Clifford Del Rossi
Clifford Del Rossi
CLIFFORD DEL ROSSI was born June 21, 1896, in Pennsylvania, one of at least nine children born to Angelo and Mary Del Rossi. The family had moved to Camden by 1910, when they lived at 1904 South 4th Street in Camden’s Eighth ward, where Angelo worked as a laborer on the railroad. Clifford had already left school, working odd jobs to help the family. Sisters Clara and Raphaella worked as “spinners” at the nearby Howland Croft & Sons Company mill.
By 1916 Clifford Del Rossi had wed, and by January 1920 with wife May owned a home at 420 Emerald Street. The 1920 Census lists his occupation as “under foreman” at a woolen mill, most likely also the Howland Croft & Sons Company mill.
On July 10, 1922 Clifford Del Rossi started working for the Camden Police Department. The 1930 Census shows that Clifford Del Rossi was working for the Camden Police Department. At that time he was a widower, his wife having passed shortly before the census. At that time the Del Rossi family had moved around the corner to 417 Winslow Street in Camden’s Eighth Ward, across the street from the Howland Croft, Sons & Company plant. Clifford Del Rossi was at that time raising his seven children, ranging in ages from 2 to 12 years of age. Next door at 419 Winslow was the Scarduzio family, and the Di Carlantonio family lived at 423. Both of these families had members who would become well known in the neighborhood and the city in future years.
Clifford Del Rossi rose in the ranks of the Camden Police Department, and by February of 1934 was serving as a detective. In his early years as a detective he appears to have been partnered with Detective Benjamin Simon. Detective Del Rossi’s picture was on papers across the country in that month when he, with Detective Clarence Arthur, took part in the arrest of four people suspected of having staged a $130,000 payroll robbery in Penns Grove NJ.
The 1947 Camden City Directory and the 1959 New Jersey Bell Telephone directory show Clifford Del Rossi living at 1324 Jackson Street in Camden. While he does not appear in Directories from 1970 forward, he remained a Camden resident. Clifford Del Rossi died in January of 1981. His son, Clifford Del Rossi Jr., also served as a member of the Camden Police Department in the 1960s and early 1970s.
City Policeman Drowns in Lake at Blackwood
Camden Courier-Post —
Body of Joseph S. [sic] Ward Found Near Upset Canoe
OFFICIALS START PROBE IN DEATH MYSTERY
Tragedy Comes as Climax to Outing by Social Club
JOSEPH G. WARD
An intensive investigation into the mysterious drowning of Joseph G. Ward, a Camden motorcycle policeman, was opened today by Police Chief William Ritter, of Gloucester township, following the recovery of Ward’s body in Blackwood lake.
Ward drowned when a canoe he occupied overturned. He was 34, attached to the Second Police District, and lived at 1572 Louis street. The body was found by searchers led by Chief Ritter and Lieutenant Ralph Bakley, of the Camden police, after an all-night search.
Ward’s father, Joseph Ward, Sr., who has been seriously ill, collapsed when informed of his son’s death. He operates a cafe on Mt. Ephraim avenue near Decatur street. The drowning victim’s mother also is reported to be ill. The tragedy has aggravated her condition.
The drowning is a tragic aftermath of an outing yesterday of the Moonlight Social Club, which rented a clubhouse at Blackwood two months ago. With Ward on the outing were Clifford Del Rossi, a driver of the Second District police patrol; Theodore “Dorie” Guthrie, Second District detective, and other members of the Camden police department whose names have not been learned.
Chief Ritter reported today having only meager clues as to the circumstances of the drowning. Ward is believed to have been in the canoe alone. Coroner Melvin Cain is expected to conduct an autopsy today or tomorrow.
Chief Ritter said there is no suspicion of foul play, as Ward’s body was unmarked. It was recovered at [?]:30 a. m. by William [sic] McGrath, a city detective, who had been diving for it with George Hess, near the clubhouse of the Moonlight Social Club.
The overturned canoe was found last night in the lake by girls who also have a clubhouse at Blackwood. Police Chief Ritter, with Peter English and Walter Wilkie, all of Blackwood, began grappling immediately for the body.
Ward is believed by Chief Ritter to have drowned when the canoe upset. Whether he had a companion or companions in the boat is not known, but Ritter reported today that he found four hats in the rear of Ward’s automobile parked near the lake.
Auto Window Broken
In addition to finding the four hats, Ritter also discovered that the left rear window had been broken. How the glass was smashed, Ritter would not venture to say, pending completion of his investigation.
The upset canoe was found opposite the summer home of Sheriff E. Frank Pine which borders the lake on the Camden county side. North of Pine’s place is the social club’s headquarters. The girls’ club is on the Gloucester county side.
Ward was a brother of Urquhart Ward, superintendent of Camden sewage disposal plants and Thirteenth Ward Republican county committeeman, and Robert Ward, a Third District detective. He was appointed to the force in 1925. He was married but had been separated from his wife.
Ward, it was learned today, left Camden yesterday at 4:30 p. m. with Del Rossi and Guthrie. They were expected back at midnight.
Ward had stopped for Del Rossi at the latter’s home, 417 Winslow street, and the two then went to Guthrie’s home on Ferry avenue near Eighth street.
Reaching Blackwood, Ward parked his car near the lake and after exchanging greetings with members of the social club, informed Del Rossi that he was going out into the lake in a canoe.
Del Rossi said today that he did not go into the canoe with Ward, having informed him that he wanted to get some sleep. Del Rossi said he waited a half hour for Ward to return from canoeing, but Ward failed to appear and Del Rossi reported for work at midnight, when he learned his companion on the trip was missing.
Exonerated In Scandal
The drowning victim was one of the central figures in a police scandal in 1927. Suspended from the force February 23 of that year on charges of extortion, he was exonerated by the State Civil Service Commission after a hearing and returned to duty in the Second District the following July 2.
Ward had been accused with Policeman John Smith and a pensioned former officer, Maurice Mensch, of an attempt to “shake down” Michael Matthews, a storekeeper, 60, of 801 Florence street. He denied the charges against him, including an accusation that he had spoken disrespectfully about the then Mayor King with a remark that “King is no good.”
Matthews had told former Police Chief James E. Tatem that Ward and Smith had entered the store and introduced Mensch as “the biggest prohibition guy in the country and a great friend of President Coolidge.” They had agreed to “forget” charges of violating the dry law, which otherwise would be made, if Matthews would pass them $100, the storekeeper had charged.
Several witnesses for Ward attacked the story related by Matthews, and Ward himself insisted at the hearings that he had not said anything to Matthews about raid or money. His testimony was corroborated by Smith and others.
Since his reinstatement after being cleared of the charges, Ward proved to be a very efficient officer, according to Captain Arthur Colsey, stationed at headquarters. Other police officials also spoke well of the policeman.
Two Camden Schools Ransacked by Thieves
Camden Courier-Post —
Vandals who entered and ransacked two South Camden schools are being sought by the police.
Lawrence Miller, janitor of the H. B. Wilson School, at Eighth and Florence streets, reported that several rooms had been rifled early yesterday. Detectives William Zeits [sic] and Clifford Del Rossi are conducting an investigation.
Fred Fianigan, janitor of the Fairview School, at Collings and Cumberland roads, reported that prowlers, who forced a front door ransacked two rooms. Detective Joseph Carpani was assigned to investigate.
Slayer of 3 in Crime Den Hunted Here
Camden Courier-Post —
Phila. Police Grill Camden Youth, Doubt Guilt
NEW TRAIL POINTS TO WHITE SLAVER
Rahway Inmate Quizzed by Detective for Key to Murders
As Philadelphia police grilled one Camden youth last night in the triple vice-den laying there Thursday midnight another manhunt in this city was launched—this time for a widely known police character, reputed gunman and white slaver. The youth under questioning for the killing of a policeman and two men inmates of a disorderly house at 406 North Ninth street, Philadelphia, is Joseph Burgo, 19, of 304 Cherry street.
He was taken into custody at his home yesterday by Detectives Daniel Mahoney and Hugh McCann, of the Philadelphia murder squad, and George Zeitz and Clifford Del Rossi, of Camden. Burgo denied knowledge of the killings and willingly accompanied the detectives to Philadelphia for questioning.
Despite the fact that Detective Capt. Harry D. Heanly, head of the murder squad announced his belief last night that Burgo had nothing to do with the triple slayings, the youth was still being held at Philadelphia police headquarters.
