Dec. 6, 1921: Farmer in jail; innocent, he says

-Reed of Inchelium blames enemies for bad check charges

James P. Reed of Inchelium prominent Stevens county farmer, was placed in the county jail Monday by Deputy Sheriff Wood, following his arrest Saturday at Inchelium as the result of the cashing of an alleged bad check at the International hotel in Spokane.

Reed declared in jail that he was innocent and would post bonds for his release immediately.

"With some people in Stevens county I am not popular," said Reed. "Most of the sentiment against me has been stirred up by Sheriff Graham and his deputies because they think I have information that would assist them in curbing liquor runners.

"Last summer, while Jimmy Hyland was in jail I took his wife and child out to my ranch because I was sorry for her. Her husband was in jail and she was destitute. For that act of charity my name was immediately linked up with the Addy bank robbery, for which Hyland was found guilty this fall. I testified at the trial, not as a witness for the defense, but for the state. I was called to identify the Hyland as the man seen at Inchelium last summer and I testified that Hyland was at Inchelium. 

EXPLAINS ABOUT CHECK

"They are trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill on this charge. The check was for $25 and was made out to me by a man at the International Hotel who wanted to get money to go to Boise, Idaho. I have witnesses who saw the man make out the check and give it to me. I endorsed the check and cashed it and gave the man the money. The check came back marked insufficient funds. I fail to see where there is anything criminal about that."

"I own property at Inchelium, am a married man, and also am interested in mining. I will beat this charge easily."

Sheriff Long said today that he had heard stories about Reed, but as the information was all of a hearsay nature, that he did not care to make a statement.

SUSPECTED IN BOOZE CASES

According to reports from Inchelium, Reed is suspected of being the head of liquor runners who are pouring whisky from Canada into Spokane.He is also suspected by officials of being connected with the Addy bank robbery last summer.

Deputy Prosecutor Bunge, who is now on the Coast on business for the prosecuting attorney's office, told Sheriff Long that the present check charge against Reed was a strong case and to set the bonds at $2,000. Reed has retained Attorney Joe Lavin to defend him.