Introduction
Mitchell Cohen, City Prosecutor, February 1938
Mitchell Cohen, October 1936
MITCHELL COHEN had a long career as a lawyer and judge in Camden. A Democrat aligned with George R. Brunner in the mid-1930s, he was named Camden City Prosecutor in the October of 1936, when a New Jersey State Supreme Court decision gave control of City government to the Democrat party. He was made acting judge in Camden’s Police Court by August of 1938. Mitchell Cohen also served as Camden County Prosecutor in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
The 1947 Camden City Directory shows that Mitchell Cohen was living at 413 Penn Street. This house had been from the 1900s through at least the 1930s the home for three sisters who were long-time Camden schoolteachers, Frances Wilmerton, Mary Brown, and Margaret Thomson.
Mitchell Cohen was Camden County prosecutor in 1949 when Howard Unruh went on a rampage, leaving 13 people dead. Mitchell Cohen took Unruh’s statement, which remains sealed to this day. Also during Cohen’s tenure as County Prosecutor, long-time Camden County Chief of Detectives Larry Doran retired. He was still County Prosecutor as late as 1954.
Mitchell Cohen rose to the post of Chief Justice of the Federal District Court in Camden. The Courthouse, erected in the late 1990s, bears his name.
Baird to Address Hebrew League
Camden Courier-Post —
Baird to Address Hebrew League
David Baird, Jr., Republican nominee for governor, will make his final appearance in the current election campaign Monday night, in his “own home town,” when he will address a monster rally at the Hebrew Republican League, at the Talmud Torah, 621 Kaighn avenue.
The Hebrew league reorganized formally at a luncheon in the Hotel Walt Whitman. Lewis Liberman, assistant city solicitor, was elected president; Sig Schoenagle, Samuel Shaner, Israel Weitzman, vice-presidents; L. Scott Cherchesky, secretary, and Samuel Label, treasurer.
Trustees of the league include Hyman Bloom, Mitchell E. Cohen, Benjamin Friedman, Jacob L. Furer, Isadore H. Hermann, Carl Kisselman, Edward Markowitz, Louis L. Markowitz, Harry Obus, Maurice L. Praissman, Samuel Richelson, Meyer L. Sakin, Julius Rosenberg, Jacob Rosenkrantz and Jack Weinberg.
In addition to former Senator Baird, speakers at the Jewish rally will include Mrs. Elizabeth C. Verga, Republican state committeewoman and vice chairman of the county committee; Congressman Charles A. Wolverton, Congressman Benjamin Golder, of Pennsylvania, and State Senator Samuel Salus, of Pennsylvania.
New Dealers Prepare To Shift Key Officials
Camden Courier-Post —
General Housecleaning Predicted After Secret Parley of ‘Big Four’; Leaders Reported Not in Full Accord on Patronage
Editorial: “Upholding Faith of the People Is Keeping Faith in the Courts” appears on page six.
A general housecleaning of key city officials was predicted yesterday afternoon following a secret conference of the “Big Four” at Hotel Walt Whitman.
Attending the session were State Senator Albert S. Woodruff and Mrs. Elizabeth C. Verga, Republicans, and Harry L. Maloney and Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, Democrats.
Rumors that the charges were to be made today could not be verified last night. Commissioner George E. Brunner said no meeting of the City Commission had been called for today. A meeting could be called if requested by Brunner, Mrs. Mary W. Kobus and Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., New Deal commissioners.
After the conference silence was maintained by the “Big Four.” They declined to discuss what happened.
Other reports filtering from the conference room were that a few surprises await the political public in new appointments to be made at city hall, surprises which will be contrary to the gossip on appointments circulated the last few weeks.
The leaders were together for two hours or more, but they were reported not in entire agreement about the patronage setup when their conference concluded.
Indications were that, with perhaps but one or two changes, the rumored lineup of appointees of the New Deal, as forecast in recent reports, will hold when the appointments are made by the city commission.
Favored for Jobs
Under the arrangements which has [sic] been conjectured by New Deal observers the last few days, the leaders are said to have agreed on these appointments:
For police judge—Firmin Michel, Democrat.
For city solicitor—Carl Kisselman, Republican.
For city prosecutor—Mitchell H. Cohen, Republican.
For assistant city solicitors—Edward V. Martino, Republican, and John Crean, Democrat.
For city clerk—Clay W. Reesman, Republican, former city commissioner, and for assistant city clerk, former Commissioner William D. Sayrs, Jr., Republican.
For director of charities—Pauline Caperoon.
For purchasing agent—Abe Fuhrman, Democrat. In the event Commissioner Harold W. Bennett resigns, as rumored, Fuhrman would be named by the New Deal commissioners to fill that vacancy.
The three New Deal commissioners who are to vote the appointments are Brunner, Mrs. Kobus and Hartmann.
Kobus Assumes Duties
Mrs. Kobus yesterday took over the directorship of public safety after a 15-minute conference with Mayor Frederick von Nieda.
“We spoke of routine matters in the department,” she said. “I wanted to know his ideas that he had started working on so I could continue them.”
Asked whether she intended to confer with police heads soon, Mrs. Kobus answered in the negative.
“I talked to them before the injunction proceedings were started,” she said, referring to von Nieda’s action which restrained her from taking over the duties of the department for several weeks.
“I hope for the co-operation of all members of the police and fire departments,” the city’s first elected woman commissioner added.
In addition to the police and firemen, Mrs. Kobus now has charge of the electrical bureau, bureau of charities, police court, traffic court, municipal motors, transportation department and city clerk.
The appointments may be expedited as a result of the ruling by Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd Tuesday that the board of commissioners has specific legislative authority to allot the municipal departments as it sees fit. The decision validated the action of the city commission assigning Commissioner Kobus as director of public safety in charge of the police and fire departments, and included the ruling that von Nieda cannot be removed as mayor.
When asked whether the commission could remove present holders of key jobs and make new appointments Justice Lloyd said that it is a question he may have to pass on later. In view of his decision, however, pointing out that the commission has special legislative authority to transfer the directorships among the city commissioners, it is believed by observers that he also will permit ousters and reappointments in the key municipal jobs.
3 G.O.P. Rulers in Secret Session
Camden Courier-Post —
Hint Legal Bars Placed Around Jobs During Parley
NEW DEALERS NOT NOTIFIED
A special meeting held in secret session by the three Republican members of the Camden City Commission late yesterday, occasioned wide speculative rumors in political circles last night.
Reports persisted resolutions were passed placing legal barriers about jobs to prevent dismissals by the New Deal Non-Partisan group which takes control of the city today, with seating of Frank J. Hartmann, Jr.
Mayor Tells of Meeting
Reached at his home shortly after 1 a. m. today, Mayor von Nieda admitted the meeting was held to “correct some resolutions.”
“What were the resolutions about, Mayor?” he was asked.
“Why, I don’t know as I should say anything about them right now. You probably will get it all later,” the Mayor answered.
“Did the resolutions have anything to do with adding safeguards to the jobs of any present city employees?” he was asked.
“Yes, they did,” the Mayor replied.
“How many resolutions were there?”
“Oh, I don’t know, three or four, I should say.”
“How many employes are effected [sic]?” he was asked.
“Oh, I don’t know, three or four, maybe.”
“Who called the special meeting of the city commission?” he was asked.
“Why, I am not sure. But I think it was City Solicitor Bleakly who called it. He said the resolutions should be attended to.”
Asked why Commissioners George E. Brunner and Mrs. Mary Kobus were not notified of the meeting, the Mayor said: “So far as I know, they were not notified the meeting was to be held. It is possible, though, they were not notified.”
Another rumor held measures were passed placing various posts under civil service commission rules, while a third rumor, from more authentic sources, alleged several amendments were made to resolutions passed at meetings, of the commission, previous to the naming of Meyer L. Sakin and John R. DiMona as assistant city solicitors.
This rumor occasioned speculation that the measures appointing the two lawyers, as originally passed, were defective in original form and probably would not bear out Republican contentions the New Deal commissioners cannot remove the men from the three year appointments.
Report Finances Discussed
Other rumors indicated the measures concerned city finances.
The commissioners attending the meeting, it was said, were Mayor von Nieda, Harold W. Bennett and Leonard, with City Solicitor E. G. C. Bleakly, Sakin, DiMona and City Clerk Otto E. Braun in attendance.