Rahway Inmate Questioned
Heanly visited the New Jersey Reformatory, at Rahway yesterday, where he spent more than an hour talking to Joseph Mazzare, alleged white slaver and one of the sweethearts of Mrs. Sue Ricci, 22, Camden girl slain in the disorderly house and the one police believe caused the shootings. Mazzare, serving an indeterminate sentence for carrying concealed weapons, was shot by Burgo in a South Camden poolroom several months ago. At that time Burgo told police he was drunk and did not know what he was doing. Burgo later was fined $100 by Judge Charles Rigg after pleading guilty to the charge.
Heanly refused last night to divulge what information if any, he had received from Mazzare.
‘Never Saw Her Before’
Burgo yesterday told Acting Police Chief John W. Golden that he was not acquainted with Sue Ricci.
“I never saw her in my life until the day Mazzare was shot and came to the hospital to see him, Burgo declared. “I haven’t seen her since. I know nothing about the murders in Philadelphia.”
According to the police theory, the motive for the murders was jealousy.
The slayer shot the Ricci woman because she deserted him and went to Philadelphia; killed Yetta Cohen, the proprietor, when she interfered, murdered Patrolman Frederick Dolan when he tried to prevent his escape.
Camden police attached no particular importance to the questioning of Burgo. At the same time there were reports Heanly was busy in Camden hunting for the killer.
According to reliable reports, the slayer is a South Camden racketeer identified with a Camden-Philadelphia white slave ring. It is understood he is in hiding somewhere in Camden or South Jersey. Police have been informed of a mysterious motorist, making daily trips to Philadelphia. They are attempting to locate him in the hope that he will lead them to the hideaway.
Dolan’s fellow policemen attended his funeral yesterday.
Meinster Seeks Release on Writ
Camden Courier-Post —
Suspect in Triple Murder Held in ‘Cold Storage’; Girl Victim Buried
Benjamin “Benny” Meinster, held in connection with the triple Philadelphia vice den killings last Thursday, has obtained a writ of habeas corpus, returnable today, to show why he should be held.
Meinster, latest so-called “sweetie” of Sue Ricci, Camden girl and one of the victims, was arrested Tuesday and has been held in “cold storage” since that time while detectives have attempted to learn if he had any connection with the killings.
The Ricci woman, 22 and redheaded, was shot to death by a jealous gunman who invaded a North Ninth street house in Philadelphia, armed with two guns. Mrs. Yetta Cohen, 40, the proprietress, was killed when she interfered and Patrolman Frederick Dolan was murdered when he tried to arrest the slayer.
Meinster, who lives at Sixth and South streets, was said by the police to be the man who stole Sue away from the gunman who did the shooting. He denied any knowledge of the case.
Meanwhile, they released Joseph Burgo, 20, of 304 Cherry street, Camden, who was questioned Tuesday. Burgo satisfied the police he was innocent of any connection with the case. He was under suspicion, detectives said, because he shot and wounded Joseph Mazzare. Another of Sue’s sweethearts, now in jail for carrying concealed weapons.
Services for Mrs. Ricci, mother of a 5-year-old son, Albert, Jr., were held from the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Marino, 1917 South Fourth street. Rev. Martin S. Stockett, rector of the Episcopal Church of Our Savior, Broadway and Viola street, officiated. Burial was in New Camden Cemetery.
The body of the dead girl lay on a white couch-casket. The room was banked with flowers. Members of the family sobbed as the minister read the brief services of the church. Outside, the idle curious and friends lined both sides of Fourth street. One hundred automobiles were strung along the curb to take those who cared to go to the cemetery.
Policemen in uniform and Camden and Philadelphia detectives who mingled with the crowd in the hope of picking up some clue, estimated that at least 700 persons were in attendance. The Camden detectives were George Zeitz and Clifford Del Rossi, and County Detective Fiore Troncone.
Mystery Prisoner Tries to End Life
Camden Courier-Post —
‘Amnesia Victim’ Jailed Pending Examination by Physicians
Police still were attempting last night to identify the man picked up by police Monday night and who attempted to commit suicide on the way to the Bertillon room at police headquarters to be fingerprinted. Although he maintained he does not know his name or where he comes from, police believe him to be holding something back.
Placed In Jail
He was placed in the county jail on order of Judge Pancoast pending examination by county physicians. As he was being led into the Bertillon records room, the prisoner made a sudden dash for the window and tried to throw it open. Detectives William Boettcher, Clifford Del Rossi and Clarence Arthur dragged him away and subdued him after a violent struggle. While his incoherent responses to questions Indicated he might be a victim of amnesia, Del Rossi expressed the belief the prisoner was “concealing something.” Copies of his fingerprints will be sent to Eastern police departments In an effort to identify him.
Brother a Policeman
The man was wandering in the vicinity of Twenty-seventh and Federal streets last night. Detective Sergeant Gus Koerner questioned him but the only Information he could elicit was that the man had a brother on the New York police force. Koerner took him to Cooper Hospital and then to the city jail.
School Romance
Camden Courier-Post —
Niece of Detective Clifford Del Rossi, whose engagement to John J. Bocco, 22, was announced at a party in the Lorusso home Monday night. Miss Lorusso, who is 20, met her future husband while they were students at Junior High School, of which they are both graduates. The wedding will take place some time in June. Miss Lorusso lives with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lorusso, at 223 North Ninth street. Bocco is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bocco, of 925 South Third street. He is employed by his brother, Dominick, in the wholesale paper business.
Home, Office Looted by Camden Burglars
Camden Courier-Post —
A home and an office in South Camden were entered by burglars last night, according to reports made to the detective bureau today.
James P. Smith, manager of the Fuller Brush Company, Fourth and Jefferson Streets, reported brushes valued at $75 were taken. Detectives George Zeitz and Clifford Del Rossi learned a cellar window had been forced.
Mrs. Mary Walsh, 1043 Pine Street, reported clothing valued at $50 taken from her residence. Detective Edwin Mills, reported a pass key had been used to gain entrance.
Payroll Theft Is Re-Enacted; Two Men Held
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Suspects, Brought Back From Penna., Viewed by Victims
MAN ADMITS LOAN OF MACHINE TO ONE
Radio Workers Cannot Identify Them, They’re Booked on Suspicion
The $11,790 payroll holdup staged last Friday at the Radio Condenser Co., Thorne and Copewood streets, was re-enacted yesterday.
Two suspects nabbed late Monday, at Lykens in Dauphin County, Pa., played the “heavy” roles. Also in the cast were eight women and two men, employees of the firm. For an hour and 20 minutes the spectacular robbery was “rehearsed” under the direction of three Camden detectives.
When the curtain was rung down LeRoy Jenkins, 23, who police say has addresses at 1161 Mechanic Street and 1220 Princess Avenue, and Joseph Putek, 23, said to reside at 1462 Louis street, were held on suspicion. They will be questioned further today.
Has Nothing Definite
Acting Chief of Police John W. Golden admitted he “has nothing on the boys.” Detectives Benjamin Simon, Clarence Arthur and Clifford Del Rossi, however, were pressing pursuit of “hunches” and meager clues in attempts to solve the crime. There were several lines of information they obtained regarding the two suspects which will bear further study, Simon said.
Putak, who has a police record although never convicted according to police, was questioned previously in connection with the Radio Condenser “job.” He was released at midnight last Saturday. After that the detectives centered attention upon Jenkins. They learned Jenkins borrowed an automobile from a man who operates a garage in the 1200 block on Atlantic Avenue. The garageman was reluctant to talk but under threat of arrest as an accessory he admitted lending a car to Jenkins.
Fliers were dispatched to police throughout Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware and New Jersey. The car was halted at Williamsport, Pa. and when Camden police were identified they were surprised that Putak was Jenkins’ companion. This stirred detectives to renewed vigor in the probe. They learned the men were planning to visit relatives, of Jenkins in Williamsport and Pottsville. According to Simon police of both cities say Jenkins is well known to them.
While at Williamsport the three detectives learned Putak and Jenkins visited a vice den and quarreled with a woman over money. They quoted Jenkins as declaring that he “could buy and sell the joint!’
Had Little Money
Putak had but $3 when released Saturday and $11 when arrested, Simon revealed. He told the detectives he had won money in a poker game here.
The two men were returned with the detectives as far as Philadelphia but refused to cross the river. They were turned over to police there on suspicion and brought to this city yesterday afternoon. Taken to the Radio Condenser plant they were confronted with the ten employees who were herded in a vault during the holdup last Friday.
According to Simon several of the employees felt there were certain mannerisms of the suspects which corresponded with actions of the bandits but confessed they were unable to definitely identify Putak or Jenkins as the heavily masked pair who threatened their lives with a revolver and shotgun.
