She was referred to as a “brazen creature” by a doctor on the Pottsville Hospital staff. She threated to expose prominent Pottsville people if the State Police arrested and charged her. Her trial was one of many sensational ones in Schuylkill County history, with the court room packed at each session, citizens rabidly consuming the lurid details. On one occasion, women filled the court room. But the trial did not go completely well for her. She was acquitted on the most serious charge of causing a death (of a fetus) but was found guilty on the charge of abortion and sentenced to two years in jail.
Mrs. Regina Michel was a practicing midwife in Pottsville, who it was said came from a respectable family. While there were rumors that she was an abortionist, she had never before been charged with any related crime.
According to the story presented in the newspapers, a Miss Nellie Cardin died at Pottsville Hospital on June 14, 1912. A coroner’s jury determined her death followed a “criminal operation” or abortion. A grand jury indicted Mrs. Michel for that death. There is no newspaper evidence that that case ever went to trial. However, a second woman came forward, Esther Spang of Cressona, Schuylkill County, and Mrs. Michel was charged with performing a “criminal operation” on her which resulted in the death of the fetus. Miss Spang survived the operation and testified at the trial of Mrs. Michel which took place in September, 1912.
The question raised by the defense when the case went to trial was whether whether the fetus was living (quick) or dead. If the fetus was dead, then Mrs. Michel would have to be found “not guilty.” However, the judge ruled that there was a conflict in the state laws and he would allow the case to continue on the basis of the Commonwealth’s charge. The jury, in acquitting Mrs. Michel of the death of the fetus, apparently accepting the contention that the fetus was already dead when the abortion was performed.
On the occasion of the inquest on the death of Nellie Cardin, a Pottsville Hospital doctor claimed that botched abortions were so common in the county that physicians were constantly being called in to treat patients with medical problems resulting from them. The doctor’s contention was that hospitals were not keeping proper records of these cases nor were they always reporting them to legal authorities, even when the patient died.
In the end Mrs. Michel did not implicate any prominent Pottsville people, which was utterly disappointing to the throngs who attended her trial.
The story of Mrs. Michel’s arrest, trial and conviction is told here through available newspaper articles.
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From the Pottsville Republican, June 21, 1912:
JURY SERIOUSLY CHARGES WOMAN
Testimony presented to a coroner’s jury on Thursday afternoon in the office Coroner Moore in the Thompson building indicated that Miss Nellie Cardin, aged 35 years, who died on June 14 [1912], in the Pottsville Hospital, came to her death as the result of a criminal operation performed by a woman living on West Market Street, Pottsville. Another revolting fact was made known when it was stated to the members of the jury that there is hardly a week passes and oftentimes only a day or two, that some doctor of Pottsville is not called to the home of a woman patient to treat her for a criminal operation. At the inquest, Dr. Pilchard, of the Pottsville Hospital was the first witness called. He stated that Nellie Cardin, of Primrose, was admitted to the hospital on June 11, at about 3:30 o’clock, and died at 11:45 o’clock on the the morning of June 14. Her age was given as 35 years, no occupation, and her nearest living relative as her father. Dr. Pilchard described from a few notes which he succeeded in procuring at the hospital the woman’s delicate condition upon her admittance.
The doctor admitted that he discovered the true condition of affairs after her arrival, and calling several other physicians to the hospital, he performed an operation on the girl. He then described how how he informed the girl of her critical condition and how he prescribed for her, and how he attempted to get the girl to make statements, but without avail. It was then stated that she had been a patient at the hospital some time before for treatment of another nature, and that Dr. Jones treated her at that time. The girl made statements to Dr. Jones, but what these statements were Dr. Pilchard could not tell the jury, as there were no records to he had at the hospital, and Dr. Jones was out of town to remain until Saturday or Sunday.
Dr. Pilchard stated to the jury that the girl had informed Dr. Jones that a woman living on West Market Street, Pottsville, had performed the operation, but when questioned, would not give her name to him. When the name of the woman was mentioned the girl would refuse to talk. It was stated that the girl had made a statement to Dr. Kennedy about the woman on West Market Street, and that when she was admitted on June 11 she was suffering with peritonitis as the result of the instrument.
