April 27, 1907
Los Angeles
To Carl Tabbert, it seemed a mere triviality that when eloping with his intended to Santa Ana, that the wife-to-be swear she was eighteen years of age in order to secure a marriage license. Today, Tabbert is in Los Angeles Superior Court, charged with rape. In actuality, blushing bride Virginia Spencer was all of thirteen.
Tabbert pleaded guilty, having been persuaded that he broke the law, of which he admitted some ignorance. While vaguely aware he had committed some offense, he had not believed it was in any way serious. While he awaits further hearings—wherein witnesses are expected to testify to his good character—his child-bride has been placed in the Truelove Home.