The detectives propose an inquiry to all banks in this area in an effort to learn whether safe deposit boxes were leased by anyone answering the description of the suspects. The money obtained in the robbery was in bills and change of small denomination, numbers of the bills were not available.
Although never convicted Jenkins has a police record. Putak has never been formally under arrest, but has been questioned by the police in connection with various cases.
Jenkins was arrested December 18, 1931, charged with larceny of gasoline, and on last July 9 was charged with several robberies.
On April 2, 1931, he was held for the grand jury, charged with manslaughter after his automobile killed Mrs. Mary Cavanaugh, 70, a cook in the service of City Solicitor E. G. C. Bleakly.
Two Suspects Held in Payroll Hold-Up
Camden Courier-Post —
South Camden Men Will Be Grilled on $11,790 Theft at Radio Condenser
Held as suspects in the $11,790 Radio Condenser Company payroll holdup of last Friday, Leroy Jenkins, 23, and Joseph Putak, 23, South Camden police characters, tomorrow will be given a police court hearing.
Police admit their evidence against the pair is “flimsy” but hope to be able to hold them in high bail pending further investigation.
Detectives Benjamin Simon, Clarence Arthur and Clifford Del Rossi, who have worked almost unceasingly to solve the crime, admitted last night they “had possibilities” for today.
They declared they have unearthed a South Camden garage man who will testify at the hearing that he rented a garage to Jenkins, in which a dark automobile, similar to the one used in the holdup, is stored at the present time.
The detectives have also found a special officer, they said, who will testify to having seen the two suspects riding in a small black car in the vicinity of the Condenser concern’s plant a short time before the holdup.
The suspects’ mannerisms and voices have been identified by the ten office employees, victims of the two bandits staging the holdup. Further identification was impossible because the bandits wore hoods over their heads and down to their shoulders.
4 Youths Held in Holdup at Radio Plant
Camden Courier-Post —
2 in Jail at Time ‘in on Plot,’ Cops’ Say; Booked as Witnesses
PAIR CAUGHT IN PENNA. TO FACE CHARGE TODAY
Condenser Company Payroll Robbery Planned in April, Sleuths Reveal
Two Camden youths, released from Camden county jail, were held by local police yesterday on suspicion of implication in the $11,790 holdup of the Radio Condenser Company, Thorne and Copewood streets, last Friday.
They are Leon Grinkewicz, 18, of 1469 Louis Street, and Stanley Geda, 19, of 1273 Whitman Avenue.
Although both denied knowledge of the payroll holdup, detectives said they admitted having been close pals of Le Roy Jenkins, 23, of 1161 Mechanic Street, and Joseph Putek, 23, of 1462 Louis Street, who were arrested in Lykens, Pa., on Monday.
Grinkewicz and Geda are being held on suspicion but, according to Detectives Clarence Arthur, Benjamin Simon and Clifford Del Rossi, they will be charged today with being material witnesses, while Jenkins and Putak will be charged with the holdup and will be arraigned in police court.
Grinkwicz and Geda were arrested yesterday morning on their release from county jail. They had been committed May 9 by Recorder Joseph Patton, of Haddon Heights, for 30 days on charges of loitering with intent to steal. They were questioned all day by detectives.
Detectives said they learned Jenkins and Putak were with Grinkewicz and Geda in Haddon Heights “to do a job” but that the other two disappeared when Grinkeicz and Geda were arrested. Although they were in the county jail at the time, the detectives said they learned they had participated with Jenkins and Putak in planning the Radio Condenser job five weeks ago.
Brewery Office Ransacked in Mystery Theft
Camden Courier-Post —
Two Rooms Turned Upside Down But Safe Is Not Robbed
POLICE THINK PAPERS WERE BURGLARS’ GOAL
Officials of Camden Firm Are Unable to Explain Motive of Attempt
Burglars ransacked the offices of the Camden County Beverage Company early yesterday but what they took, if anything, had not been disclosed late last night.
In a mystery “robbery” that has police puzzled, the thieves broke through a glass window on the rear loading platform, climbed inside and proceeded to turn three different offices of the brewery “inside out” in their quest.
The handle off the huge safe in the wall of the first-floor office, was broken, but the safe had not been opened according to Detectives Benjamin Simon and Clifford Del Rossi.
But it appeared to have been the only thing not opened by the intruders.
Waste Baskets Searched
Filing cabinets and desk drawers were pulled out and their contents littered the floor. Even a wastebasket had been searched and its contents strewn about.
Apparently finding nothing of value on the first floor, the thieves, or thief made their way to the second floor where another office of the concern was ransacked from top to bottom.
Entrance to the brewery was made between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. A watchman, Richard McKinley, who lives at 550 Chelton Avenue left the building at 6 o’clock and Olaf J. Hall, a bookkeeper arrived there at 7 a.m.
Hall went immediately to a second floor office where he saw several of the filing cabinets and desks had been gone through, but he failed to report it to his superiors.
According to Frank R. Allison, secretary and treasurer of the brewery, Hall believed someone connected with the brewery had been searching for something, and being in a hurry had forgotten to replace things as he found them.
The “robbery” was not noticed until Nicholas Enderle, brewmaster, entered the building shortly before noon. He saw the offices on the first floor in disorder and notified Allison.
The latter notified police, who could not learn whether anything of value had been stolen.
Were Seeking Papers
Detective Simon advanced a theory that the thieves had been in search of valuable papers, rather than cash.
McKinley was questioned at the plant and declared that everything was “in order” when he left. He said two police dogs were left on the rear platform to guard against thieves. Later it was learned the dogs followed McKinley to his home.
The Camden County Beverage Company has been cited by the government on a rule to show cause why its 3.2 beer permit should not be revoked. The hearing on the citation was scheduled for May 22, but has been postponed indefinitely to await the conclusion of other citation hearings.
Allison said he did not know of any valuable papers that would interest thieves. He expressed belief the robbers sought collections made by drivers on Saturday and kept in the brewery office until the banks open on Monday.
After Brewery-Breakers Ransacked Offices — Pictures show how burglars ransacked the offices of the Camden County Cereal Beverage Company, Broadway and Bulson Street, yesterday after breaking into the brewery through a rear window. Detectives Benjamin Simon and Clifford Del Rossi are shown “looking things over” in the lower photo while Del Rossi is searching for possible fingerprints in the top picture. The robbers apparently failed to find what they were looking for.
Fifth Suspect Held in Payroll Holdup
Camden Courier-Post —
Police Say Pool Room Owner Knew of Robbery Plot
A fifth man was arrested in the recent Radio Condenser Company $11,790 payroll holdup and held as a material witness yesterday after city detectives alleged he attempted to escape from them in his automobile. He is Nicholas Kubiak, 34, of 1301 Decatur street, owner of a pool room on the corner of Decatur and Norris streets. Arraigned before Judge Pancoast in police court, Kubiak was committed to the county jail without bail as a witness.
City Detectives Benjamin Simon, Clifford Del Rossi and Clarence Arthur stated they went to the pool room this morning and told Kubiak he was under arrest. He accompanied them to the sidewalk and suddenly stepped into his own automobile parked at the curb. The detectives said he started the engine, whereupon the police car was driven in front of him so he couldn’t move. Simon declared that he jumped on the running board of Kubiak’s car and reached in to grab the ignition key. Kubiak tried to push him off the running board. Simon said, and the key was obtained only after a tussle.
Simon said he has three statements signed by persons who charged they heard Kubiak declare the holdup was planned in his poolroom and that Leroy Jenkins and Joseph Putek were the actual bandits. Jenkins and Putek are charged with the holdup and are held under $3000 bail each. The bail was fixed by Prosecutor Baldwin.
Simon stated he previously had questioned Kubiak, but could learn nothing to warrant holding the man until he received the statements late last night. Simon said if he had been able to obtain the statements prior to yesterday, he doubted that bail would have been fixed so low.
Two other youths, arrested as material witnesses in the case, were released by Prosecutor Baldwin today under $500 bail each. They are Leon Grenkwicz, 18, of 1469 Louis Street, and Stanley Geda, 19, of 1273 Whitman avenue.
Burglar Is Routed as Woman Screams
Camden Courier-Post —
Grocer’s Wife Aroused by Rustling of Paper in Her Bedroom
Aroused by the rustling of paper in her bedroom, Mrs. Mary Smith, of 1043 South Second Street, was awakened early yesterday to discover a colored intruder standing over her bed.
The man fled as she screamed, escaping through a rear bedroom window in a room where her husband, Arthur, was asleep. Smith, who is a grocer, told police that on the previous Sunday his son, Leonard, had seen a man depart through his bedroom window on the second floor; and that about a year ago a wrist watch was stolen from under his pillow.