Leonard said “nothing special” occurred, and he would “talk about it in the morning.” Commissioners George N. Brunner and Mary W. Kobus declared they were not notified.
The session, it was said, was not held in the commission chambers, but in an adjoining room on the second floor, and lasted half an hour, between 5 p. m. and 5:30 p. m. Other reports were the session lasted to 7 p. m.
Braun, reached by telephone, admitted a special meeting had been held but refused to give any further information.
Plums Discussed
Meanwhile, rumor and speculation continued on how the jobs will be divided among New Deal Republicans and Democrats today. The city clerk and city solicitorship posts will go to Republicans, and the city police judgeship and city purchasing agent jobs will be awarded to Democrats.
This was reported as the tentative agreement reached last night between the leaders of both wings in the New Deal forces.
Former City Commissioner Clay W. Reesman, defeated on the New Deal ticket, and Howard B. Dyer, former deputy city clerk, are mentioned as possibilities for city clerk. Reports also mention the name of William D. Sayrs, former commissioner, and until Tuesday an executive in the real estate division of the state highway department. He resigned the office, which paid a $5000 per year salary.
Carl Kisselman and former Assistant Prosecutor Rocco Palese are mentioned as the chief contenders for the solicitorship, with two Democrats to be appointed as assistants. Among these candidates are Thomas M. Madden, E. George Aaron, John Crean, Jr., Milton Nurock, Mitchell Cohen, John Morrissey and Leon H. Rose.
Sidney Kaplan and Gene Mariano are said to be receiving chief consideration for police judge. Reports were that it would likely go to Kaplan if he prefers it.
Abe Fuhrman is conceded the best chance for the office of city purchasing agent.
Richman Supported
There is a strong sentiment among Democrats to reward Grover C. Richman, former assistant attorney general, and there is a strong rank and file tide to have the Democrats demand the post of city solicitor for him. This may change the tentative agreement.
Because Reesman was a candidate and has been a supporter of Senator Woodruff for years, he is favored for the city clerk job. Reesman was formerly chairman of the Republican county committee.
Dyer was deputy city clerk under the late Frank S. Albright, and was dismissed after the split between former U. S. Senator David Baird, Jr., and the Woodruff-Verga-Sayrs group.
Dyer is a former secretary of the Republican County Committee and was a member of the committee from the Sixth Ward. He moved recently to the Thirteenth Ward. He is now an inspector in the State Alcoholic Beverage Control department under Commissioner D. Frederick Burnett.
It is expected that most jobs will be discussed at a conference to be held by the leaders today.
It is almost equally certain that the contemplated removals or some of them at least, will be subject to legal contest by the organization Republicans. What plans they may have have not been disclosed.
G.O.P. in Second Ward Backs Civil Service
Camden Courier-Post —
Civil service for county employees was endorsed last night at a meeting of the Second Ward Men’s Republican Club at Browning Council Home, 531 Penn street.
The club also went on record as favoring a reduction of bridge toll costs and commutation rates. Another resolution favors the construction of a high speed line station in North Camden.
Mitchell H. Cohen presided. John A. Brutschea is secretary.
Tipsy Driver Charge Called Outrageous
Camden Courier-Post —
Complaints of Lawyer Against Other Driver in Collision Are Dismissed
Arraigned on charges of driving while drunk and reckless driving preferred by a Camden attorney, Thomas Casale, 23, of 275 Chestnut street, was freed yesterday by Police Judge Mariano after City Prosecutor Cohen termed his arrest “outrageous.”
Casale was arrested after his automobile and a car driven by Thomas N. Smaldore, the lawyer, were in collision at Eleventh street and Newton avenue on December 24.
Asked by Cohen whether Casale was drunk, Smaldore said he “couldn’t truthfully say,” but that he “smelled alcohol on Casale’s breath.”
“Then why did you sign an affidavit charging the defendant with drunken driving?” asked Cohen. “I thought he might be drunk,” Smaldore replied.
Then Detectives Stanley Bobiak and Leon Feltz, Patrolmen William Taylor and Walter Vecander, and City Jailer Harry Stahl were called to the witness stand. All five testified that Casale was not intoxicated when brought into police headquarters.
“There’s something wrong in this case,” interposed Judge Mariano. “What prompted you to make these charges if you can’t say definitely whether this man was driving recklessly? You have some purpose in mind and it is not fair to these five policemen and to this defendant to arrest him on such serious charges.”
“I would like to move for dismissal of both complaints,” Cohen informed the court. “This defendant has been arrested on two complaints, both of a serious nature, but apparently a settlement has been reached.”
“I will dismiss both complaints with regrets,” replied Judge Mariano. “If counsel was not involved in this case, I would say something else.”
Prosecutor Probes Tipsy Driving Case
Camden Courier-Post —
Cohen Takes Search for Witness Into Own Hands After Sleuths Fail
City Prosecutor Mitchell Cohen yesterday took the investigation of a drunken driving case out of the hands of two district detectives and announced he would “look into the case myself.”
His action preceded postponement of the case for the fifth time in 10 days. Defendant in the case is Lloyd A. Wright, of Garden street, Mt. Holly, brother of Atwell Wright, night warden at the Burlington county jail.
Wright was arrested Dec. 28 by District Detectives Louis Schlamm and Richard Donnelly in front of Woodrow Wilson High School, Thirty-second and Federal streets. The sleuths testified they were notified by a bus driver the man was driving while intoxicated, but when they found him, his car was parked and he was behind the wheel.
Still Seeking Bus Driver
The postponements have been granted by Police Judge Gene Mariano to permit the officers to bring the bus driver into court to testify. They said they did not get the bus driver’s name and have been unable to locate him.
“The evidence that this man was driving his automobile while intoxicated is somewhere,” Cohen said. “He lives in Mt. Holly and was arrested in Camden. Either he or someone else drove this car into Camden and no one else has been brought here as the driver.
“I am not a detective, but I want the opportunity of personally investigating this matter. Buses run on schedules and surely the drivers of these buses have specified times to pass certain points. The man who was driving the bus on this night, I believe, can easily be named by Public Service officials.
“I am going out there to see Mr. Harper and talk to every driver in his employ until I am able to find this man who gave this information to the police. I don’t think there will be any criticism directed at me or this court for the manner in which I intend to handle this case.”
Postponed to Jan. 12
Rocco Palese, attorney for Wright, told the court he did not think the bus driver could give any substantial evidence when he is found. Judge Mariano postponed the case until Jan. 12.
Racket in Cleaners Laid to Prisoner
Camden Courier-Post —
Police Charge He Got One on Credit, Sold and Then Reclaimed It
One of the strangest gyp rackets discovered in Camden in recent years—a vacuum cleaner sales scheme—was believed broken up yesterday with arraignment of Leonard Hauser, 218 North Eighth street, before Police Judge Mariano. Hauser was arrested at his home by patrolman John Ferry after an investigation by Frank Thompson, representative of a nationally-known vacuum cleaner company with offices at Sixth and Cooper streets.
Ferry testified Hauser paid $10 down on a cleaner for a certain trial period. Then, Ferry said, he represented himself as a salesman for the company and sold it to Mrs. Mary Kirby, 552 Bailey street, for $25, plus her old cleaner for a trade in.
Later, the cleaner mysteriously broke down. Hauser called and said he would take it back, Ferry testified, and bring a new one. He took the cleaner, said Ferry, but never was seen at the Kirby home again.
“If he had taken the broom,” remarked City Prosecutor Cohen, “would you call it a clean sweep?”
Mariano said he had information that Hauser was “working a real racket and that a number of other North Camden residents had been similarly defrauded.”
C. Lawrence Gregorio, defense counsel, waived a hearing and the suspect was held in $2000 bail for the Grand Jury.
Detective Edwin Mills said after the hearing that Hauser did not restrict his activities to vacuum cleaners.
William Shaw, of 1474 Broadway, identified Hauser, according to Mills, as the man who collected $5 from him for an electric toy which was to have been Shaw’s little son’s Christmas present. The toy never arrived, Mills said Shaw told him.
Mrs. Emily C. Hedley, of Berlin, and Mrs. Howard Brown, of Williamstown, also identified Hauser as the “vacuum cleaner salesman” who duped them, Mills declared.