CONFESSES TO MOTHER
Coroner Moore read a letter from mother, or rather a statement made by her, in which the mother states that her daughter went to Pottsville on the day following Memorial Day, of May 31, and returned home with a new dress, bur complaining of severe pain. This substantiated the statement of Dr. Pilchard. It was the wish of the mother that the matter be dropped.
A WEEKLY CRIMINAL OPERATION
At this point of the proceedings that the statement was made by Dr. Pilchard that there is not a week passes, and sometimes only a day or two, that doctors to not report to him at the hospital of a criminal operation being performed. In several instances, the doctor said, the ones operated upon stated that it was done by a woman on West market Street. The doctor also stated that he had heard that this woman defied any person to place her under arrest, and even bragged about the operations, and is alleged to have stated that once she is placed under arrest she will implicate some of the best people of Pottsville and the surrounding towns. Dr. Pilchard referred to this woman as a “brazen creature.”
GIRL NAMES WOMAN
Dr. J. M. Monaghan was the last witness called. He informed the jury that he was called to attend the girl about June 4th, or thereabouts. He asked her several questions, which she answered in a rather indirect way. The witness stated that he prescribed for her, but at the time had no idea that a criminal operation had been performed. She would respond temporarily to his treatment, and then would go back. It was three or four days after he was first called that he realized what was wrong. He then on his fourth or fifth day visit to the home requested the mother to leave the room while he talked plainly to the girl. The doctor then stated the girl confessed to him and named as the person who performed the operation a Mrs. Michel, residing on West Market Street, Pottsville. The girl, stated Dr. Monaghan, informed me that this woman used instruments, but could not give the name.
Dr. Monaghan then told the girl that that she had lied to him and had deceived him, and that the hospital was the place for her. Her condition, stated the doctor, had reached a point where it was turn of the hand, for better or worse. The mother was then informed by the doctor and the ambulance summoned. Dr. Jones, of the hospital staff, accompanied the ambulance, stated Dr. Monaghan, and he was given the true condition of affairs. he statement was then made that the necessary evidence was at hand and Dr. Monaghan stated that now that this evidence has been procured, nail her. The witness was asked whether the girl had implicated any man, or had mentioned any one’s name, but the doctor stated that the only name mentioned was that of Mrs. Michel.
Dr. Monaghan was the last witness heard. Coroner Moore then expressed the opinion that he was sorry that Dr. Jones was not present, and that the statements made by the girl to him were not at hand for the jury to pass on. On the jury were three newspaper men, and each took occasion to remark of the manner in which information is given to the newspapers from the hospital. The remark was made by one of the jurymen that not long ago he called up the hospital and asked regarding the condition of an old soldier. He was told that the man was resting comfortably, when in fact the fellow was dead and had been for several hours. Without additional testimony the jury came to conclusion that sufficient had been submitted to warrant the blame for the death of Nellie Cardin on some one, and therefore returned the following verdict:
“We the jury find that Nellie Cardin, of Primrose, who died at the Pottsville Hospital, on Friday, June 14, 1912, met her death through a criminal operations performed by Mrs. Michel, of West Market street, Pottsville, on or about May 31, last.
“The jury suggests that the Pottsville Hospital authorities exercise greater care and exactions in keeping the records of cases, especially where there is a suspicion of criminality, and that such cases be reported to the Commonwealth officers.
“The jury recommends that the District Attorney be made acquainted with the facts, so that the may proceed in the premises.”
Before adjourning Coroner Moore handed the members of the jury the following statement, which in no way had anything to do with the case considered by the jury, but which simply proves that the recommendations made by the jury regarding the Pottsville Hospital were nearly correct.
June 5th, the present month at Atlantic City, a bomb was exploded in the camp of the hospital section when Dr. John B. Murphy, of Chicago, one of the most distinguished surgeons in America, declared at a meeting of the American Medical Association that hospitals and other institutions suppress the deaths and infections occurring after carelessness in operation in order that the public and medical profession generally shall not learn of infectious deaths.
Dr. Murphy’s remarkable paper was a complete surprise to the members composed of medical directors of hospitals and sanitoriums and members of the medical staff.
