99 YEARS’ GAOL.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20276, 10 April 1934, Page 5

99 YEARS’ GAOL.

Notorious American Gang Broken Up. KIDNAPPERS SENTENCED. Sentence of 99 years’ imprisonment was passed recently in Chicago on each of the three men accused of kidnapping Jacob Factor, who is also concerned in English litigation regarding his shareselling activities. The three men are: Roger Touhv, a “ big shot” in Chicago’s gangster circles; Gustave Schaufer, one of Touhv’s henchmen, known as “ Gloomy Gus ”: and Albert Kattor, another member of the Touhy gang, known as “ Polly Nose.” The jury were six hours considering their verdict. Soon after they retired they sent a message to the Judge— Judge Michael Feinberg—asking what was the maximum penalty that could be imposed short of the electric chair. The Judge said he could not answer that question. So back the jury went to their deliberation. When they at length returned with their verdict of “ We find all three men guilty,” the Judge at once passed sentence. “ Ninety-nine years’ imprisonment ” means at least 33 years; a man must serve a third of the sentence imposed before the question of his release car. be considered. The sentencing of Touhy and his two associates means the end of one of the most notorious gangs left in America. The Touhy gang are known to have been responsible for many kidnappings, including, it is believed (though they deny it), the kidnapping of Factors 18-year-old son Jerome last year. Jerome Factor was kept in captivity for nine days before he was released; his father was kept for eleven days. He was kidnapped when he was on his way to his home in Chicago from a roadhouse just outside the city, and a substantial ransom was handed over before he was released. Just what that ransom was has never been revealed; the kidnappers certainly demanded £40,000; and it is said that they got £IO,OOO. But Factor is dumb on the point.

It was expected after the verdict that steps would be taken to put into execution the Supreme Court order for Factor’s extradition to England, where he is “ wanted ” because of his activities in connection with share-selling. After a two-years legal battle the Supreme Court ruled last December that Factor was to be extradited, but action was delayed pending the trial of the Touhy gang.