Bosco at Murder Case Arraignment
Camden Courier-Post —
Sam Bosco (left), central city barber, is shown as he was arraigned before Judge Mariano in police court yesterday. He was held on a charge of murder in the fatal shooting of Angelo Magalas during a holdup. City Prosecutor Mitchell Cohen is shown standing beside the prisoner, who was handcuffed because he allegedly threatened a guard Saturday night.
Bosco Committed to County Jail Cell
Camden Courier-Post —
Barber Held in Slaying Case Pending Formal Indictment by Grand Jury
Sam Bosco, mid-city barber, was held for the county prosecutor’s office on the charge of murder, following court action yesterday termed by Police Judge Gene R. Mariano as unprecedented in Camden legal annals.
Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando announced he tried to bring the grand jury together for action in a true bill against the prisoner. The members had scattered so widely, however, they could not meet, but the true bill is expected Friday, when the jury makes its presentment.
Bosco is cited in connection with the death of Angelo Magalas, restaurant chef who died as a result of a holdup of a card game at 725 Penn Street, January 10. Magalas was shot in the arm during the crime, and the wound reputedly hastened his death from another ailment from which he was suffering.
Arrested at Jury Room
The action against Bosco follows an odd legal path. The barber was waiting to be called by the grand jury as a witness into the death of Magalas, for which Frank Luggi is now sought.
While Bosco was sitting in the anteroom awaiting his call before the grand jury, Detective Thomas Murphy placed him under arrest.
At the time it was believed a true bill had been found against the man, but it has developed the arrest was on a warrant obtained by Murphy.
When Bosco arraigned yesterday it was revealed the charge was murder, but he was held under the warrant which Murphy had obtained, and the grand jury had not found the true bill to date.
The court was puzzled as to the action that could be taken in the case, but Judge Mariano said he remanded Bosco, on the wish of the prosecutor who told the court he would summon the grand jury to act on Bosco’s case.
“I was informed the grand jury would be summoned,” said Judge Mariano, “and I know the prosecutor did get in touch with some of the members, but they were not all available to sit.
Held for Prosecutor
“Hence the prosecutor may bring them today, tomorrow, or any other day that suits. No case such as this has ever come to my attention, and I simply acted to aid the county prosecutor’s office, and to put Bosco in charge of the county officials and out of the city’s hands, where I do not believe the case should rest at present time.
“I suggested to Prosecutor Orlando that it would be well to obtain a bench warrant in order to hold Bosco, and he agreed with me at that time. We also called in John L. Morrissey, counsel for Bosco, and I understand that he agreed with the procedure I had outlined.
“So I held Bosco to await the action of the county prosecutor’s office and he is being held a prisoner under those exact circumstances. Bosco is charged with murder now.”
Hearing Held Unnecessary
Bosco appeared in court unkempt, unshaven and handcuffed on complaint by Detective Murphy that on Jan. 10 Bosco “did feloniously and willfully murder, kill and slay” Magalas in a card game holdup was not read to the prisoner and he was not even asked to plead.
“For the purpose of the prisoner being committed to the county jail pending a further hearing next Monday, there is no necessity for a hearing at this time,” said City Prosecutor Cohen. “He has already been indicted.
“The usual procedure is to hold a hearing only when there has been no action by the Grand Jury, but in this case, the indictment having been found, it is necessary only to send him to the county jail on the strength of the indictment.”
John L. Morrissey, Bosco’s attorney, objected that no indictment officially has been presented, the Grand Jury not being scheduled to make its formal presentment until Friday.
“Detective Murphy,” Cohen replied, “was instructed last Friday by the Grand Jury to take this man into custody because an indictment had been found. If counsel insists on production of the indictment, I believe the case should be postponed until Monday.”
“In three days,” Morrissey argued, “we have been able to obtain absolutely no information regarding the evidence or witnesses. There is no indictment officially. Of course, it is common gossip that the defendant has been indicted, but neither the county nor the city seems to know what to do with him. I think some evidence should be presented to show us why he is being held.”
Murphy interjected that both the Grand Jury foreman and Assistant Prosecutor Patrick J. Harding had instructed him to arrest Bosco, but Morrissey replied that “that is only hearsay evidence.”
Jury To Be Called
“I have been in touch with County Prosecutor Orlando,” Judge Mariano explained, “and he is going to call the Grand Jury together as soon as he can to make a special presentment.”
“Well, what is our status here?” inquired Morrissey.
“He is a county prisoner,” said Mariano, “the city has nothing to do with it. If an indictment has been presented, the county would be able to have the defendant. I see no harm committing him until further action by the Grand Jury.”
Morrissey then asked that bail be set. Cohen objected on the ground that the court had no legal right so to do. Mariano said he had the right but would not set bail.
“This is the first time I ever saw a defendant held without evidence or testimony,” remarked Morrissey.
“There will be plenty of witnesses when the time comes,” Cohen answered.
“What do you know about it?” Morrissey shot back. “You don’t know anything about it. You don’t even know who the witnesses will be.”
Cafe Owner Freed of Sales to Minor
Camden Courier-Post —
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 streets, 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.
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.”
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.”
Gang Is Arrested For Eight Holdups
Trenton Evening Times —
Charged with Robbing Couples on ‘Lover’s Lane’ Camden
CAMDEN, Aug. 20 (P).—Charged with being members of a holdup gang which robbed couples in parked automobiles in a “lover’s lane,” five girls and two boys were held without bail today by Police Judge Mitchell Cohen.
Detective Edwin Mills, who said he traced eight holdups to the group, accused 18-year-old Dorothy Pearce of directing the gang’s activities. She and Rose Cavalier, 17, were charged with conspiracy.
Joseph Rockko and Ernest Whilden, both 17, and Franklin A. Dyer, 18, are charged with larceny, while the other two, Edward Henry, 17, and Roy Ludwig, 18, are accused of carrying concealed weapons.
Man Is Held Again in Ferry Murders
Camden Courier-Post —
Beckett Listed as Material Witness After Serving 6 Months for Assault
Raymond Beckett, 24, who police said confessed participation in the holdup-murder of Harry C. Armstrong, ferry toll collector, on July 17, last year, was held without bail for the grand jury yesterday as a “material witness” in the case.
Beckett will complete a six month county jail sentence for assault and battery today. County Detective James J. Mulligan appeared before Acting Police Judge Mitchell Cohen and asked that he be held for the grand jury, and the court complied.
Beckett, a resident of Bedford, Pa., was arrested after he allegedly had informed his wife “he could not come to Camden, because of a murder mixup there.” Later Beckett implicated two other Camden men in the slaying, according to police. The case is still being investigated.
Armstrong, veteran employee of the Pennsylvania Railroad, was shot by two “white-pants” bandits early on the morning of July 17, when he sounded an alarm as they attempted to hold him up in the ferry toll booth at the Market street ferries.
City Rulers Name Cohen Freeholder to Succeed Smith
Camden Courier-Post —
Prosecutor, Republican, Says Pay Will Go to Ill Predecessor Who Resigned
City Prosecutor Mitchell Cohen, who was appointed to fill a vacancy on the board of freeholders caused by the resignation of James S. Smith, of the Second Ward, is shown as he took the oath yesterday before Howard Truax, deputy county clerk.
The City Commission yesterday appointed City Prosecutor Mitchell Cohen to the vacancy on the Board of Freeholders caused by the resignation of James S. Smith, of the Second ward.
The action was taken at a special meeting of the commission attended by all five commissioners. Cohen’s appointment was by unanimous vote, Mayor George E. Brunner explaining that Smith was a Republican and “it is only right that a Republican should be named as his successor.”
Cohen, who is 34 and has been an attorney for 10 years, said he will turn over the salary to Smith and will relinquish the seat on the board to Smith when he gets well. Cohen lives at 500 Cooper street. He is Republican leader in the Second ward.
“I think it is to the best interests of the people of the ward and the city in general that the Second ward is given a voice again on the board of freeholders,” Cohen said.
Camden Woman Found Guilty Under Anti-noise Ordinance
Camden Courier-Post —
Convicted in Police Court After Couple and Five Neighbors Complain of Radio Din
The first charge since enactment of the anti-noise ordinance in Camden was aired in Police Court yesterday.