In view of the recent investigation of the Philadelphia Hospital it is evident that Dr. Murphy’s address will be careful consideration, that every hospital in the country will carry out at once proper reports and statistics, and report to proper authorities deaths especially of criminal intent or negligence.
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From the Pottsville Republican, July 31, 1912:
MRS. MICHEL UNDER ARREST FOR CRIMINAL OPERATION
Charged with having performed at least two criminal operations, one of which resulted in the death of Miss Nellie Cardin, of Primrose, at the Pottsville Hospital, several weeks ago, Mrs. Regina Michel, of W. Market Street, Pottsville, was arrested by Chief of Police H. S. Davies late Wednesday afternoon, and arraigned before Justice of the Peace F. S. Freiler.
For some time past there have been rumors of pending proceedings against Mrs. Michel, but the authorities were awakened to activity after the death of the Cardin girl, and an investigation started by the local police in cooperation with several State Police officers, and it is said that the investigation resulted in a wealth of evidence being secured against the woman, not only in the Cardin case, but in several other cases. When arrested on Wednesday the woman was charged with having performed at least two criminal operations and two separate cases were made out against her, under each of which she was held under $1,500 bail for trial at the September Term of Court.
When arraigned for a hearing there were no witnesses present, as it was expected that the woman would waive a hearing and enter bail for Court. It was not expected that she would have rumored that for some time past she has been expecting to be arreste4d after the sensational testimony in the Cardin case was given against her.
Miss Cardin was taken ill several weeks ago and was removed to the local hospital suffering from peritonitis, brought on by the operation which she confided to her parents had been performed by a Mrs. Michel on West market Street. As soon as the testimony was concluded and the Coroner filed with District Attorney Whitehouse an investigation was started with the result that a great deal of evidence was secured against the accused woman. Her arrest followed as a matter of course, but not before the District Attorney and police had secured sufficient evidence to insure a case, the officials believing that if they had acted in haste the prospects of the Commonwealth securing capable witnesses would have vanished into thin air. At the trial of the case additional developments are promised, as the defendant is said to accuse a number of prominent people of town of being involved in the illegal traffic.
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From the Pottsville Republican & Herald, August 1, 1912:
LATE NEWS FROM COURT HOUSE HILL
Pottsville, August 1 [1912] – The case of Mrs. Regina Michel, arrested by the Pottsville Police on Wednesday evening for criminal operations upon at least two persons, will be tried at the September term of court if the plans of District Attorney Whitehouse are carried out. The case is one of the most important ever brought before the local court upon this charge, and sensational exposures are promised. Although under $3,000 bail for her appearance, Mrs. Michel claims she is innocent of the charges proffered against her, and promises sensational exposures when the case comes to trial. She implicates a number of physicians whom she says are really responsible for the charges brought against her, and in the face of the fact, that much evidence has been collected by the police, claims that she will have no difficulty proving her innocence. The bail which allowed her to enjoy her freedom until the September term was furnished by local people.
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From the Pottsville Republican, August 1, 1912:
THREATENS TO IMPLICATE SOME LOCAL PHYSICIANS
The case of Mrs. Regina Michel, arrested by the Pottsville police Wednesday evening for criminal operations upon at least two persons, will be tried at September Term of Court if the plans of District Attorney Whitehouse are carried out. The case is one of the most important ever brought before the local Court upon this charge, and sensational exposures are promised. Although under $3,000 bail for her appearance, Mrs. Michel claims she is innocent of the charges preferred against her, and promises sensational exposures when the case comes to trial. She implicates a number of physicians whom she says are really responsible for the charges brought against her, and in the face of the fact that much evidence has been collected by the police, claims that she will have no difficulty in proving her innocence. The bail which allowed her to enjoy her freedom until the September Term was furnished by local people.
When Chief Davies was informed and requested to make the arrest of the Michel woman on Wednesday it was stated that he was one of the most surprised men in the town, and immediately asked for particulars. These he was readily furnished with. Chief Davies and Constable Hogan, with the warrants in their possession, went to the home on West market Street, and a knock on the door was responded to by the accused woman. The warrant was read to her and then a search of the house was made. It is reported that while the officers were addressing her, she was noticed to be attempting to hide something in her apron pocket. Constable Hogan is alleged to have pulled her hand from her pocket and there found clasped tightly an instrument used in such cases as the one resulting in the present charges. A search of the house was then made and in a room it is alleged were found a quantity of instruments and some wire. Underneath a bed was found a roll of bills, estimated at about $500. A quantity of medicine, such is alleged was given the Cardin girl, and a sample of which was procured from the Cardin home, is also stated to have been found. This will probably be sent to a chemist.
