John A. Hastings

On March 27, 1923, a parcel with a large quantity of drugs was left for him at the Ten Eyck Hotel in Albany, and Hastings suspected that it was a frame-up by the Klan or some other enemies.

[2] On April 25, he accused Philip Francis and Samuel Woodrow, two New York City newspaper editorial writers, of having planted the drug package.

[5] During the Seabury Commission's investigation of corruption in New York City, Hastings was subpoenaed to testify before the Hofstadter Committee, but did not appear on January 4, 1932.

[8] On March 3, the New York Court of Appeals overturned the Appellate Division and, citing faulty procedure, voided the jail sentence.

[12] Testimony before the Hofstadter Committee showed that Hastings was heavily involved in the corrupt proceedings which led to Mayor Walker's resignation on September 1.