The defendant, Mrs. Albert E. Essinger, of 3009 Atlanta road, was brought before Judge Gene R. Mariano on a summons charging her with “playing her radio so loud it sounded like a sound truck.”
The complainant was Mrs. Sylvia Hohing, of 3023 Atlanta road. Her testimony was collaborated by her husband, Charles, and five women neighbors.
Mrs. Essinger was found guilty of the violation by Mariano and sentence was deferred for one month “to see what her action was during this period.”
David Glickman, attorney for Mrs. Essinger, asked that the complaint be dismissed charging that “the ordinance revokes the personal rights of a citizen.” He also questioned the constitutionality of the ordinance.
City Prosecutor Mitchell Cohen, after conferring with a New York detective who was in court, informed Mariano that the constitutionality of the ordinance in New York was questioned and referred to the United States Supreme Court. He said that the Supreme Court upheld the ordinance.
Mariano denied the motion to dismiss the charge.
In her own defense, Mrs. Essinger stated that she only played the radio loud so she would not have to listen to “gossiping neighbors and noisy children.” She stated that no one had requested her to turn the radio down.
Mariano, in finding the defendant guilty, said that he could not miss the testimony of the five women neighbors.
Crash Complainant Faces License Loss
Camden Courier-Post —
Cohen Threatens Move as Driver Refuses for Third Time to Sign
City Prosecutor Mitchell Cohen said he would recommend revocation of the license of a complainant in a drunken driving charge for “failing to co-operate with the court.”
Cohen made this statement in Police Court yesterday when Elwood Urbanowicz, of 1328 Jackson street, appeared in court before Judge Gene R. Mariano, and for the third time refused to sign a drunken driving complaint against John Czetyrka, 48, of 1176 Morton street.
The charges were lodged following an accident at Ninth street near Fairmount on July 20, when an automobile assertedly driven by Czetyrka was in collision with Urbanowicz’ car, then continued until it crashed into a pole on Fairmount street.
The following day at the first hearing, Detectives Vernon Jones and George Weber, Patrolman Frank Whipple, and Acting Sergt. Earl Hamby testified that Czetyrka was drunk, but could not identify him, as the driver of the car. At this hearing Urbanowicz did not appear. The case was continued until July 23 so the complainant could be in court to identify the driver.
In the meantime a note was received by the court from the complainant stating that Czetyrka had made restitution for the damage to his car and therefore he did not wish to sign the complaint.
At the second hearing, Urbanowicz refused to sign the drunken driving complaint. The case was postponed until yesterday, however, because Detective Jones, who had been assigned by Mariano to investigate the matter, was not in court.
Yesterday the complainant still refused to sign the complaint. It was then that the prosecutor made the recommendation to the court.
Mariano again postponed the case until Aug. 7 in order to give the complainant a “chance to think it over.”
Auld Convicted Second Time in Waitress’ Slaying
Kingston, NY Daily Freeman —
Camden, N.J., Dec. 9 (P)—Howard Auld, 27-year-old former infantryman, last night was convicted of first degree murder for the second time in the V-J Day slaying of a Philadelphia waitress.
The jury of eight men and four women deliberated for two hours and 45 minutes before returning their verdict with no recommendation of mercy—a verdict that makes death in the electric chair mandatory.
Auld was previously convicted of first degree murder in the death of Margaret Rita McDade, 23, after a V-J Day party at the Bellmawr, N.J., firehouse.
Auld was sentenced to die in the electric chair but was granted a new trial by the New Jersey Court of Errors and Appeals on the grounds Judge Bartholomew A. Sheehan did not explain to the jury they could recommend mercy although returning a first degree verdict.
The battered body of the waitress was found five days after the V-J Day celebration in 1945, lying in a cistern in Haddon Heights, N.J.
In his closing address, Prosecutor Mitchell Cohen asked for the death penalty while Defense Attorney John L. Morrissey described his client as “a feeble-minded boy” and asked for acquittal on the grounds of insanity.
During the trial, the prosecution produced psychiatrists to support its contention Auld was sane.
Judge Sheehan said he would pronounce sentence today. Morrissey said he would appeal the verdict.
Koerner Made Police Chief; Carroll, Mattison Promoted
Camden Courier-Post —
NAMED CHIEF of the Camden police department today, Captain Gustav Koerner, a 26-year veteran of the department and one time baseball player, is shown receiving the congratulations of Public Safety Director Aaron. A native of Camden, Chief Koerner succeeds George H. Frost [sic], who resigned Jan. 1, 1948. Capt. Samuel Johnson had been acting chief since then.
Johnson, Garrity Move as Aaron Shifts Officers
Capt. Gustav Koerner, youngest of six men holding that rank in the department, today was named Camden police chief.
Public Safety Director Aaron announced the appointment and the 53-year-old Koerner, a member of the department 26 years, was sworn in by County Judge Sheehan in Aaron’s office.
At the same time, Director Aaron announced the promotion of Detective Capt. Edward Carroll, 56, to police inspector, and the promotion of Lieut. Walter Mattison, 63, to captain, replacing Chief Koerner in command of the first police district and police headquarters.
Both were sworn in by Mrs. Mary MacClennan, acting city clerk.
Transfers Announced
Aaron also announced the following transfers, effective Dec. 1:
Capt. John Garrity, from chief clerk of the police bureau, to command of the Third Police District, vacant since the retirement on pension two weeks ago of Capt. Richard Cornog.
Capt. Samuel Johnson, who has been acting police chief since the resignation Jan. 1, 1948 of Chief George H. Frost [sic], to command of the detective bureau, succeeding Carroll.
Capt. Walter Rowand, 56, one of those made eligible for the appointment as chief by civil service tests, will continue in charge of the second police district, Director Aaron said, and Capt. Nathan Petit, 57, another eligible for the appointment, will remain in charge of the traffic bureau.
More than 100 police and firemen attended the ceremony at which Chief Koerner was sworn in, including Patrolman Frank Call, president of Local 35, Police Benevolent Association. Others included Deputy Mayor Malandra, acting for Mayor Brunner who was unable to attend; Freeholder Ewing and Captain of County Detectives James J. Mulligan.
After administering the oath, Judge Sheehan shook hands with Chief Koerner and said:
“I am certain that you will demonstrate your unquestionable integrity and courage in your new office and add lustre to our police department.”
Says Selection Difficult
Selection of Koerner over Captain Petit and Captain Rowand, Director Aaron said, was “an extremely difficult one to make.”
“All three captains,” the director said, “are my personal friends, and have been for many years. I considered each of them well qualified for the job of police chief. In naming Captain Koerner, however, I took into consideration his age and his excellent physical condition.”
The civil service tests in which the three qualified for appointment were taken after Chief Frost resigned. Koerner outpointed the other two, receiving an average of 78.5 percent against 76.3 for Petit and 74.3 percent for Rowand.
Captains Garrity, Johnson and Carroll did not take the examinations.
As head of the department, Chief Koerner will be paid at the rate of $4425, the present salary of police chief, until Jan. 1, when, through the increase approved at the Nov. 8 election, he will receive $4885 a year. His captain’s salary was $3500 a year.
On Force 32 Years
The promotion for Captain Mattison not only was a reward for 32 years of service in the department but also brought him a salary increase from the rate of $3220 a year, the present scale for lieutenants, to $3500, the rate for captains. After the first of the year, he will receive $3960 a year.
Director Aaron said he did not know whether Inspector Carroll will draw a greater salary than that allowed captains. The city has not had a police inspector since the late Inspector Charles L. Humes Sr. [sic], retired Jan. 1, 1933.
Police Chief Koerner, a native of Camden, is one of 10 children of the late Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Koerner. His father for many years was an engraver employed by the Theodore Presser Co., music publishing firm of Philadelphia.
Directed Detectives
Educated in public schools, Koerner was appointed to the police department June 16, 1923, and after a probationary period, was assigned to the motorcycle squad. He was named a sergeant in September, 1930, and a lieutenant in November, 1941. Shortly after the latter appointment, he was placed in charge of the detective bureau, a post he held when named a captain in April, 1943, and continued to hold until placed in charge of the First district.
He is married and lives with his wife, Mary, at 807 Haddon avenue. He is a member of the Lutheran Church and has been active in the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association practically from its start here.