An unfounded rumor was current on the streets Thursday morning that his week an operation had been performed on a party residing near the outskirts of Pottsville.
Since the arrest people have voluntarily offered information to the authorities calculated to help them in their case.
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From the Pottsville Republican, August 2, 1912:
If it is true that the woman arrested for performing criminal operations has threatened to expose local physicians and persons of prominence in the city it should by no means be permitted to flag the energy of the officers in running down the crimes. There need be no sympathy expressed by the public for the violations of the physical and spiritual laws by these offenders for if they have been stained by guilt of this kind their characters have nothing to lose even though reputations may be ruined by it. But on the other hand, it is not necessary and probably will not be permitted to make of the prosecution a public scandal where vicious charges based entirely upon falsehood can be made with impunity. The authorities have simply to prove that this woman is guilty of the charges which have been made against her and to use any other information for further prosecutions if anything of a criminal character is shown to be connected with any other individuals in the town. This crime is too serious to be permitted to be half-heartedly prosecuted and now that the start has been made it will be well to push it to the end and to fittingly punish the guilty ones so that it will carry with it a lesson which will not soon be forgotten.
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From the Pottsville Republican, September 3, 1912:
CHANGE VENUE MICHEL CASE ASKED BY DEFENSE
With the three judges presiding and a very large attendance of witnesses, the September Term of Criminal Court was commenced in earnest on Tuesday morning. The routine work of Monday completed the preliminaries, and the trial of cases was taken up as soon as the Court convened on Tuesday morning. There are over 50 cases fixed for trial during the week contingent upon the return of indictments by the Grand Jury and it is not expected that the Court will experience any difficulty in clearing the list. Most of the cased fixed for the remaining four days of the week are based upon minor charges of a. and b., etc., and similar offenses, and there are few upon the list which will consume more than an hour in trial.
TRUE BILL IN MICHEL CASE
The case in which Mrs. Angelina Michel, of West Market Street, Pottsville, is charged with malpractice was sent to the Grand Jury on Tuesday morning and was the first case considered by that body. A true bill was returned and the case will be called for trial during the week. Chief Davies is the prosecutor and a very strong case will be presented against the defendant.
Charged with having performed a criminal operation upon Ethel Spang, of Cressona, which was followed by the demise of the child, Mrs. Regina Michel was placed on trial before Judge Bechtel in court room No. 3 and immediately after the case had been called, requested the court to grant a continuance and finally when the court refused this, requested that a change of venue be granted so that the case could be tried in another county other than Schuylkill. A hearing upon the application was held before the court late Tuesday afternoon and the decision will in all probability be handed down on Wednesday.
When Mrs. Michel was arraigned before court, J. B. Reilly, who had been taken into the case only an hour before as an assistant to E. W. Bechtel and R. A. Freiler, obtained the ear of the court and pleaded for a continuance stating that the time following the finding of the indictment only an hour before the grand jury was so short that the counsel in the case did not have a chance to consult over the legal points in the case. He also urged that the case was one charging a grave crime and that he and his associates felt that the ends of justice would not be interfered with should a continuance of a week or several days at least be granted. The application was opposed by District Attorney Whitehouse, who claimed that counsel on the other side had at least a month to prepare their case, and that should be sufficient. Judge Bechtel left the court for a few moments to consult with his colleagues and upon his return announced that if the District Attorney called the case for trial it was the opinion of the court that they would have to proceed with the trial of the cause.
The victory of the Commonwealth was short lived, with the drawing of a jury, the defense sprung a surprise by requesting a recess of one hour to enable them to file a formal petition for a change of venue. It was stated that the application for a trial in another county would be based upon the claim that the newspapers have been playing the case up and had aroused a degree of public sentiment against Mrs. Michel which would wellnigh preclude the possibility of a fair trial upon the charge of which she is accused. The formal application was later made an as soon as filed the court directed that any testimony the defense might desire to present in the case would be heard at three o’clock on Tuesday afternoon. As there was a case pending in the court at that hour, it was not expected that the testimony would be heard until a later hour. Among the witnesses summoned to testify before the court relative to the degree or sentiment prevailing against Mrs. Michel were a number of newspaper men and others whose duty it is to feel the public pulse upon events current in the community.
