The Durant News

Over $1,000 Whiskey Seized By Officers In Raids This Week

200-Gallon Still Is Also Captured And Destroyed Friday

Over $1,000 worth of whiskey and gin and a 200-gallon still were captured this week in Holmes county by Sheriff Ellis E. Wynn and Constable of Beat Two Casey Griffin in a series of raids.

The two law enforcement officers were assisted by Deputy Sheriff George Bailey, Deputy W. H. Byrd and Deputy Bennie Byrd. In the raid on the still they were assisted by Mr. Sam Newman, of the U. S. Internal Revenue office and three of his deputies.

Still Destroyed

The still was captured Friday three miles north of Durant on the Edsville road. It with 200 gallons of mash was destroyed and two negroes, Tommy Sandifer and Joe Willie James arrested.

51 Grill

One-half case of assorted liquors was found by Sheriff Wynn, Constable Griffin, Deputies Byrd and Bailey at the 51 Grill in Durant. Whiskey found on the property and a small lot inside the building. Kenneth Ellis, the alleged operator, was arrested and charged with possession of liquor.

In addition early Friday night a stockpile of whiskey was found by the law enforcement officials on the Watson property about three-fourths of a mile off highway 12 near Durant. The whiskey is believed to have been hidden out by a bootlegger. It was out in the woods and covered with a tarpaulin. Mr. Watson was not implicated in any way with possession of the whiskey, authorities believed.

McBride Place

A third raid Saturday night was on the place alleged to be operated by James McBride on highway 12 east of Durant.

Twelve pints of whiskey was found just off the property so no arrests were made.

Burrell Outhouse

A raid on an outhouse reported to be located on the Burrell property across the road from the Rainbow Garden netted ten cases of high grade liquors and gin late last night.

The raid was conducted by Sheriff Wynn, Constable Griffin and their deputies about 10:30 o'clock.

Nathaniel Roby, a 16-year-old negro boy and an older negro man, were arrested in connection with the case. They were reported to be guarding the whiskey.

Half Pint at White Pig

One-half pint was found in a woman's purse about eight o'clock Wednesday night at the White Pig, a joint located on highway 51 north of Durant about one and one-third mile.

The place is reported to be operated by T. E. Lucas. No arrests were made as there was no one present to claim the ladies purse.

This is the second raid made on the White Pig. Nothing was found the first time.

Jones Case Monday

The trial of Nathan Jones, charged with possession of liquor will come up Monday morning at ten o'clock before the Hon. J. N. Hearn, Justice of the Peace of Beat 4 at Thornton.

Jones' arrest came out of a raid made by Holmes law enforcement officials on March 13th at his store in Thornton when twenty-eight half-pints of whiskey were found.