Played Baseball in Youth
As a youth, Chief Koerner played sandlot baseball in East Camden and later, as an infielder, played with several teams in the old Eastern Shore League. On receiving his police appointment, he played with the Camden police team in the Penn-Jersey League.
He has never relinquished his interest in baseball and at present is chairman of the Police Athletic League which sponsors sports for teen-agers.
Koerner had the appointment once before, Dr. David S. Rhone naming him chief last Oct. 28 a few hours after Rhone was removed as public safety director and Aaron assigned that department of the city government. The appointment, however, was cancelled the following day.
Chief Koerner was cleared of three charges of misconduct in office a year ago by a ruling of Judge Sheehan in Camden county court. The charges grew out of his alleged failure as head of the detective bureau to question persons whose names were found in a notebook on the body of Frank Luggi, who was murdered Dec. 31, 1946.
Veteran of War I
Inspector Carroll, who lives at 427 Lansdowne avenue, has had 27 years service in the department, being appointed on July 14, 1922. He was promoted to sergeant in April, 1930; to lieutenant, October, 1941, and to captain, March 23, 1943. He is a veteran of World War I. Previously to being placed in charge of the detective bureau in December, 1947, he commanded the Second Police District and prior to that, the headquarters division.
Captain Mattison lives at 541 Washington street and was appointed a patrolman on April 11, 1917. He was promoted to sergeant Aug. 1, 1929, the rank he held for 14 years before being named a lieutenant on March 23, 1943. He commanded the First District for several years but without the rank of captain and for the last two years, has been in command of police headquarters.
134 Years of Service
Captains Johnson, Petit, Rowand and Garrity—all veterans of the department—have a combined service of more than 134 years, with Captain Johnson, who is 70, topping each of them with almost 40 years of service, receiving his appointment to the department in April, 1910.
Captain Petit, who is 57, was appointed a patrolman in April, 1917; Rowand, in December of that year, and Captain Garrity, in January, 1919, after serving six years as a member of the fire department.
Last August, Captain Petit was suspended for 28 days after he had been charged with violating a police regulation forbidding police to hold outside employment. He was accused of doing traffic work for a construction company during the building of the Baird boulevard overpass.
Capt. Garrity was indicted along with Director Rhone and Chief Frost in connection with the Van Riper probe of police laxity and gambling charges two years ago but was exonerated along with Rhone when their indictments were nolle prossed last May 13 by Prosecutor Cohen. Frost was acquitted by a directed verdict three days previously.
‘Larry’ Doran Given Tribute at Dinner On Retirement as Head of Co. Sleuths
Camden Courier-Post —
Good Fellows Get Together:
A cop’s life is filled with headaches and heartaches, and after time has taken its toll, a quiet life as a pensioner with some fishing and reminiscing with the few cronies who remember when—
But there was no quiet retirement and seclusion for Larry Doran. And after Thursday night’s farewell, there will be plenty to remember.
For Thursday was quite a night. Senator, congressman, judge, prosecutor, assistant prosecutor, lawyer, doctor and plain everyday layman gathered to pay homage to a grand cop.
“When a feller takes office and he is praised by such a gathering as this, he cannot help but wonder how many of those present are looking for something for themselves,” Larry Doran grinned hugely. “But when you are retiring and there is no favor left to bestow, but you are still honored by such a gathering as this, then you know you are among friends.”
Retires as Chief
Well, Larry Doran was among friends Thursday night. Several hundred of them. The place was Kenny’s, the affair a dinner, the occasion Doran’s retirement as county detective chief.
It wasn’t a testimonial dinner in that sense. The speakers were to tell the truth about Larry, and Larry was to tell the truth about the speakers. He won on both counts.
More than 40 years ago, Doran was a Camden cop. Then he was a game warden.
In 1910, he went into the prosecutor’s office as a county detective. Congressman Charles A. Wolverton, then a prosecutor, greeted him with “H’ya Irish.” That, and more, was recalled by the congressman at Thursday night’s dinner.
Lauded as ‘Institution’
Fifteen years later, he was named chief by Ethan Wescott, then prosecutor. That, and more, was recalled by Wescott at the dinner. Others, too. Former Prosecutors Samuel P. Orlando and Gene R. Mariano, and present Prosecutor Mitchell Cohen, Supreme Court Justice Albert E. Burling, speaking as a former prosecutor’s attache, and County Judge Rocco Palese, speaking in behalf of all assistant prosecutors—and they were legion—spoke of his unflagging devotion to duty, his perseverance and his loyalty. U. S. District Judge Thomas M. Madden, Superior Court Judge Frank T. Lloyd Jr., whose father knew Doran well while a Supereme [sic] Court Justice; Superior Court Judge Ralph W. E. Donges, and County Judge Bart A. Sheehan, the principal speaker, all lauded Doran not only as a law enforcement officer but also as an institution in the community.
There were many fellow police officers on hand, too. They included Assistant Superintendent of Philadelphia Police George Richardson, who presented Doran with a season pass for the Athletics on behalf of Connnie [sic] Mack; Capt. Thomas Cunningham and Lt. William Kelly of the state police. Chiefs John Parker of Audubon; Thomas Thorpe, of Pennsauken; William Beck of Collingswood; William Snyder of Haddon township; William Padgett of Haddonfield; County Detective Chief George Small of Gloucester; County Detective Captain Clinton Zeller of Burlington, and detectives from Mercer and Atlantic counties.
Receives $500 Bond
Many other public figures were there, including State Sen. Bruce Wallace, Assemblyman George Neutze, County District Judge Edward Martino, City Police Judge John DiMona, city and county officials, and the entire personnel of the prosecutor’s office.
The dinner committee was headed by Anthony Mitchell and [text missing between crops] presentation of a $500 savings bond to Doran, but the highlight of the evening was Doran’s impromptu remarks of appreciation. He spoke with the humility of a man overwhelmed by the eulogies he had heard applied to himself, reminisced humorously, and capped the best address of the evening by resting his case with the summation:
“A cop’s life is filled with headaches. And sometimes he causes heartache. I have enforced the law as I saw it without favor. I did the best I could. And I have no apologies.”
Dzick Appointed Judge of Camden Municipal Court
Camden Courier-Post —
Prosecutor Replaces DiMona; Anthony Lario Is Chosen
Benjamin J. Dzick, city prosecutor since 1942, today was named municipal judge of Camdent [sic] by Director of Public Safety Aaron, replacing Police Court Judge John R. DiMona.
At the same time, Aaron appointed Anthony M. Lario to the post of city prosecutor, with both appointments to become effective Saturday.
The new designation as municipal court judge instead of police court judge is one of the provisions set up in the reorganization of the state’s entire judiciary two years ago.
Dzick, named for a three-year term… (Continued on Page 3—Column 6)
Dzick
(Continued from Page One)
term, will receive $4500 a year, $200 more than Judge DiMona’s salary of $4300 a year. As city prosecutor, Lario will receive $2800 a year, the same salary Dzick received.
Director Aaron said that while he has the authority to do so, no action will be taken at the present time on appointing a new clerk of the court, a post now held by Chris Miller, a Republican candidate for freeholder.
Dzick and Lario are Democrats, as is Aaron, while DiMona is a Republican.
DiMona, whose term expires at midnight Friday, succeeded Mitchell H. Cohen, now Camden county prosecutor, when Dr. Rhone, then director of public safety, failed to reappoint Cohen police judge three years ago.
Dzick, who is 39, is married and lives with his wife and daughter, Merle, 8, at 469 North Thirty-fifth street. He is a graduate of South Jersey Law school and has been practicing law in Camden since 1933.
Lario, 29, is a brother of Frank M. Lario, also an attorney, and lives with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Rocco Lario at 353 Pine street. He is a graduate of Temple University school of law and has been a practicing attorney here since his admission to the bar in 1946.
Lamoreaux, Wife Named in Fraud Indictments
Camden Courier-Post —
Charles R. Lamoreaux, Haddon Heights builder and real estate operator, and his wife, Ada T., were indicted Thursday by the Camden county grand jury for obtaining money under false pretenses.
The jury handed up 41 other true bills to County Judge Palese in its final presentation of the year.
Lamoreaux is free on $5000 bail pending an appeal on a two to three-year sentence imposed Nov. 6 after his conviction on similar charges.