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From the Pottsville Republican, September 5, 1912:
NO MICHEL DEFENSE MADE
CASE GOES TO THE JURY
Revolting testimony was given on Wednesday afternoon during the hearing of testimony of Miss Ethel Spang, of Cressona, and Miss Martha Raup, of that town, who were the principal witnesses for the Commonwealth in the Michel case. The former young lady admitted having gone to the home of Mrs. Michel at 1620 West market Street, upon two occasions in March last, and there undergoing two operations. The first visit according to the girl’s story was made after she learned from the Raup girl where Mrts. Michel liver. The Spang girl paid her $15 for performing the operation. This was unsuccessful however and after an interval of a week the girl returned and had a second operation.
The witness was corroborated by Miss raul, although the latter did not have much knowledge of the circumstances of the case other than to relate how she came to inform her friend where the operation could be accomplished.
Harvey J. Smith also testified in corroboration of Chief of Police Davies, regarding the statements made by Mrs. Michel at the time the officers arrested her at her home. He said that she had remarked that is any trouble was made for her she would make a great deal for the State Police of she had learned he was a member. He also testified that the woman’s actions at the time of her arrest were very suspicious and that she was closely watched to prevent her from destroying any evidence which the Commonwealth might want to adduce from a search of the house.
Dr. J. C. Gray, of Cressona, the physician of the Spang family was next called and testified that he had been called to the Spang residence early in April and that he had attended the young lady at that time. He found the lady to be in a pretty fair condition considering, and had for a time refrained from informing her parents of the true condition of affairs. Dr. Gray also gave other detailed testimony which bore upon cases of this character. He qualified as an expert before being allowed to testified. He testified that he had officiated at nearly 1,500 confinement cases.
THURSDAY MORNING SESSION
When court pened on Thursday morning to resume the hearing of the Michel case the room was crowded every person who could possibly leave the other court rooms to hear the case doing so. The commonwealth recalled Mrs. Hannah Spang, who testified under great reluctance. She wept all through her testimony as she told of her first learning of her daughter’s condition on Good Friday.
She was folled by Chief Davies who testified regarding the search of the Michel homestead at the time of her arrest. He stated that when arrested Mrs. Michel went to a wash stand and attempted to conceal something in her apron pocket. Constable Hogal puller her away and found two catheters which were offered in evidence.
The defense at this point objected to their admission as the instruments were found a month after the commission of the alleged crime. Mr. Reilly further flaimed that the Commonwealth was taking the position that the possession of a catheter was an evidence of a crime where as it is a legitimate instrument of physician and medicine.
The Court in admitting the evidence allowed it on account of Mrs. Michel’s attempt to condeal the instruments.
District Attorney Whitehouse stated that owing to the Court’s taking this position that he would not attempt to admit the one found by Officer Harvey Smith of the State Police under the ticking of the bed. This stirred up the defense who stated that a statement like that was so improper that they would ask for the withdrawal of a juror. The motion was overruled. At 10:35 the Commonwealth rested.
DEFENSE OPENS
Miss Spang was recalled by the defense in an attempt to find out whether there was life previous to the operation. This was offered to show that the child was not quick at the time of the alleged abortion and that therefore the second count of the indictment as charged “abortion followed by death.” The whole second count of the indictment against Mrs. Michel was offered as a motive for questioning Miss Spang on the question.
In an effort to have the court allow the defense to ask Miss Spang questions pertaining to the life of the chied [sic]. Mr. Reilly, in behalf of the defense, consumed the remainder of the morning in argument. At the conclusion of the argument, Judge Bechtel announced that he would need some time to go over the points involved and the court adjourned until the afternoon session.
As a result of the argument at the morning session there was a noticeable increase in the number in No. 3 court room when the time for the opening of court arrived. one of the most noticeable features was the presence of a large number of women scattered through the crowd. At the morning session the women present were witnesses in the case.
