The Poplar Standard

Convict Fred Sullivan Of Stealing Cattle

In district court at Sidney last week, Fred Sullivan, former sheriff of Richland county, was convicted of stealing a number of cattle from the 14 Ranch, which is owned by M. S. Gunn, the big railroad attorney of Helena. In finding Sullivan guilty the jury also fixed the penalty at from one to two years in the penitentiary. It is understood that Sullivan left for Deer Lodge the last of the week to commence serving his sentence. Sullivan's son, who was charged jointly with his father in stealing this particular bunch of cattle was discharged by the jury.

Sullivan, who farmed south of Poplar for a number of years, is well known in this part of the country and many of the circumstances surrounding the case have been more or less mystifying to his friends. According to the evidence adduced at the trial, Sullivan drove the cattle from the 14 Ranch last summer and was attempting to get them across the North Dakota line when he was apprehended. The complaints on which Sullivan and his son were arrested were sworn to by Jim Montgomery, foreman for Gunn, at the 14 Ranch.

The case attracted widespread interest and a large array of witnesses were called from Roosevelt, Richland and McCone counties. Sullivan was defended by George Farr of Miles City while County Attorney Collette prosecuted the case.