State Rests in Baby Mart Trial

New York Post

June 21, 1950

The prosecution rested today in the trial of two men and a woman accused of operating an "assembly line" black market in babies after it produced a witness who said he paid one of the defendants $1,700 for a baby.

The witness, a 45-year-old Brooklyn stock clerk, said he made the payment to Irwin Slater, 38, an attorney, who lives at 13 70th St., Brooklyn, and has an office at 67 W. 44th St.

The clerk told the jury that he had been married for nine years without having an children.

He said he heard of Slater and made arrangements to meet him in Miami. Slater, he said, delivered a boy to him after both visited a physician's office where the infant was found to be healthy.

The clerk said he returned with the baby on a plan from Miami. The next day, he said, Slater came to his home and he paid him $1,700.

Asst. Dist. Atty. Herman asked: "What did you say when you gave him the check?"

"I thanked Mr. Slater for bringing happiness into my home", said the witness who added that Slater called several times later to ask about the progress of the child.

Slater is on trial with Harry Wolfson, 37, an attorney, of 260 Ocean Pkwy., and Mrs. Bess Bernard, 44, of925 West End Av. The are charged wit conspiracy and violation of a new state law regulating placement of babies for adoption.

Several unwed mothers and foster parents have testified against the defendants. Names of witnesses were withheld at the request of Judge Valente who adjourned the case until 10 A.M. tomorrow.