Mrs. Michel appeared to be deeply interested in what the court’s ruling on the argument would be, and engaged in earnest conversation with Attorney Freiler for several minutes before court opened.
Judge Bechtel, when court opened, state that he had gone over the authorities and there had been some conflict among the several state laws quoted on the subject. The judge stated that that the —- was of vital importance as a reply by the witness in the negative would mean the acquittal of Mrs. Michel.
After a careful examination the contention of the Commonwealth appears to be the most reasonable one, and that under the circumstances the questioning of the witness on the matter would be immaterial at this time.
The defense closed without presenting any testimony.
The decision to make no defense to the charges preferred by the Commonwealth and to submit the case to the jury without the usual closing argument, created surprise about the big building as it was expected that Mrs. Michel would endeavor to make some startling disclosures, but the big crowd, who expected this, was sadly disappointed. The final charge to the jury was commenced by Judge Bechtel at 2:45, and it was expected that the jury would return about four o’clock or probably before that hour.
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From the Pottsville Republican, September 7, 1912:
GUILTY ON FIRST COUNT VERDICT OF MICHEL JURY
After deliberating for 28 hours the jury in the case of Mrs. Regina Michel rendered a verdict at 7:30 o’clock Friday finding the defendant guilty of the first count in the indictment and not guilty in the second count. The first count charged her with performing a criminal operation upon Ethel Spang, a 17-year old girl residing at Cressona; while the second count held her responsible for the death of the infant.
The verdict was expected by the attorneys on both sides, as it became evident on Thursday after the jury retired at 3:10 that there was a disagreement among the jurors regarding one of the counts. The fact that the contest was over the second count indictment became evident on Friday morning when the jury were brought in for instructions as to the law in the case, which was given to them by Judge Bechtel. They retired shortly before noon only to engage in another seven hour battle over the second count which the majority of the jurors were against rendering against the defendant. One by one, the minority were won over during the afternoon and evening and finally the verdict was agreed upon shortly before seven o’clock. The Court officials were quickly summoned and Judge Bechtel took the verdict at 7:40 o’clock.
Immediately after the verdict had been read, J. B. Reilly counsel of the defendant filed a motion that the verdict be entered of record and this was directed to be done. It is expected that a motion for a new trial may be made, and also that exceptions may be argued against the verdict by reason of the Courts refusal to grant a change of venue, or to allow the examination of jurors, and others to establish the claim of the defense that there was a feeling against the defendant in the county which made it impossible for her to secure a new trial.
The maximum penalty for the crime of committing a criminal operation such as the defendant was convicted of is a $1,000 fine and three years imprisonment. The only other case in which a similar charge was lodged against a defendant in the local courts during recent years was in the case of Dr. C. E. Bingaman, a former resident physician at the Pottsville Hospital who was convicted of attempting a criminal operation upon a former nurse at the institution, and who was sentenced to serve two years imprisonment. His case has been pending before the Superior Court for almost a year, and in all probability an appeal will be taken in the case of Mrs. Michel.
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From the Pottsville Republican, September 7, 1912:
JURY RETURNED A VERDICT OF GUILTY
Pottsville, September 7 [1912] — The verdict in the case of Mrs. Regina Michel was returned to Judge Bechtel’s court at 7:40 o’clock last evening and in it the jury found her guilty in the first count, charging the performance of a criminal operation. On the second count, charging the death of the child, the verdict was not guilty. The jury was out 28 1/2 hours save for a few moments when they came to court yesterday for instructions. As soon as the formalities are dispensed of, Mrs. Michel will be sentenced. The maximum penalty for the offense of which she was convicted is three years and $1,000 fine.
The jury agreed upon their first count shortly after retiring on Thursday but it was on the second count that the fight was waged. The majority favored acquittal, but the minority held out until one by one they were won over.
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From the Pottsville Republican, September 9, 1912:
ASKED FOR NEW TRIAL
In the case of Mrs. Regina Michel, of West Market Street, Pottsville, who last Friday was convicted of attempting to perform a criminal operation, Attorneys R. A. Freiler and E. A. Bechtel and J. B. Reilly filed a petition for a new trial in the case giving as reasons that the court had erred in its charge to the jury and in permitting additional instructions to be given to the jury; and also that the verdict was against the law and evidence in the case. The attorneys were also granted a rule to have the testimony written out by the stenographer and reserving the right to file additional reason in the case.
