crime
- Era: Historical
- Source: Library of Congress — Chronicling America ↗
📬 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
