BLACK HOOD LINK SOUGHT IN ARRESTS
Suspects Taken at Beach
Talks of Masks and Legion Lends to Arrests on Ocean Park Pier
LOS ANGELES TIMES (August 30, 1936) —Plans for the organization either of a Black Legion terrorist unit in Santa Monica or of a counter society to combat it led to the arrest yesterday on Ocean Park pier of Stuart A McEachron, 24 years of age [left] and Henry LaBrecque, 23, [right] operator of a concession on the pier.
The pair were taken into custody by Special Officer Himer Dunn and Patrolman Ben Stein of Santa Monica, who heard the two men discussing masks, guns and the Black Legion.
HELD FOR INQUIRY
Following long hours of questioning, Capt. Elmer Lingo, chief of Santa Monica police detectives, said the pair will be held for further investigation.
Inside the concession booth, police reported, was found a large piece of black cloth, partly sewn, which they believe was to be made into a mask and hood.
Also discovered, investigating officers said, were several sheets of paper on which organization plans for some kind of society had apparently been drafted, including a document similar to an oath of allegiance.
REPORTED ADMISSION
Questioned by Chief of Police Dice and Captain of Detectives Lingo, the two men at first denied planning a Black Legion organization but later they said to have admitted discussing formation of a society to combat the eastern terrorist group.
On a table in the room where the suspects were apprehended was found a magazine open to an article detailing the activities and organization of the Black Legion…..
TALKING WILDLY
When first arrested, McEachron, who rooms with LaBrecque at 308 Windward avenue, Venice, said his name was Geoffrey D. Stuart.
Both young men laughed at the Black Legion angle of their investigation, insisting they were talking wildly because they had too much to drink.
“Nevertheless, we are taking no chances on Black Legion activities being launched in Santa Monica,” said Capt. Lingo yesterday. “We will run down every angle of this case.”