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From the Pottsville Republican & Herald, September 23, 1912:
The charge of the court and a copy of the indictment was filed by Judge Bechtel in the case of the Commonwealth vs. Regina Michel, of Pottsville, who was convicted of performing a criminal operation upon Miss Esther Spang, of Cressona. The trial took place at the last term of court and argument on the motion for a new trial will be held shortly.
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From the Pottsville Republican, October 7, 1912:
The argument in the case of the Commonwealth vs. Mrs. Regina Michel for anew trial was set for next Monday before Judge Bechtel. This is the case in which Mrs. Michel who was convicted of abortion at the last session of Criminal Court is applying for a new trial. The case created considerable interest and will probably cause the court room to be crowder when the hearing takes place next Monday.
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From the Pottsville Republican & Herald, October 7, 1912:
ARGUMENTS FILED
The following arguments were filed before the judges for hearing next Monday…. Commonwealth vs. Regina Michel, argument for new trial before Judge Bechtel.
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From the Pottsville Republican & Herald, October 21, 1912:
MICHEL CASE CONTINUED
The argument for a new trial in the case of the Commonwealth vs. Regina Michel, of Pottsville, recently convicted of attempting a criminal abortion, was postponed from today until two weeks. It is doubtful now whether or not the argument in the case be held in time to allow a hearing before the Superior Court in December of this year.
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From the Pottsville Republican & Herald, January 7, 1913:
NEW TRIAL REFUSED
In the case of… Regina Michel, of Pottsville, convicted of attempting a criminal operation on Miss Esther Spang, of Cressona, the court refused to grant [a] new trial and directed the defendant to appear for sentence. Sentence will be imposed later in the week.
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From the Pottsville Republican, January 9, 1913:
Mrs. Regina Michel, who was convicted last summer of abortion, was denied a new trial and ordered to appear for sentence.
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From the Pottsville Republican, January 13, 1913:
MRS. MICHEL 2 YEARS
Sentence was imposed by Judge Bechtel Monday morning upon the defendants in three of the mort important as well as notorious cased of recent years…. Mrs. Regina Michel, convicted of performing an abortion upon Miss Ethel Spang, of Cressona. The penalty was as follows….
Mrs. Regina Michel, costs $5 and two years’ imprisonment.
Announcement had been made last week that the… defendant would be brought up for sentence on Monday and as a result the court room was crowded when they were brought before Judge Bechtel….
Mrs. Michel, when called to the bar for sentence, broke into sobs and had to be allowed to sit down, as she acted as though on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Pleas were made by her counsel for clemency, he stating that she had signified her intention to leave the country if she could be allowed to go free. Mrs. Michel, who is 65 years of age, was a practicing midwife in the borough of Pottsville for years, and has a highly respected family. She was convicted of performing a criminal operation upon Miss Ethel Spang, of Cressona, the second in the indictment against her.
A peculiar thing about the… case is that the defendant [was] convicted of the lesser count and acquitted upon the graver charge, Mrs. Michel being acquitted of the charge of abortion, followed by death.
The Michel case created quite a sensation in the county at the time of the trial, and the representatives of all the newspapers were called into court in an effort to obtain a change of venue. When the case was called to trial the court room was crowded, as it was expected that Mrs. Michel would implicate a number of prominent residents. This, however, did not occur, as the defendant interposed no defense, the case going to the jury when the Commonwealth concluded.
Defendant after sentence made no comment, and [she was] quickly removed to prison where [she] began to serve [her] term. Mrs. Michel… [has] been out on bail pending the decision of the court in regard to [her] application for [a] new trial.
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From the Pottsville Republican & Herald, August 12, 1914:
MRS. MICHEL LEAVES PRISON
Mrs. Regina Michel who was sentenced to serve two years for performing an illegal operation upon Miss Esther Spang of Cressona and whose arrest was caused by the State Police, left prison today having completed her sentence with the usual commutation off. Mrs. Michel has been a model prisoner during her confinement and will make her home with relatives in Pottsville.
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