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Five Philadelphia Nazis Held for Midtown Riot, Denied Lower Bail

October 22, 1962
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Five American Nazi Party “Stormtroopers” were denied reduction of bond this weekend, after the District Attorney’s office contended the accused were linked with an international Nazi conspiracy which might sneak them out of the country to escape trial. The Nazis were arrested last week on charges of inciting to riot, after they provoked a disorder at a midtown corner. Bond was set at $2,500 each.

The men appeared before Judge Ethan Allan Doty with a request that their bail be reduced to $100 each. Assistant District Attorney F, Emmett Fitzgerald, Jr., vigorously opposed any reduction in bail. Mr. Fitzgerald told the court: “These men are members of an international organization, and the District Attorney’s office has no guarantee that the organization won’t ship them out of the country to avoid trial.”

The District Attorney’s position apparently arose from reports that George Lincoln Rockwell, leader of the American Nazi Party, is now heading the world Nazi movement while the British leaders are in Jail. It has also been reported that the Rockwell group maintains contacts with Nazis in Argentina, Germany and elsewhere.

Magistrate E.David Keiser has ordered the five Nazis held for the grand jury on charges of conspiracy and inciting to riot. The maximum sentences under conviction of the two charges is five years’ imprisonment.

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