The thief yesterday obtained $10 and small change in a paper bag taken from a bureau drawer in Mrs. Smith’s room. Smith has given the name of a suspect to Detectives Clifford Del Rossi and Leon Branch.
Mrs. Jennie Simone, of 529 South Second Street, reported to police that on returning to her home Saturday after a week’s absence she found thieves had gained entrance through a rear window and taken a watch, brooch and wedding ring.
Detectives He Called Saps Turn Tables on Suspect
Camden Courier-Post —
Anthony Gibbons, 35, of 1332 Decatur Street, has learned that calling detectives saps is a very “sappy” remark to make—he is now in the city jail on charges of possessing stolen goods.
Last Wednesday the automobile of John Harwan, of 1317 Sheridan Street, was stolen from Van Hook Street and Mt. Ephraim Avenue. It was recovered Thursday with four wheels and tires missing. Charles Reynolds, of 1331 Van Hook Street was arrested and sentenced to six months.
Gibbons was suspected of having the wheels and tires. He was questioned Thursday night and released by Detectives Benjamin Simon and Clifford Del Rossi after denial. The two detectives then heard via the “grapevine” that Gibbons called them “saps.” So they shadowed him all day Saturday and discovered him making several visits at the home of Vito Balducci, 1329 Decatur Street. An investigation of the cellar of Balducci’s home revealed the missing tires and wheels.
Simon and Del Rossi said that Balducci was an innocent party to the crime and did not know Gibbons had placed the articles in his cellar. Michael Reggiero, of 327 Sycamore Street, told the detectives he saw Gibbons taking the tires and wheels into the house while Balducci was out.
Youths Peddling Radio Arrested on Suspicion
Camden Courier-Post —
Two youths were arrested late last night on suspicion of stealing a radio when one of them was interrupted by detectives while attempting to sell it.
Detectives Benjamin Simon, Clifford Del Rossi and Robert Ashenfelter became suspicious of a car parked at Norris and Sheridan Streets. The occupant, Stephen Stanziak, 19, of 1279 Sheridan Street, said he was waiting for a companion who was in the store of Michael Gucik, northeast corner of Norris and Sheridan Streets. The detectives entered the store and found Joseph Fiume, 16, of 1349 van hook street, attempting to sell a radio to Gucik. The youths said it had been given to them by a man they did not know.
Barred From Swim, Boy, 11, Finds Wine and Gets Plastered
Camden Courier-Post —
Johnny Has Stomach Pumped Out Prior to Questioning Today
Johnny, 11, couldn’t go swimming yesterday so he got drunk.
Johnny, who lives on Girard Place, was seen late yesterday by Mrs. Bella Cheek, of 708 South Eighth Street, staggering between two other boys in the rear of Line Street near Eighth Street. She notified police.
When Detective Clifford Del Rossi arrived Johnny’s companions had disappeared but there was Johnny, “plastered.”
When the stomach pump had been administered at Cooper Hospital, Johnny said he and his pals had found a bottle of wine. He didn’t say where, but police will question him further when he feels better.
His mother told police he had wanted to go swimming but that she was afraid something would happen to him. It did.
Wife Slain by Jagged Glass, Husband Held
Camden Courier-Post —
ACCIDENT HOAX BROKEN BY COPS AFTER GRILLING FAMILY; FRIEND
On Deathbed, She Orders 4 Children to Say She Fell on Stairs
COMMAND AROUSES CONCEALED DETECTIVES
Woman Slashed by Broken Decanter; Man Faces Murder Charge Today
A death-bed command of a South Camden mother to her four children to stick to their story failed of its motive last night and the woman’s husband was arrested on suspicion of murder.
The charge will be changed today, police said, to one of murder.
“Say only what I say, that I fell down the steps.”
Mrs. Philomena Marcozzi, 41, died in West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital shortly after she made that remark, at 4 p.m. yesterday. She bled to death from a severe cut on her left arm.
At her bedside were her children, Josephine, 15; Ida, 13; Louise, 17, and David, 19.
Cops’ Suspicions Aroused Nearby
Out of sight of the dying woman, stood Detectives Clifford Del Rossi and Fiore Troncone.
Their suspicions aroused, the sleuths renewed their investigation. As a result the woman’s husband, Guilio Marcozzi, 55, of 321 Pine Street was put in the city jail last night, charged with the death of his wife.
Mrs. Marcozzi was cut with the jagged edge of a broken wine decanter, during an argument with her husband over the cleaning of some hardshelled crabs.
But it wasn’t the children who said that.
A neighbor, Mrs. Ida Lupini, 31, of 311 Line Street, was in the Marcozzi home when the children returned Sunday night from a crabbing trip to Sea Side Heights. She told police, they declared, that she saw the children jubilantly deposit their catch on the kitchen table.
Then she watched, alarmed and afraid to leave, as Marcozzi told his wife to “throw them out.”
The wife refused.
The husband insisted, and when his wife told him he should clean the crabs, he grasped the wine decanter and struck the mother over the temple, Mrs. Lupini said.
Cut by Jagged ‘Glass’
The decanter broke. Grasping the long neck of the bottle, Marcozzi continued to attack his wife. He swung the jagged edge towards her breast, and to protect herself she raised her arm.
The broken bottle cut deeply into her skin. An artery was severed.
Then the children rushed the mother to West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital.
That is the story Mrs. Lupini told: according to Acting Chief of Police John W. Golden and Assistant Prosecutor Rocco Palese.
The mother told hospital attaches she fell down the steps of her home, cutting her arm on the broken bits of a bottle she was carrying at the time.
The children, hearing this story, corroborated her.
Wife Dying—Man at Work
The father failed to appear at the hospital. Police were forced to get him at his work yesterday, according to Detective Joseph Carpani, when his wife was dying.
Last night he denied the crime. He said he was not at home when his wife suffered the fatal injury.
But his children, confronted with Mrs. Lupini’s tale, broke down and confessed, according to police.
Eighteen hours of almost constant questioning of the Lupini woman by Detectives Carpani, Del Rossi and Troncone solved the tragedy. All three were complimented last night by Acting Police Chief John W. Golden.
Man Held in Threat as Woman Faints
Camden Courier-Post —
Landlord, Seeking Rent, Denies He Intended to Shoot Tenant
Residents along the 900 block on Howard Street were thrown into a turmoil at 9:15 a.m. yesterday by a reported shooting, after a woman, screaming for help, ran from her home and fainted on the street.
The police arrested Charles Bensley, 73, of 936 Howard Street, charged with threatening to kill Mrs. Anna Morgan, 55, of 934 Howard Street, and carrying concealed deadly weapons.
A few minutes later Police Judge Pancoast held Bensley without bail for the grand jury. He admitted having the pistol at the hearing, but had denied possession of the weapon when first arrested.
“Were you going to shoot her?” the court asked.
“No,” Bensley replied, “I don’t know what made me do this, I think I’m half-crazy. I own the house and wanted to collect the rent or make her move.”
When Motorcycle Patrolmen Russell Young and George Getley arrived in front of Bensley’s home, 100 neighbors were crowding the street outside.
Bensley, they said, eluded them and ran out the front door after pretending to make for the back. He was grabbed by August Hasher, 41, of 217 Erie street, a bystander.
Meanwhile, a motorist had taken the unconscious Mrs. Morgan to Cooper Hospital when she fainted in front of her home. She was questioned at the hospital by Detectives Clifford Del Rossi and George Zeitz.
The detectives quoted Mrs. Morgan as saying that Bensley, who owns the house in which she lives, came into her home this morning to talk about rent which was two months overdue.
“He asked me,” she said, “if I had received a court notice to move, and I said I had, but was waiting for an eviction notice.
“Then he said, ‘Well, I’m going to take the law in my own hands’, and with that he pulled out a pistol and began brandishing it. I ran out the front door calling for help and then I fainted. That’s all I remember.”
Bensley admitted asking Mrs. Morgan to move out. The police found a 38-caliber revolver and a box of bullets hidden behind a rafter in the cellar of his home, they said.
2 More Held in Bogus Bill Passing Here
Camden Courier-Post —
Man and Woman Believed to Have Fled as Pals Were Trapped
Coincident with police warnings throughout South Jersey for merchants to be on the look-out for spurious $10 and $1 bills, a man and woman were arrested in Philadelphia yesterday as suspected members of a ring flooding South Jersey with counterfeit notes.
