GUILTY OF SMUGGLING

Waikato Times, Volume 123, Issue 20679, 14 December 1938, Page 7

GUILTY OF SMUGGLING

MOVIE STAR’S PLEA LIABLE TO IMPRISONMENT SEQUEL TO SERVANT'S REVENGE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright: NEW YORK. Dec. 12. George Burns, of the movie and radio team of George Burns and Grade Allen, pleaded guilty in the Federal Court to nine counts of smuggling 4885 dollars worth of diamond-stud-ded jewellery. The maximum penalty on all counts would be eighteen years’ imprisonment and a fine of 45,000 dollars, but it is believed that he >will only be fined. Other prominent cinema artists are also expected to be involved in the smuggling investigation which began a fortnight ago, and those already questioned include Katherine Hepburn, Jack Benny and Wallace Ford, the movie director. The authorities recently arrested the wife of a New York judge, Mr Andugent, who allegedly was smuggling clothing and jewellery for prominent persons through claiming diplomatic privileges. Burn's name was found among the latter’s correspondence. The information is believed to have been lodged with the authorities by a servant in the judge’s household, who, incensed by anti-Nazi remarks made at the dinner table, left threatening: “You will suffer for this.” Burns is alleged to have made a statement that he was not aware that the duty had not been paid on the jewellery, and considered the offence was merely a technicality, not involving moral guilt on his part.