CAFE OWNER FREED OF SALES TO MINOR
Girl Tells in Court of Twice Buying Beer But He Assails Her Story

Arrested on a charge of violating the city ordinance forbidding the sale of 
alcoholic beverages to minors, Antonio Panetta, 52, proprietor of a cafe at Fourth and Arch streetss, was found not guilty by Police Judge Mariano yesterday.

Panetta was arrested by Patrolman John V. Wilkie after Wilkie said he acted 
on a statement made to him by Nora Williams, 18, of 625 North Front street.

The girl testified she and several other girls bought beer in the place last Christmas night and again on New Year's Eve, from two waitresses whom she described as "Betty" and "Harriet." She declared she had bought beer on several previous occasions at the cafe, and identified Elizabeth Matlack, 1287 Thurman street, as "Betty."

Panetta testified he "keeps a strict watch" on his place and that the girl could 
not have been served without him knowing it. He said whenever he thinks a customer is under age, he gets the suspected person to sign a card. He said he was in his establishment on both nights when the girl alleged she got beer, but had not seen her there. Mrs. Panetta corroborated her husband's testimony and the waitress denied serving the girl.

Prosecutor Mitchell Cohen asked that a conviction be found, pointing out that the girl was the only "disinterested witness," while the others were "members of the family and an employee."

Carlton W. Rowand, attorney for Panetta, wanted to know "if these things 
happened on those days, why the warrant was not issued until yesterday." 

Judge Mariano replied that the "information did not reach the police department until a few days ago."

In freeing Panetta Judge Mariano declared the state "had not borne the burden of proof and that the benefit of the doubt must be given to the defendant."