Lamoreaux and his wife, president and secretary, respectively, of the New Era Construction Co., are accused of taking $700 from David Hedgpeth, of 2145 North Marvine street, Philadelphia, after they promised to build a House on White Horse pike at Lawnside.
Complained to Police
Lamoreaux and his wife, who live at 509 White Horse pike, Haddon Heights, failed to start construction of the home at the specified time, it was alleged. Hedgepeth said he subsequently found the Lamoreaux had misrepresented their financial status and filed a complaint with police.
In another indictment, Lawrence Bleichner, of 416 Market street, was charged with passing a worthless check for $100, Oct. 30. Bleichner, who operated the Liberty Equipment Co. at the Market street address, was given a down payment of $100 on a television set.
When Catherine Meyers, of 28 Dubois avenue, Woodbury, failed to get the set, she asked for return of the deposit. Bleichner gave her the check.
Other Indictments
Among the indictments are 16 for non-support and desertion, three for atrocious assault and battery, three for assault and battery, eight for receiving stolen goods, two for breaking, entering and larceny; one for larceny by bailee, two for obtaining money under false pretenses, four for morals offenses, one for defrauding a hotelkeeper, one ABC liquor violation and one for assault with intent to kill.
Prosecutor Cohen lauded the “faithful and painstaking” work of the jury and listed the following “interesting” statistics: The panel heard 237 cases from Sept. 6, when it was sworn; listened to 275 witnesses, returned 153 true bills and handed up 84 no bills of indictment.
Cohen said the figures mark a 38 percent decrease in the number of cases heard during the last months of the year, as compared to the beginning of 1950.
Judge Boyle Rites Held After 600 Pay Tribute
Camden Courier-Post —
Judge Boyle Rites Held After 600 Pay Tribute
Nearly 600 persons including jurists, lawyers and business associates paid their respects Tuesday night at the bier of former Common Pleas Judge William T. Boyle.
The viewing was held in a funeral home at Kings Highway and Haddon avenue, Haddonfield. There were many floral tributes.
Requiem high Mass was sung today in Christ the King R. C. Church, Haddonfield. Burial was in Calvary cemetery.
Judge Boyle, one of the most revered members of the bar in this state, was a member of the law firm of Boyle, Archer & Greiner. He died Friday in Our Lady of Lourdes hospital where he had been a patient 13 weeks. He was 79. He resided at 45 Linden avenue, Haddonfield.
Admitted to the bar in 1894, he was appointed Camden county prosecutor in 1912. A year later he was named to the common pleas court where he served until 1917. He was a director of the First Camden National Bank & Trust Co.
Headed Bar 10 Years
President of the Camden County Bar Association for 10 years and head of the New Jersey Bar Association in 1932 and 1933, he was an official of the American Bar Association for six years and a member of the American Law Institute.
A Rotarian and life member of the Knights of Columbus, he served as president of the Catholic Lyceum and was a member of the Holy Name Society. Judge Boyle had been a member of Christ the King Church since its organization.
In 1947, Judge Boyle was made a Knight of St. Gregory by Pope Pius XII in recognition of service to his community and the Catholic Church.
Members of Christ the King Church Holy Name Society participated in services for Judge Boyle at the viewing with the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Joseph B. McIntyre, pastor, officiating.
The Camden County Bar Association adjourned its meeting Tuesday night so members could attend the viewing. Also present were members of the Camden Council Knights of Columbus and of the Camden Rotary club.
Judges at Viewing
Among those attending the viewing were Supreme Court Justice Albert E. Burling, Superior Court Judge Elmer F. Woods, Superior Court Judge Ralph W. E. Donges, retired; County Judge Bartholomew J. Sheehan, and District Judge Edward V. Martino, county bar association president.
Also Edward T. Currie, state bar association vice president; Mayor Donald Connolly, of Trenton; Dr. Emma Dillon, state bar association secretary; William C. Gotshalk, city commissioner; Prosecutor Cohen, Assistant Prosecutor Asbell, Ralph W. Wescott, register of deeds, and F. Morse Archer Jr. and Frederick P. Greiner, law partners of Judge Boyle.
Also Gene R. Mariano, former prosecutor; John J. Crean, city solicitor; Miss Maude Lawrinson, assistant trust officer of First Camden National Bank & Trust Co.; J. Hartley Bowen, Haddon Heights councilman; Leo B. Rea, county court clerk; Jerome L. Hurley, head of the Hurley Stores; Eugene F. Verga, contractor; Emmons G. Elzey, real estate broker; William B. Macdonald, former court stenographer; Sylvan Fletcher, Camden Trust Co., treasurer, and Isador Herman, assistant city solicitor.
Also Fred Albert, court stenographer; Howard C. Wickes Sr., Camden industrialist; Herbert Richardson, former chancery court sergeant at arms; Dr. Everett H. Hemphill, of Haddonfield; Robert Y. Garrett Jr., Haddonfield school board president; William Lipkin, federal referee in bankruptcy.
Bar Group Present
Bar Association members and attorneys attending included: John H. Reiners Jr., J. Claude Simon, J. Norman Brierley, Carl Kisselman, Carl Geiges, Frank M. Travaline, Vincent L. Gallaher, Lawrence White, Henry Stockwell, Grover C. Richman Sr., Byron Seabrook, William Zink, Neil F. Deighan Jr., S. Robert Teitelman, Bryan B. McKernan, William F. Hyland Jr., Donald Wolverton and Joseph Lipkin.
Also present were members of the Bishop Bayley Building & Loan Association, of Camden.
Judge Boyle is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Mary B. Armstrong, Haddonfield; three sisters, Mrs. Morris Hertz and Mrs. John Cleary, both of Camden, and Mrs. B. F. Gillespie, Atlantic City; a brother, Frank, Camden, and three grandchildren. Judge Boyle’s wife, Emma W. Boyle, died in April, 1950.
The Wilkie Case, 1953
A difficult case that Mitchell H. Cohen investigated in 1953 while County Prosecutor was that of the tragic suicide of James S. Wilkie, son of a veteran Camden police officer, John V. Wilkie. For several days after the shooting, Sgt. Wilkie claimed that he had shot his son, in order that he receive a Catholic funeral. He retracted his confession after it became apparent that he could not deceive the city and county investigators, and was released after the grand jury refused to return an indictment.
This tragic case saw the involvement of many of Camden’s law enforcement and legal community, including Benjamin Asbell, Wilfred Dube, Thomas Murphy, James J. Mulligan, J. James Hainsworth, Samuel P. Orlando, John Healey, and Joseph Bennie, among others.
Detective Is Held For Shooting Son
Gettysburg PA Times —
Camden NJ (AP)— A Camden city detective, Sgt. John V. Wilkie, is being held on a manslaughter charge in the shooting of his 17 year-old son.
Police said last night Wilkie told them his son was killed accidentally as he and the youth struggled for his service revolver Sunday morning.
The boy’s death had been called a suicide by Camden County Coroner John A. Healy. A pathology report indicated that the head wound sustained by the younger Wilkie was self-inflicted.
Camden County Prosecutor Mitchell H. Cohen said the detective told him he tried to take his own life after his son was shot but the pistol misfired.
Wilkie was charged with manslaughter and held in custody pending a hearing to set bail.
Detective Is Held For Shooting Son
Gettysburg Times —
Camden NJ (AP) — A Camden city detective, Sgt. John V. Wilkie, is being held on a manslaughter charge in the shooting of his 17 year-old son. Police said last night Wilkie told them his son was killed accidentally as he and the youth struggled for his service revolver Sunday morning. The boy’s death had been called a suicide by Camden County Coroner John A. Healy. A pathology report indicated that the head wound sustained by the younger Wilkie was self-inflicted. Camden County Prosecutor Mitchell H. Cohen said the detective told him he tried to take his own life after his son was shot but the pistol misfired. Wilkie was charged with manslaughter and held in custody pending a hearing to set bail.
Wilkie Fails To Post Bail Of $50,000
Camden Courier-Post —
Probe Still Open; Will Confer On Funeral
Sgt. John V. Wilkie, Camden’s “notebook cop,” was transferred from the city jail to the county jail late Wednesday when he failed to raise $50.000 [sic] bail under which he is being held during the investigation of the fatal shooting Sunday of his son, James, 17.
