Sawing a steel bar and making good his escape from jail is the latest stunt of James Utley who was placed in jail here several weeks ago charged with breaking the safe of the Coats Hardware Co. Developments, however, after he was down on “terra firma,” combined to place him again behind bars, and certain privileges which heretofore have been allowed the prisoners will henceforth be withdrawn.
After Jailer Stephenson gave the prisoners breakfast about 8:30 o’clock, he turned them into a corridor for exercise and fresh air. Saws had been provided from some source yet unfathomed, and after the jailer had taken his departure, several of the prisoners proceeded to saw one of the steel bars over an outside window. After sawing it in two, the bar was bent far enough to one side to permit one to go through. Utley was the first to dry and made good his escape. Whether the others were too large to pass through the opening or whether the alarm given by Federal prisoners who ae treated as trustys and allowed to go about in the jail, it is not known. At any rate Utley was the only one to reach the open. After getting out he passed down the street and hailed an acquaintance form whom he asked a loan. This was denied him and he was remonstrated for breaking jail. In the meantime the alarm given by the Federal prisoners had been heard, and Jailer Stephenson on his way to the scene saw Utley, who without any resistance went back to jail.
Up to the time of this incident, friends of the prisoners have been allowed to visit them; they have been allowed to receive mail; and other privileges have been accorded them. From now on their literature will consist of the bible and religious papers, they will e confined in the cells, and no visitors will be allowed.
From the front page of the Smithfield Herald, Tuesday, April 28, 1925
newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073982/1925-04-28/ed-1/seq-1/#words=April+28%2C+1925
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