10 Cases Tried in Recorder's Court, Sept. 17, 1926

Continue Cases in Recorder’s Court. . . More Cases on Docket Than Could be Disposed of Tuesday; 10 Cases Tried

The Recorder’s Court was in session here on Tuesday the 14th. Several cases were disposed of while a great number were continued.

--Lester Pace, a white man living between Smithfield and Selma, was convicted of violating the stock law. Prayer for judgement was continued upon payment of costs. In another case charging simple trespass this defendant was found guilty and required to pay a fine of $10 and costs.

--Lee Johnston of Smithfield township was convicted of simple trespass. A fine of $10 and costs was imposed but fine was later remitted.

--Alton Massengill was found guilty of possessing and transporting in violation of the prohibition laws and was sentenced to 4 months on the roads of Johnston county to be released upon payment of a $100 fine and cost. He was allowed two weeks in which to decide what he would do—pay the fine or pull the time.

--Meta Blizzard, white, was up charged with larceny. The solicitor took a nol pros with leave in her case.

--Sam Thompson, a negro from Benson, was convicted of an assault and assigned to do six months on Johnston county roads.

--Harvey ryals, white, was convicted of driving a car while under the influence of intoxicants. He was taxed with a fine of $25 and costs, and was restrained from driving a car in Johnston county for the next 12 months.

--Sophia Guin, charged win immoral conduct, appeared for trial but Solicitor Massey took a nol pros with leave.

--Robert Jones Jr., a negro from up Clayton way, was convicted of driving a car without a license plate. He was fined $10 and costs.

--Earl Starling, white man from Selma, was charged with conversion of personal property. The state failed to convict.

--Lonnie Avery, a negro of Cleveland township, charged with secret assault with deadly weapon with intent to kill, was tried and probably cause was found. He was bound over to the Superior court and bond was fixed at $2,000. Being unable to give bond, this defendant was committed to jail to await trial in the December criminal term.

Editor’s Note: A secret assault was a surprise violent attack, considered more serious than a simple assault because the victim had no chance to defend himself. It overlaps with attempted murder but was used when the prosecution wasn’t certain it could prove the intent was murder.

From the front page of the Smithfield Herald, Friday morning, September 17, 1926

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