1927-10-21-sr-p1-pavelichs-gang-is-found-guilty
October 21, 1927 Spokesman-Review Page 1:
PAVELIGH'S GANG IS FOUND GUILTY
Second Conviction in Month on Charge of Jointist.
John Pavelich, notorious Spokane bootlegger, was convicted of a jointist charge for the second time within a month when a jury in Superior Judge R. M. Webster's court returned a verdict of guilty yesterday after four hours’ deliberation,
Mike Komich, William Mason and Mat Kalofat, tried as co-defendants on jointist charges, were also found gullty by the jury.
Attorney Ed Connelly, who with Attorney Richard Nuzum appeared for the defendants, gave notice that today he would file a motion for a new trial.
Habitual Charge Considered.
An attempt to file a habitual liquor charge against Pavelich will be made, Deputy Prosecutor Frank Funkhouser said last night.
“The fact that Pavelich has been convicted on two penitentiary offenses, each carrying minimum sentences of at least one year, permits me to ask for a habitual charge, carrying a minimum sentence of 10 years in the penitentiary,” Mr. Funkhouser sald,
With the conviction of the four men yesterday, Officers Pymm and Ralston of the city police force saw the 17th conviction out of 17 arrests made during a drive which started last summer and ended September 1.
First Nabbed in 1921.
Pavelich was first arrested here in 1921 by police and on February 23 was sentenced in justice court to pay a fine of $190 and costs on a charge of liquor in possession. He was arrested again in 1924 by federal officers and on June 19 was sentenced by Judge Webster to pay a fine of $500 and costs on a similar charge.
The following spring he was again arrested on a manslaughter charge in connection with the death of Dr. George Green, following an auto collision, but was acquitted.
Caught in the drive by police officers in August, Pavelich went to trial in superior court in September for the first time on a felony charge: carrying a penitentiary sentence. He was convicted by a jury in Judge Witt's court and his attorneys presented a motion for a new trial, upon which a hearing has not yet been held.
Police Bought Liquor.
Following the trial, Pavelich was released on bond and is said to have opened a bar at N280 Washington street, in company with Kalofat, Mason and Komich, All four were arrested after police claim to have purchased liquor in the place
Testimony in the trial in Judge Webster's court lasted but one day Attorney Nuzum attempted to prove that the place Was operated by Jim Carr and that Pavelich and Mason were In the place as “loafers.”
Judge Webster highly recommended the jury on its decision.
