On This Date in Minnesota History: February 19

February 19, 1914 – Martin Flanagan, former St. Paul police chief, and Fred Turner, former St. Paul detective were not so lucky this time. Found not guilty on Feb. 5 of allegedly accepting $1,000 from Dottie Hazzard, a former resort keeper, for police protection.

This evening, both men were found guilty of sharing $3,000 paid by Ida Dorsey of Minneapolis for the privilege of opening a resort in St. Paul. It was alleged that the defendants received shares.

The jury came in with its verdict just before 8 p.m. after 28 hours of deliberation.

Flanagan and Turner were remanded to the sheriff. At midnight they were in cells at the St. Paul police station.

The verdict was a shock to Flanagan and Turner. When the foreman of the jury announced the “guilty” verdict in the stilled courtroom, both Flanagan and Turner started. Their attorneys, McElwee and Payte, were visibly astonished.

Martin Flanagan¹

This was the second trial in which the former St. Paul police officers were charged with graft. They were acquitted at the first trial. (see Feb. 5, 2016 blog)

The following day, Flanagan and Turner were sentenced to terms not to exceed 10 years at hard labor in Stillwater prison for bribery in the third degree.

Minneapolis Morning Tribune; “’Guilty’ Verdict in St. Paul Graft Case. Jury Convicts Flanagan and Turner, After 28 Hours Deliberation. Sentence This Morning—Defense Attorneys Panicky Over Unexpected Turn. Disagreement Thought Certain and Outcome Visibly Affects Defendants.”; Feb. 20, 1914; p. 1.

Bismarck Daily Tribune; “Police Chief Sentenced to Prison Term”; Feb. 21, 1914; p. 1.

New Ulm Review; “Sentenced to Penitentiary. Former St. Paul Police Officers Convicted of Taking Money From Disorderly Resorts.”; Feb. 25, 1914, p. 2.

¹http://www.spphs.com/history/chiefs.php