Two others are under arrest, taken into custody Saturday night at Somerdale after they allegedly passed counterfeit $10 notes on three storekeepers. The two arrested yesterday have been identified as the man and woman who fled in an automobile when the other two were apprehended at Somerdale. All four are colored. A fourth man is being sought.
Meanwhile fake bills have appeared in Camden and Ocean City. Three spurious $1 bills were passed in Ocean City and a $1 and $10 bills in Camden.
Were Passing Tens
State police with the Berlin Barracks, who provided Philadelphia police with the clue resulting in the arrest of the man and woman, declared the four colored persons apparently devoted themselves to passing false tens.
The four are David and Estelle Mitchell, both of 623 South Seventeenth street, Philadelphia, arrested at that address yesterday; Carlton Hollen, 37, of 2519 West Turner street, Philadelphia, and Thomas E. Sprinkles, 38, of Emlen Avenue, Lawnside.
All four will be arraigned here tomorrow morning before U.S. Commissioner Wynn Armstrong.
Alertness of Mrs. Bella Mitchell, storekeeper on Evesham avenue near a colored amusement park, and that of two Somerdale policemen, resulted in arrest of Hollen and Sprinkles.
Mrs. Mitchell called Police Recorder Edward C. Ziegler and Policeman Charles W. Rush, to examine a counterfeit bill which she said one of the group had given to her.
Man and Woman Flee
A few minutes later the party returned, and Ziegler and Rush attempted to arrest them. One man and the woman fled in an automobile while Ziegler pursued the other two men around the Mitchell home. One man escaped through a woods at the rear of the property, but Rush arrested Hollen.
Sprinkles, who had been seen with Hollen, was detained as a suspect.
In the meantime, a call to the Berlin state police barracks brought Troopers Sol Polkowitz and Nicholas Torrell, at whose suggestion the men were taken to the Berlin State police barracks and questioned. No counterfeit money was found on either man. Sprinkles was arrested after Trooper Torrell had found a wad of counterfeit $10 bills lying on the ground.
Mrs. Mitchell, Mrs. Elizabeth Showell, Evesham Avenue, and Mrs. Gertrude Gross, Warwick road, identified Hollen as the man who had given them counterfeit bills, after having been introduced by Sprinkles. They identified Mitchell and the Jones woman at Philadelphia city hall. The prisoners were then turned over to the United States Department of Justice.
A teletype message sent out by Berlin state police, containing the license number of Mitchell’s car, CV453, led Philadelphia detectives to Mitchell and his woman companion.
The four are being questioned by U.S. Department of Justice agents as to whether they circulated any of the false notes in Camden.
Cigar Dealer Duped
Detective Clifford Del Rossi, assigned to counterfeit activities in Camden, disclosed yesterday a spurious $10 note had been passed upon Charles Goldberg, cigar merchant at 433 Broadway, and that Goldberg was unaware of being duped until he had given the note to Detective John Schimer in exchange for scrip. Schimer learned of the bill’s spuriousness when he deposited at the Camden Safe Deposit and Trust Company with $20 in genuine money. Goldberg made good the note to Schimer.
One of the many counterfeit $1 bills being circulated found its way to the circulation department of the Courier-Post Newspapers. When compared to a genuine note the printing on the bill was indistinct. It was shorter by a quarter of an inch than the real issue and the outline of George Washington’s face was dim. The bill was turned over to Camden police.
The three $1 bills passed in Ocean City, all of which are in hands of police there, were made with faulty engravings which depict Washington needing a haircut and with a front tooth protruding.
Two men arrested in Atlantic City yesterday as counterfeiters of half dollars were held for the U.S. grand jury last night by U.S. Commissioner Herbert Voorhees.
They are Theodore Osbern, 26, who gave his address as Richmond, Va., and William Carey, 27, of 315 Drexel avenue, Atlantic City. They were arrested by Constable A. H. Frankel at 500 North Tennessee Avenue after a man told him the two had sought his aid. Frankel said the men were starting to pour molten metal into molds when he arrived.
Two Men Nabbed as Numbers Aides
Camden Courier-Post —
Nicholas Scarduzio, 32, of 427 Emerald Street, and Joseph Tavolieri, 33, of 421 Emerald Street, were arrested yesterday afternoon by Detectives Clarence Arthur, Clifford Del Rossi and Benjamin Simon on charges of collecting numbers slips.
Slips totaling $25 were found in Scarduzio’s possession. Tavolieri had only a few. The arrests were made near Fourth Street and Ferry Avenues. They will be arraigned in police court today before Judge Garfield Pancoast.
Former Cop Is Fined as Numbers Collector
Camden Courier-Post —
Nicholas Scarduzio, 32, of 427 Emerald Street, a former policeman, and Joseph Trevolini, 31, of 421 Emerald Street, were fined $25 each by Police Judge Garfield Pancoast yesterday on charges of collecting numbers slips.
They were arrested Monday afternoon near Fourth street and Ferry Avenue by Detectives Clarence Arthur, Clifford Del Rossi and Benjamin Simon. Numbers slips were found on both.
Passed Bogus Bills In Stores Here, Boy Reveals To Police
Camden Morning Post —
Passed Bogus Bills In Stores Here, Boy Reveals To Police
PASSED BOGUS BILLS IN STORES HERE, BOY REVEALS TO POLICE
Tells Weird Tale of Being 'Taken for Ride' by Three Men
FEARED DEATH IN RIVER
Get 4 in $130,000 Robbery
Gettysburg Times —
Four persons, three men and one woman, were arrested by Camden, New Jersey, police and held on suspicion of having participated in the $130,000 payroll holdup at Penns Grove, New Jersey. Two suitcases containing $35,000 of the loot were found in the house occupied by the suspects. The four held are shown with Detectives. Left to right: John Farley, New York city; Charles Kent, Canton, Ohio; Harry Greenberg, Philadelphia; Greenberg’s wife, Rose; Detective Clifford del Rossi and Detective Clarence Arthur. The holdup was staged outside the Penns Grove National bank and Trust company. Police are trailing the leader of the gang. (Associated Press Photo.)
Cop’s Probe Fails to Fix Cause of Poultry Blaze
Camden Courier-Post —
Cop's Probe Fails to Fix Cause of Poultry Blaze
COP'S PROBE FAILS TO FIX CAUSE OF POULTRY BLAZE
Investigation of $50,000 Warehouse Fire Conducted by City
30 FAMILIES FLEE
One Arrested as Cops Here Raid ‘Arsenal’
Camden Courier-Post —
Guns Found in Cramer Hill After Tip From Underworld
War on Detectives Believed Planned
Camden detectives yesterday arrested a paroled convict and seized a miniature arsenal on a tip that Philadelphia gangsters were hiding here to “knock off” local officers.
The tipster said the “knock off” was in revenge for “bearing down” on gangsters and racketeers.
The arrest was the first move in the local drive to harry haven-seeking Philadelphia racketeers from this city.
The convict was arrested and his arsenal seized in Cramer Hill, when police raided the place.
The man arrested is Philip Caplan, who told police he lived at the house raided, 919 North Nineteenth street. According to police, Caplan has a record “as long as your arm.”
Believed ‘Master Mind’
Police expressed an opinion that Caplan was the “master mind” of several recent holdups here. They said they believed he directed the holdups, although not appearing at the scene of the crimes.
Three revolvers, their numbers filed off, and several boxes of cartridges and shot-gun shells, were found in a closet in the house.
Detective Lieut. Louis Shaw said he believed Caplan “and his gang” fled to this city to escape the gang probe now under way in Philadelphia.
Betting Slips Seized
A brief case, containing thousands of number betting slips and other papers, also was seized. Police are attempting to check on the contents.
Caplan was held on suspicion and for possession of weapons.
Detectives Benjamin Simon, George Zeitz, Clifford Del Rossi and Edwin Mills staged the raid, after having had the house under observation four days.
Police learned of the alleged gang headquarters through a “tip” from the underworld. They were informed that several Philadelphia gangsters had rented the house and “were laying in wait for the opportunity of knocking off Camden detectives who were ‘bearing down’ on racketeers and holdup men.”
Detective Simon said their informant told them they would find several guns in the place and two or three sawed-off shotguns, all of which have been used in recent holdups in this city. Police believe some of the guns were removed from the place recently.
Caplan admitted to ownership of the guns when questioned at detective headquarters, but said he was not carrying them on his person and asked that they be returned to him.
Was Paroled Recently
Caplan was paroled recently in Philadelphia, after having been sentenced to serve 15 years in the Eastern Penitentiary for holdup and robbery at the point of a gun.