The $50,000 bail was ordered by Prosecutor Cohen after Wilkie confessed shooting his son in the head accidentally during a struggle for the policeman’s service revolver in their Princess ave. home.
Coroner John A. Healey, however, has listed the death of the youth as a suicide.
Will Confer on Funeral
“There are many discrepancies in the various versions Wilkie has told me and there have been changes in the story itself,” Cohen said in commenting on the suicide report.
Robert J. Blake, funeral director, said he planned to confer with the elder Wilkie today in the county jail on funeral arrangements for the youth. Blake said there had been no change in the position of Catholic officials, who have refused to permit burial of the youth in consecrated ground, in accordance with canonical law prohibiting such burial to suicides, except in cases of insanity.
Prosecutor Cohen said he would permit the release of Wilkie, under guard, to attend his son’s funeral.
The prosecutor today said the investigation is still “open.” Cohen questioned two surviving Wilkie children Wednesday on the events of last Sunday when James is said to have come home under the influence of liquor and got into a quarrel. The other children are Richard, 16, and Teresa, 14, both of whom seemed numbed by shock when they appeared in the prosecutor’s office on the sixth floor of City Hall.
According to the story told by the children and Paul Ragone, 15, of Moorestown, a friend, James came home at 1.30 a. m. Sunday and after words with Richard went upstairs and then reappeared with his father’s service revolver. The others fled from the house and quoted James as saying: “If you don’t come in, I’ll shoot myself.”
Will Go Over House
A minute later, they said, they heard a shot.
Cohen said he had ordered an inspection of the entire house, as well as ballistics and chemical tests on the Wilkie revolver and the bullet which pierced the young man’s head.
The prosecutor said he had nothing to say on a psychiatric report by Dr. H. E. Yaskin, county consulting psychiatrist, who examined the policeman.
“That is a confidential report and certainly nothing is going to be made public about the doctor’s findings of the man’s personality,” the prosecutor said.
Wilkie walked into the prosecutor’s office shortly after 1 p. m. Tuesday and “confessed” he killed his son accidentally during the struggle for the gun.
There is a belief among some of the investigators that the policeman, who has been on sick leave, concocted his story in the hope Catholic Church officials could be prevailed upon to allow a Catholic burial for the son.
Sgt. Wilkie Is Still Held in Jail, His Bail of $50,000 Unchanged
Camden Courier-Post —
Cut Considered After Retraction Of ‘Confession’
Police Sgt. John V. Wilkie, Camden’s notebook cop, remained in jail today in default of $50,000 bail despite his admission Thursday he “confessed” accidentally killing his son in an effort to have full burial rites of the Roman Catholic Church accorded the youth.
Wilkie’s admission of the fabrication as a desperate self-sacrificing attempt for his son came Thursday afternoon after he learned the church had reiterated that his son, James, 17, could not be given requiem rites and be buried in consecrated ground.
Asked about the continuing high bail, Prosecutor Mitchell Cohen said there has been “no request from Wilkie nor his attorney, Elmer Bertman, for reduction of bail.”
Cohen, however, continued, “In light of the new circumstances, I certainly would entertain such a request.”
Tells of Repudiation
“In the presence of Chief Mulligan and Capt. Dube of the county detectives staff; Capt. Murphy of the Camden City detective bureau; Samuel P. Orlando as a friend of Wilkie’s, and Fred Albert, court stenographer, Wilkie has made a statement which repudiates a ‘confession’ he made to me earlier this week.
“He states that he found his son, James, dead of a gunshot wound when he returned to his home early on the morning of Dec. 20. Wilkie states that he concocted his story that he and his son wrestled over possession of the gun, which was Wilkie’s service revolver, and that the gun was discharged accidentally.
“The bullet entered one temple and emerged from the other on a straight line instead of at an angle. The course the bullet took made it clear the shot was fired with deliberation by a gun held in the decedent’s hands or in some other hands.
“Since a complaint has been made and a court has instructed me to present this matter to the grand jury, I must do so. Therefore the charge of manslaughter will remain pending the grand jury’s deliberation.”
Sgt. Wilkie Is Still Held in Jail, His Bail of $50,000 Unchanged
Camden Courier-Post —
Cut Considered After Retraction Of ‘Confession’
Police Sgt. John V. Wilkie, Camden’s notebook cop, remained in jail today in default of $50,000 bail despite his admission Thursday he “confessed” accidentally killing his son in an effort to have full burial rites of the Roman Catholic Church accorded the youth.
Wilkie’s admission of the fabrication as a desperate self-sacrificing attempt for his son came Thursday afternoon after he learned the church had reiterated that his son, James, 17, could not be given requiem rites and be buried in consecrated ground.
Wilkie admitted that when he returned to his home, at 1144 Princess ave., at 2.18 a. m. Sunday, he found his son dead of a revolver shot instead of having been shot in a struggle with Wilkie for the latter’s service revolver.
Services for Wilkie’s son will be held Monday at 11 a. m. in the Robert J. Blake Funeral Home, 851 Haddon ave. Burial will be in New Camden Cemetery, Mt. Ephraim and Ferry aves., a nondenominational cemetery. There will be a public viewing at the funeral home Sunday night.
Wilkie, a member of Sacred Heart R.C. Church, Broadway and Ferry ave., will be permitted to attend the services under guard.
Asked about the continuing high bail, Prosecutor Mitchell Cohen said there has been “no request from Wilkie nor his attorney, Elmer Bertman, for reduction of bail.”
Favorable to Lower Bail
Cohen, however, continued, “In light of the new circumstances, I certainly would entertain such a request.” He continued:
“In view of the holiday weekend, I probably won’t be in my office until Monday. Nor is the sheriff’s office open during the weekend to receive the bail.
“It would be necessary to contact me with a request for bail reduction and also to make special arrangements with Sheriff Hainsworth to post the bail.”
Late Thursday, Cohen told reporters he had no alternative but to present all of the facts in the case to the grand jury and “let them decide.”
Tells of Repudiation
“In the presence of Chief Mulligan and Capt. Dube of the county detectives staff; Capt. Murphy of the Camden City detective bureau; Samuel P. Orlando as a friend of Wilkie’s, and Fred Albert, court stenographer, Wilkie has made a statement which repudiates a ‘confession’ he made to me earlier this week.
“He states that he found his son, James, dead of a gunshot wound when he returned to his home early on the morning of Dec. 20.
“Wilkie states that he concocted his story that he and his son wrestled over possession of the gun, which was Wilkie’s service revolver, and that the gun was discharged accidentally.
Father Denied Suicide
“Wilkie told us he had determined to do everything within his power, say anything and be willing to take any kind of punishment, in order to obtain a Catholic funeral for his son.
“He still insists that his son did not commit suicide, that he had just bought some new clothes and had said or done nothing to indicate he might take his life.
“I must say here that the facts available to us do not coincide with a theory of accidental death.
“After Wilkie had made his ‘confession’ to us, we had him illustrate several times with county detectives how he said he tussled with his son. We knew then the son could not have been accidentally shot in such a struggle.
State Police Tests
“All tests by state police laboratories and our medical reports clearly evidenced Wilkie was not telling the truth.
“The bullet entered one temple and emerged from the other on a straight line instead of at an angle. The course the bullet took made it clear the shot was fired with deliberation by a gun held in the decedent’s hands or in some other hands.
“Since a complaint has been made and a court has instructed me to present this matter to the grand jury, I must do so. Therefore the charge of manslaughter will remain pending the grand jury’s deliberation.”
Wilkie, according to Sheriff Hainsworth, spent a “restful day” Christmas in a cell in E block on the sixth floor of City Hall.
The sheriff said Wilkie was in “good spirits and talked frequently with other prisoners.”
Sgt. Wilkie Remains in County Jail As Son Is Buried Without Ritual
Camden Courier-Post —
Funeral Director Recites Prayer
Police Sgt. John V. Wilkie, whose “confession” that he accidentally killed his son proved to be a hoax, remained in the county jail today during the funeral of his 17-year-old son, James. Wilkie is being held in county jail in default of $50,000 bail pending submission of his case to the grand jury.
James, whose death on Dec. 20 was officially declared a suicide, was buried from the Robert J. Blake Funeral Home, 851 Haddon ave. Only about 20 persons were present, and there was no formal service of any kind.
