Judge L. M. Day of Greensburg came to Coldwater last Saturday afternoon and held a brief session of district court.
Robert and John Bratcher , who were arrested nearly six months ago on the charge of grand larceny (the theft of two loads of wheat) and who forfeited their bonds and were recently re-arrested, appeared for trial, having their preliminary examination. Each plead guilty to the charge and sentence was imposed by Judge Day. Robert was given five years in the state penitentiary and John five years in the state reformatory. Judge Day heard the statement of the young men and then before pronouncing sentence gave each of the young men a good talk, closing with a statement of his decision to parole them, the parole in each case to extend through a period of two years. Robert and John are thus thrown upon their honor and their own conduct from month to month. If they "make good," as their friends now hope and expect they will do, they will escape a term in prison. They are given six months in which to pay all expenses in the prosecution of the case, including the forfeiture bond of $500 each at the time the preliminary hearing was first set. Both young men were then given their liberty.The divorce which was granted Mrs. Betha Bratcher from her husband Robert Bratcher, at the May term of district court, was annulled by Judge Day.
Mrs. Ruby Heft was granted a divorce from Wix Heft. They were married less than a year ago.
Grant and Cale Wright, who were sentenced to the reformatory a few months ago and granted a parole, will be required to appear before Judge Day today (Friday) to answer to the charge of having violated some of the provisions of their parole.
Also see:
ROBT. AND JOHN BRATCHER NOW IN JAIL HERE
The Western Star, June 25, 1920.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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