“This man Caplan has a record as long as your arm,” Lieutenant Shaw said. “He is a racketeer and is now on parole from a 15-year sentence for holdup and robbery at the point of a gun. I have reason to believe he is an expert safe cracker and may be wanted in some other cities. The contents of the brief case will be investigated. It may be this man and his gang were chased out of Philadelphia in view of the current war on numbers and crime there. I do not believe this man is in the numbers business, but I do believe some of the gang he is connected with may be number barons.”
Police arrested a second man outside the Nineteenth street dwelling, but he was released after questioning at police headquarters. They did not reveal his name.
Simon said known “crooks” have been going in and out of the Cramer Hill address since the police have been watching the place.
Phillip [sic] Caplan
Paroled Philadelphia convict, who was arrested yesterday when detectives raided a dwelling in Cramer Hill and seized a small arsenal.
Detectives With Pistols and Ammunition Seized in Raid
City Detectives George Zeitz, Clifford Del Rossi and Benjamin Simon are shown examining pistols seized yesterday in a raid on a house in Cramer Hill, at 919 North Nineteenth street, where Philip Caplan, paroled Pennsylvania convict, was arrested and held “on suspicion.” The raid followed a tip that Philadelphia gangsters had rented the house and were waiting for an opportunity to “knock off” local detectives who have been “bearing down” on racketeers and holdup men. The briefcase on the table, detectives said, contained thousands of “numbers” betting slips.
3 Holdup Suspects Identified in Lineup Before 20 Victims
Camden Courier-Post —
3 Holdup Suspects Identified in Lineup Before 20 Victims
3 HOLDUP SUSPECTS IDENTIFIED IN LINEUP BEFORE 20 VICTIMS
Brother of One Also Held With Gunman Captured Here
BLAMED FOR MANY JOBS
Identified in Police Line-Up — John Lenkowski, upper left; Earl Stainker, center, and James Mealy, upper right, all identified yesterday in a police line-up by victims and witnesses of four holdups and robberies. The trio was picked from five suspects who were viewed by more than 20 victims of recent holdups.
Bribery Charged by Grand Jurors
Camden Courier-Post —
26 Other Persons Named in 111 True Bills on Numbers
KLOSTERMANS TO FACE TRIAL
A bumper crop of 111 indictments was returned yesterday by the September vice probing grand jury against alleged numbers operators alone.
In addition, Mickey Blair, free on bail as a material witness in the slaying of Detective William T. Feitz was indicted on a charge of conspiracy to rob Mrs. Emma Heisler, in whose house Feitz was slain.
The 111 numbers indictments were aimed at 26 individuals, including Fred and Joe Klosterman, long known as numbers barons. Each of the brothers was indicted on six counts of engaging in the lottery business and on 12 additional indictments charging sale of lottery tickets.
The complete list of true bills were handed up to Judge Frank F. Neutze of the Camden County Common Pleas Court.
The numbers indictments follows [sic]:
Engaged in lottery business—Antonio Macio, 2125 Haddonfield road, Pennsauken township, one count; Fred Klosterman and brother, Joseph, Mt. Ephraim avenue and Mechanic street, six counts each.
Selling lottery tickets—Geneva Harden, beauty parlor operator in Pennsauken township, ten counts; Marshall Howard, 1912 Derousse avenue, Delair, 10 counts; Frank Martz, 235 Erie street, Camden, two counts; Arthur Woodridge, 7910 Park avenue, Pennsauken township, two counts; Albert Young, 519 North Second street, Camden, one count; Andrew Pointkowski, 1475 South Ninth street, six counts; Crawford Smith, 702 Carman street, five counts; Charles Simonin, 709 Fairview street, Camden, five counts; John Studinger, 2504 Federal street, Camden, 10 counts; Lucille Barber, 8302 Park avenue, Pennsauken township, two counts; Samuel Ford, 1124 South Ninth street, two counts; John Geronio, 1042 Cooper street, one count; James Davis, 100 Mt. Vernon street, Camden, one count; Oscar Conway, 2803 Mitchell street, one count; John Barnes, 7805 Pleasant avenue, Pennsauken, two counts; Nathan Boston, Parry, Burlington county, one count.
James Gantt, 8302 Park avenue, Pennsauken, two counts; Mary Angelo, 600 Pine street, two counts; Thomas Kirk, 935 Carpenter street, two counts; Samuel Kane, 211 Walnut street, Philadelphia, one count; Samuel Karon, 1528 Mt. Ephraim avenue, one count; Walter Hart, 1245 Thurman street, Camden, five counts; Frank Kulzcnski, 1100 Orchard street, two counts.
The presentment required only three minutes and the grand jury immediately withdrew to its chambers to consider new evidence in its probe of vice and gambling here.
It was indicated that the first batch of indictments found by the grand jury was just that, and that further true bills would be forthcoming as the work of sifting the mass of evidence continues.
A quartet of former city detectives who were transferred to regular police duty June 14, and seven attaches of the county jail were among the list of witnesses subpoenaed.
The erstwhile plainclothesmen are Clarence Arthur, Benjamin Simon, Clifford Del Rossi and Leon Branch. All were put into uniform without explanation, and with the understanding, they declare, that they would not be displaced. All expressed surprise at their removal, inasmuch as others were later appointed to their posts, because they had good records while members of the detective bureau.
Arthur and Branch appeared briefly before the probing body.
Crawford Smith is the brother of Detective Walter Smith and former Detective Howard Smith, it was reported by Mayor Roy R. Stewart.
Michael Tenerelli, known in fistic cicles [sic] as Mickey Blair, was among those waiting in the grand jury anteroom when the jury adjourned to be called before the probers. All those called were subpoenaed on “John Doe” warrants.
Mickey told reporters he has no idea what form of questioning will be followed when he is called into the grand jury room. He was recently released under bail of $5000 as a material witness in the Feitz killing investigation.
Those who could not be heard by the grand jurors before adjournment yesterday were told to come back next Thursday.
Among the witnesses in the vice probe called into the jury room were two Camden county jail attaches, Mrs. Lillian Vincent, matron, and Frank Tyson, jail clerk.
Both were asked questions regarding the proceedure [sic] followed in releasing prisoners from the pail [sic], it was learned. Tyson was not asked by the grand jurors if the prisoners were ever allowed to leave jail before their terms were up, he said.
“We never discharged a prisoner during my long experience in the county jail,” he told reporters, “without the proper release slip. I do not know of any prisoner ever being released before his time was up.”
Other members of the county jail staff waiting to appear were Edmund Powell, former warden; William Kinsler, Walter Taylor, Joseph Rea and John Feitz.
Another witness to testify was Mrs. Anna Smallwood, of Fifth and Chestnut, who posted $5000 bail for Mickey Blair to effect the former boxer’s release in the Feitz murder case.
It is thought that the county jail attaches will be questioned in an endeavour to learn how prisoners are released before time, although confirmation of this report was lacking.
The grand jury also returned indictments against Robert R. Young and Fred H. Schmitz, both of Philadelphia, former employes of the RCA Victor Company, charging them with the theft of four automobile radio sets from the plant on September 19.
Harry Smith, John Lockwood, Edward Troutman and Thomas Moreland, of Camden, were charged with larceny of merchandise from the American Stores Company on August 30.
Stanley Gaisor and Henry Parewicz, both of Camden, were indicted on charges of the theft of an automobile owned by County Physician Edward B. Rogers. The automobile was stolen in Camden, August 31.
Paul Pralas was indicted on charges of atrocious assault and battery on Rocco Piliro on September 19 in Camden.
The following were indicted on charges of desertion and non-support: Cornelius Chambers, charged by his wife, Ethel, with deserting her and three small children.
Thomas Porter, of Clementon, with non-support of his three small children. Frank Drew, Camden, desertion and non-support of his wife, Martha, and three minor children. Walter Butterfield, Brooklawn, with desertion of his wife, Verna, and one minor child. Eugene Morselander, of Camden, with desertion of his wife, Gladys.
2 Speakeasy Owners Paid Hush Money, Graft Probers Hear
COLSEY DROPS ACCUSED MEN
Sixty-two indictments charging six Camden policemen with graft and bribe-taking were returned by the new grand jury yesterday.
The wholesale indictments constituted the first visible results of the probe into Camden’s vice affairs and connection of the police with vice, ordered by Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd.
They are charged with taking hush money.
Those indicted:
Patrolman Thomas T. Cheeseman, 20 indictments.
Patrolman Vernon Jones, 20 indictments.
Patrolman Howard Fisher, 10 indictments.
Patrolman George Weber, also known as Buck Weaver, 10 indictments.
Detective Joseph Leonhardt, one indictment.