James was buried in the rain in New Camden Cemetery, Mt. Ephraim and Ferry aves., a nondenominational cemetery, also without any formal service. Blake recited the Lord’s Prayer as the casket was lowered.
Cohen said no request for reduction of Wilkie’s $50,000 bail had been made, but that he would consider such a request if it is received. He said he had no alternative but to present all the facts in the Wilkie case to the grand jury.
Sgt. Wilkie Remains in County Jail As Son Is Buried Without Ritual
Camden Courier-Post —
Funeral Director Recites Prayer:
Police Sgt. John V. Wilkie, whose “confession” that he accidentally killed his son proved to be a hoax, remained in the county jail today during the funeral of his 17-year-old son, James.
Wilkie, Camden’s “notebook cop,” is being held in county jail in default of $50,000 bail pending submission of his case to the grand jury, although authorities accepted his admission that the story of accidental death was concocted in an effort to obtain the full burial rites of the Roman Catholic Church for his son.
James, whose death on Dec. 20 was officially declared a suicide, was buried from the Robert J. Blake Funeral Home, 851 Haddon ave.
Only about 20 persons were present, and there was no formal service of any kind. Among those at the funeral home were James’ mother, Mrs. Tessie Bogacki, of Woodlynne; his brother, Richard, 16, and sister, Teresa, 14, and two aunts, Mrs. Elizabeth Meredith and Mrs. Jane Salus.
James was buried in the rain in New Camden Cemetery, Mt. Ephraim and Ferry aves., a nondenominational cemetery, also without any formal service. Blake recited the Lord’s Prayer as the casket was lowered.
Members of the immediate family and a few friends attended.
Attends Viewing
Wilkie attended the public viewing at the funeral home Sunday night in the company of County Detectives James McLaughlin and Joseph Bennie and a guard from the sheriff’s office, Walter Wilkie, no relation.
He was promised release from jail so he could attend today’s burial, but James J. Mulligan, chief of county detectives, said Wilkie sent word to the prosecutor’s office this morning that he had no desire to be present at the rites.
“He was present at the viewing,” Mulligan said, “but he said he just didn’t want to go to the funeral. So we made no arrangements for him to go.”
Approximately 100 persons attended the viewing, and Wilkie was present the entire time.
Fabricated Confession
Wilkie’s admission he fabricated the “confession” that he accidentally killed his son came Thursday after he learned that church authorities had declined to alter their original ruling that the youth could not be given solemn requiem rites and be buried in consecrated ground. Canons of the Church forbid religious services and burial in suicide cases.
The veteran police sergeant had claimed that he accidentally shot the boy in a struggle for possession of Wilkie’s service revolver at the Wilkie residence, 1144 Princess ave. But, in his admission that this version of the death was untrue, he said he found his son dead of a revolver shot when he returned home at 2.18 a. m. Sunday, Dec. 20.
Cohen said no request for reduction of Wilkie’s $50,000 bail had been made, but that he would consider such a request if it is received. He said he had no alternative but to present all the facts in the Wilkie case to the grand jury.
Wilkie Freed By Vote of Grand Jury
Camden Courier-Post —
‘Going Home and Take Care of My Children’
Police Sgt. John V. Wilkie was released from the Camden County jail late Wednesday afternoon shortly after the grand jury returned a no bill on a manslaughter charge against the veteran policeman in the death of his son James Wilkie, 17.
Wilkie, as he was released from the county jail, told Undersheriff Charles O’Keefe he was “going home and take care of my children, they are my only concern now.”
Wilkie surrendered at police headquarters and said he had accidentally shot his son in a struggle for possession of his service revolver. Wilkie was confined to the county jail in default of $50,000 bail on a manslaughter charge. Last Thursday, Wilkie admitted to Prosecutor Cohen he had concocted the story of shooting his son in an attempt to obtain the full burial rites of the Roman Catholic Church for his son.
Cohen accepted the withdrawal of Wilkie’s “confession” but said he would have to submit the case to the grand jury. Cohen summoned Wilkie’s two other children, Richard, 16, and Theresa, 14, and City Detective Capt. Thomas Murphy before the jury Wednesday.
Murphy was questioned by the jurors 25 minutes and Richard was in the jury room for 15 minutes. Theresa was dismissed less than a half hour before the jurors returned a no bill on the charge against the father.
‘Going Home and Take Care of My Children’
Camden Courier-Post —
Police Sgt. John V. Wilkie was released from the Camden County jail late Wednesday afternoon shortly after the grand jury returned a no bill on a manslaughter charge against the veteran policeman in the death of his son James Wilkie, 17.
Wilkie, as he was released from the county jail, told Undersheriff Charles O’Keefe he was “going home and take care of my children, they are my only concern now.”
Young Wilkie was found shot to death Dec. 20 at his father’s home, 1144 Princess ave. A certificate of suicide was issued by Coroner John A. Healey.
Admits Hoax
Later, Sgt. Wilkie surrendered at police headquarters and said he had accidentally shot his son in a struggle for possession of his service revolver. Wilkie was confined to the county jail in default of $50,000 bail on a manslaughter charge.
Last Thursday, Wilkie admitted to Prosecutor Cohen he had concocted the story of shooting his son in an attempt to obtain the full burial rites of the Roman Catholic Church for his son.
Cohen accepted the withdrawal of Wilkie’s “confession” but said he would have to submit the case to the grand jury. Cohen summoned Wilkie’s two other children, Richard, 16, and Theresa, 14, and City Detective Capt. Thomas Murphy before the jury Wednesday.
Murphy was questioned by the jurors 25 minutes and Richard was in the jury room for 15 minutes. Theresa was not called before the jury and at 3.30 p. m. was dismissed, less than a half hour before the jurors returned a no bill on the charge against the father.
Liquor License Transfer Denied
Camden Courier-Post —
The Camden Excise Board on Friday denied an application for transfer of a liquor license from one location to another in the 500 block of Kaighns ave.
According to Mrs. May Jones, secretary of the board, the decision was made following a hearing on Nov. 19 on the transfer of the license of Morris Aronow and Milton Rosenberg, trading as the A & R Bar, at 532 Kaighns ave., to Max and Renee Marcus, 2405 Federal st. The Marcus couple applied to transfer the license from 532 to 523 Kaighns ave.
Prosecutor Cohen, representing a group of residents of the area, headed by Jacob Levikoff, who operates a liquor store at Broadway and Kaighns ave., opposed the transfer at the hearing.
3 Indicted For Burglary In Gloucester
Camden Courier-Post —
Two youths who were trapped by police in a Gloucester City office building in October were indicted Thursday on five counts of breaking, entering and larceny. A third man, who was later implicated in the cases, was also named in the indictments.
The defendants are Richard Hackett, 19, of Buckingham ave., Sewell; John Cristinzo, 19, of Morse and Carmen sts., who were nabbed in the building, and George Laute, 24, of the 100 block Yale ave., Gloucester Heights.
The indictments were among 95 returned before Superior Judge Schalick by the outgoing September term grand jury. Camden County Prosecutor Cohen told the court that grand juries in 1957 handled a “record number of cases.” He said they handled 1295 cases, with indictments returned in about 65 percent of the cases. The closest year to this record was 1952 when the grand juries handled 1080 cases.
Orvyl Schalick — John Christinzo — Morse Street — Carman Street
Plea Changed By Peterson To No Defense
Camden Courier-Post —
Henry W. Peterson, former secretary of the South Jersey Port Commission, changed his plea in Camden County Court from not guilty to no defense to charges of malfeasance in office and false swearing.
The charges grew out of a grand jury investigation of the Port Commission, which operates the Camden Marine Terminal. Peterson, of Woodbury, entered the plea through his attorney, J. Claud Simon, Thursday before Camden County Judge Cohen.
Cohen said he would sentence Peterson June 23. He ordered a pre-sentence investigation. The indictments were returned against Peterson, former Woodbury mayor, in January.
Camden County Prosecutor Heine said at that time that the indictments charged Peterson with malfeasance in office as the result of padding his expense in the amount of $2000 between 1958 and 1959. The other indictment listed four counts of false testimony before the grand jury on September 10.
Judge Mitchell H. Cohen Federal Building & Courthouse
Judge Mitchell H. Cohen Federal Building & Courthouse, 401 Cooper Street — February 7, 2004