Patrolman Frank Wilmot, one indictment.
All are attached to the Second district except Leonhardt, who was dismissed from the force two weeks ago by Mayor Roy R. Stewardt [sic], and has appealed his case to the Civil Service Commission.
Leonhardt was with Detective William T. Feitz on the night of September 2, when Feitz was slain in Mrs. Emma Heisler’s alleged disorderly house at 243 Sycamore street. He and Feitz had been made district detectives less than a week before the shooting. They had been assigned to the “beat” in which Mrs. Heisler’s house was located, relieving Cheeseman and Jones, who were demoted to patrolmen.
Cheeseman was a brother-in-law of Mrs. Heisler, who leaped to her death from a city hall window while being held as a witness in Feitz’s death.
12 Drew Suspensions
Those indicted, with the exception of Fisher, were among the 12 members of the force suspended by Mayor Stewart in connection with his personal investigation of police connections with vice.
Wilmot, Weber and Jones were returned to duty Wednesday after serving 30-day suspensions.
Cheeseman and Jones are named jointly in nine indictments; jointly with Fisher and Weber in nine other indictments; the four are lister [sic] separately in one set of indictments. Jones and Cheeseman are listed separately in another pair of indictments, while Leonhardt and Wilmot are named in one joint indictment.
Two men, Glenn Brown and Michael Tocco, are named in each indictment as having paid the policemen sums verying [sic] from $5 to $80 since last March. They are reported to be operators of illegal liquor establishments.
Jury Indicts 6 Cops On Vice Graft Charge
Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando announced evidence had been given the grand jury to support charges that each of the men indicted had been accepting graft from racketeers and underworld characters.
The nine indictments against Cheeseman, Jones, Fisher and Weber charge them with having received the sum of $5 from Brown on nine different dates in March and April of this year, for a total of $45.
Cheeseman and Jones are jointly indicted on nine counts for having received from Tocco the sum of $160, in various amounts ranging from $10 to $80 on various dates in May, June and July.
Cheeseman and Jones are each indicted on two separate counts. Jones is charged with having accepted a $40 bribe from Tocco on May 24 and with having received another $5 from Brown on March 3. Cheeseman is indicted for receiving the same sums from the same persons on the same dates.
Fisher is indicted alone on one count of having received a $5 bribe from Brown in March. Weber was also indicted alone for the same offense.
Leonhardt and Wilmot, mentioned in only one indictment, are charged with having accepted $20 from Tocco in March.
Cheeseman has been a member of the police department for 16 years, most of which he served in the capacity of a detective. He was demoted on Sept. 3, 1930, to the rank of a patrolman, but later was again promoted to district detective. Two months ago he was demoted back to patrolman again and has been patrolling a ‘beat’ in South Camden since that time.
Cheeseman Appointed in 1918
Cheeseman is 48. He was appointed to the police force on January 11, 1918, and lives at 249 Rand street. He has served in various capacities since appointment, having been a member of the city vice squad, detective bureau, district detective and patrolman. His rank in the department was listed as a detective, although recently he has been assigned to uniform in South Camden.
Fisher, 42, of 1139 Baring street, was appointed to the force September 29, 1919. He has spent comparatively all of his time in the department as a patrolman in the Second Police district.
Jones is 37 and lives at 1011 South Sixth street. He received his appointment April 27, 1924. He has served on the vice squad, as a detective and plainclothesman. He was recently demoted to a patrolman’s rank.
Leonhardt lives at 553 Division street and is 39. He was appointed a member of the police department on April 25, 1924, two days before Jones. He served until recently as a patrolman, but was promoted to district detective when Jones suffered demotion. He was discharged from the police payroll on September 26 by Mayor Stewart, who said he had gathered evidence against him in his probe of the department which followed the murder of Feitz.
Wilmot is 32 and lives at 201 Kaighn avenue. He was appointed a policeman on July 1, 1928, and has served as a member of the Second district since his appointment.
Weber, 47, of 1369 Princess avenue, was made a member of the force on May 17, 1922. He also has served his entire time as a patrolman in the Second district.
The indictments were presented to Judge Frank F. Neutze in Justice Lloyd’s absence.
Five Are Suspended
Mayor Stewart and Police Chief Arthur Colsey conferred shortly after the indictments were returned.
[Text between this point and the next crop is not on the scan; crop 09a is not in the archive.]
and Judge Neutze to grant these men a speedy trial,” the mayor declared, “so that the cases against them will be disposed of and their guilt or innocence established. In this way the community will have the benefit of their services, if they be found not guilty, as soon as possible.”
None of the policemen indicted had been arrested last night.
Chief of County Detectives Lawrence T. Doran said he expects them to surrender today and post such bail as may be set.
Named by Jury
THOMAS CHEESEMAN
VERNON JONES
Twenty indictments against each of these policemen, formerly assigned as detectives to the beat where Detective William T. Feitz was shot to death in a disorderly house, were returned yesterday by the grand jury. Cheeseman and Jones preceded Feitz and Leonhardt, dismissed and also indicted, on the death beat.
Quartet Indicted on Graft Charges
Four of the six policemen indicted yesterday on charges of bribery. They are George Weber, (upper left) also known as “Bucky Weaver”; Frank Witmot [sic] (upper right), Howard Fisher, (lower left), and Joseph Leonhardt, (lower right), who had been dismissed from the police department.
Johnson Gets Ward’s Job as Kobus Orders Cop Shakeup
Camden Courier-Post —
Shaw Made Assistant in Place of Koerner
In a shakeup of Camden police officials yesterday afternoon Lieutenant Samuel E. Johnson was named acting chief of detectives by Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, director of public safety.
Lieutenant George A. Ward, who has been in charge of the detective bureau for a year, was transferred to take Johnson’s place in charge of headquarters.
Detective Louis Shaw was made assistant to Johnson, replacing Detective Sergeant Gus Koerner. Koerner was transferred to the Second District, for radio car and street duty. The new order became effective at 4:00 PM yesterday.
Police Chief Arthur Colsey announced the changes in the bureau after a two-hour conference with Commissioner Kobus yesterday afternoon.
Maurice Di Nicuolo, who has been an acting detective, was transferred to the First Police District, with former Acting Detective Clifford Del Rossi returning to his old post in the detective bureau.
In the only other transfer announced, Sergeant Harry Newton was switched from the First Police District to the Third, with Sergeant Edward Carroll going from the Third to the First.
Although no other changes were made public, it is believed yesterday’s are a forerunner of numerous shifts to be made today or early next week.
“These changes are being made for the good of the service,” Commissioner Kobus declared. “There will be other transfers of officers and men so that all the police may familiarize themselves with all the branches of the department.”
Lieutenant Johnson was appointed a policeman on January 1, 1910. After 10 years as a patrolman, he was promoted to a detective, where he made a splendid record. On November 28, 1928 he was made a sergeant, and again promoted on April 8, 1930, when he became a lieutenant.
Ward was appointed a policeman on August 2, 1917, promoted to detective January 1, 1927, sergeant November 14, 1928 and lieutenant on January 24, 1930.
Johnson was a detective sergeant when former Police Chief John W. Golden was head of that bureau, but later was transferred to police headquarters.
Ward has been in and out of the detective bureau several times. He served for a time as the commander of the First District and later was in charge of the police headquarters on the 12:00 midnight to 8:00 AM shift. He was a political lieutenant of former Public Safety Director David S. Rhone.
2 Held in Theft of Craps Winnings
Camden Courier-Post —
Money Won in Audubon Taken From East Camden Man, Cops Told
Money Won in Audubon Taken From East Camden Man, Cops Told
A second man was arrested last night and identified by David McMullen, 32, of 1015 North Thirty-fourth street, as a participant in a robbery in which winnings from an Audubon craps game were taken. Tony Scola, 45, of 347 Spruce street, was arrested at the corner of Fourth and Spruce streets, where he was selling ice cream, by Acting Captain George Clayton and Detective Clifford Del Rossi. He was taken to detective headquarters where McMullen told police he was one of three men who robbed him of $25 Wednesday night.
Joseph Proccell, 28, alias Joe Rizzo, of 229 East Atlantic avenue, Audubon, was arrested previously as the driver of the car in which the men escaped.
McMullen told police he won $10 in a craps game in the rear of a barber shop in Audubon Wednesday. He said he left the game shortly before 5 p. m. and at 10.45, two men came to his home and told his wife Margaret, they wanted “to see Dave.” When she went to the rear of the house to call her husband, the two at the door and another man forced their way into the house. One of them pointed a gun at McMullen and demanded the money he had won.
“Give us back the money you won from us,” they demanded.
McMullen was reluctant to turn over the money, and the man with the gun struck him over the bridge of the nose, inflicting a deep cut. McMullen then handed them his wallet and they took $25 from it and threw it back on a table, he said. The $15 additional was money his wife had given him to pay the building and loan, he said.
The men ran from the house and jumped into a car parked around the corner. It is alleged by police that Proccell was sitting at the driver’s wheel with the motor running. As they left the house, one of the men shouted to McMullen: “If you know what’s good for you, you better not report this to the police or they’ll find you in a lot.”
Proccell was arrested, Carpani said, from a description given by McMullen. He is being held to await possible identification.
Carpani said he notified the Audubon police of the attack and gave them the address at which McMullen said the craps game was held.
Audubon Fines Pair for Shooting Dice; 3 Held for Jury
Camden Courier-Post —
Borough Takes Winnings After Charge of Robbery Follows Game
DICE CALLED ‘FIXED’
The borough of Audubon gets the “craps” game winnings.
Recorder Jay Daniels, of Audubon, last night fined David McMullen, 32, of 1015 North Thirty-fourth street, Camden, and Anthony Scola, 21, of 347 Spruce street, each $25 and costs for engaging in a craps game.
Anthony and his father, Dominick, 45, were arrested by Camden detectives after McMullen told police he was the victim of a holdup. He said he won $10 in a game, played in the rear of an Audubon barber shop, and that after he returned home, three men appeared, hit him on the head with a revolver and took $25 from his wallet.
Held for Grand Jury
The two were held in $1000 bail each for the grand jury yesterday on robbery charges, while a second son, Vincent Scola, is being sought, Detective Joseph Carpani said.
Audubon is concerned only with the craps game, while robbery charges will be handled by Camden officials. Sergeant Dewey Parker, of Audubon, arrested McMullen and Scola.
Tony, according to Carpani, admitted being at McMullen’s home. He said in a written statement to Carpani that his brother accompanied him but denied his father was there.
Calls Dice Crooked
“We went there to get back some money he won from me with crooked dice,” Scola told Carpani. “During the past week I have lost $40 in the games we have had in my shop. We discovered on Wednesday that McMullen was using the phoney dice and when we accused him of it, he ran out of the store.
“We told McMullen at his house that we wanted the money back he had won from me and he handed us the $25. No one was struck and there was no gun used.
Joseph Procceli 28, of 229 East Atlantic avenue, Audubon, who was arrested yesterday as the man who allegedly drove a car in which the Scola’s left McMullen’s house, was released today when McMullen said he could not identify him.
Cigar Store Raided by ‘Secret 6’ Squad
Camden Courier-Post —
Alleged Proprietor is Held in $500 Bail for Police Court Hearing
Raiders of the “Secret 6” of the Camden police department yesterday arrested Oscar Bendler, 40, as the alleged proprietor of a cigar store at 217 Market Street, where they reported they seized horse racing sheets, three phones and $114.
Bendler, who gave his address as 310 Erie Street, is charged with violating the city ordinance prohibiting gambling and is held in $500 bail for a police court hearing today.
The raid on Bendler’s place was made after the police squad had searched five other small shops and found only legitimate business being conducted.
Two of the shops were located on the Market Street ferry walk, two on Market Street between Second and Third Street and on Federal Street between Second and Third Street.
Fine-combing of establishments where it is suspected the gambling gentry may flourish was ordered by Police Chief Arthur Colsey. The picked squad of men who operated as members of Colsey’s “Secret Six” yesterday were Detective Sergeant Clifford Del Rossi, Sergeant Walter Rowand, Detectives Benjamin Simon and Joseph Mardino.
3 Held in Raid As Fire Bares Numbers Bank
Camden Courier-Post —
3 Held in Raid As Fire Bares Numbers Bank
Garage Blaze Discloses Records of $1600 Daily Play
Three men were arrested yesterday in connection with discovery by police of one of the biggest numbers “banks” in the history of the racket in Camden.
A trivial fire that caused damage of about $10 extent brought about the discovery of the “bank,” which was elaborately equipped with expensive accounting machines.
Detectives estimated its play at $1600 a day or better than $500,000 a year.
The “bank” was discovered on the second floor of John Gallen’s garage at 1136 Linden street, shortly after noon when firemen and police answered a fire alarm.
The garage was one of two used by the police department to which to tow disabled automobiles or stolen cars when they were removed by the city from the streets.
Police Chief Arthur Colsey soon after the “bank” was discovered issued orders that no more cars were to be taken to the garage by the police.
Three Men Held in Bail
Gallen, who is 37 and lives at 631 South Eighth street, was arrested on the spot and was charged with “possession of a lottery.” He was held briefly for $1000 bail and was released when the bail was posted by his wife, Mary.
Joseph Millis, 32, of 4018 Girard avenue, Philadelphia, who gave his occupation as automobile dealer, was arrested when he drove into the garage. He was charged with participating in a lottery and was held for $1000 bail.
The third man arrested was John Shaffer, 54, of 1136 Linden, address of the garage, who is a welder. He was held for $500 bail as a material witness.
Millis was released on bail furnished by John Daly, Jr., saloon keeper of 2900 Mt. Ephraim avenue and son of Freeholder John Daly. Shaffer was freed when Mrs. Lena Zwick of 222 North Tenth street, posted bail for him.
Four attaches of the office of District Attorney Charles H. Kelley, of Philadelphia, visited Camden last night to confer with detectives in charge of the investigation. They said they were looking for a Philadelphia angle that might lead to investigation by the Bok grand jury probing vice, gambling and graft in Philadelphia. They will return today, they said when informed the men they wanted to see were off duty.
Millis drove into the garage soon after police, who answered the fire call with the firemen, had confiscated the office equipment and other evidence.
Detective Clifford Del Rossi was waiting in the garage. He told reporters that Millis’ face changed instantly when he observed the bustle resulting from the raid that that he “looked guilty.”
Ruse Falls to Work
Millis, according to Del Rossi, shouted at Shaffer:
“Come and look at my radiator. Something’s the matter with it and it’s leaking.”
Del Rossi examined the car and found nothing wrong with the radiator. He arrested Millis after questioning him.
Shaffer, Del Rossi said, identified Millis as one of the men who frequently entered and left the “bank” upstairs.
Detectives in charge of the case expressed the belief the bank is operated by Philadelphians and also said they do not believe Millis is the brains or chief of the operators but is a member of the operating crew with “big shot” rating.
Stove Gets Overheated
An overheated stove set fire to a window sill, firemen said, and burned it slightly. The blaze was extinguished in a minute. The damage, firemen said, could be as much as $10.
But hundreds of dollars’ worth of adding machines, filing cabinets and other equipment of a big-time gambling racket were seized by the police, who respond to all fire alarms.
Sergeant Walter Rowand, the first policeman on the scene, arrested Gallen. Gallen said he had rented the quarters on the second floor of his building, facing the street, to a group of Philadelphians a week ago, but did not name them.
’Bank’ Equipment Up-to-Date
Detective Sergeant Louis Shaw and Del Rossi found six adding machines, some electrically operated; six telephones, an elaborate filing system, adding machine rolls, books, records and a number of cards, reading:
“Any number with 1 or 2 in the middle pays 300 to 1 until further notice.”
Detectives said their knowledge of the racket indicates that the operators of the bank really were from Philadelphia, inasmuch as the 300-to-1 rule on “1 and 2 in the middle” numbers pay at that rate in Philadelphia, while the rate in Camden is 500 to 1, the same as for all other numbers.
Also, they said, a fire bucket which had been used to douse the blaze came from a Philadelphia dealer.
Adding machine rolls and the contents of a number of locked filing cabinets, which were taken to city hall and forced open, showed that on Saturday the “bank” had taken in $1575.95 and paid out $1062.58 for “hits” and to agents, leaving a net profit of $413.57 for the day.
That it was a big “bank” was further indicated by the fact that several times the operators accepted as much as $10 on a single number, which would pay off at the rate of $5000 on a hit. That amount, however, never was hit, the highest being for $2, or a payoff of $1000.
Code Hides Racketeers
Names of “writers,” or runners, employed by the “bank” were found in the records, among them “Mike,” “Shad,” “Joe” and “WPA.” Detectives did not know whether “WPA” represented someone’s initials or was code for a writer who solicited Works Progress Administration workers.
The “office” was reached by a set of rickety stairs to the second floor, thence across the floor to a breach in a dividing wall. The wall apparently had been recently broken through and barred by a sliding door.
The “office” itself was hardly more than 12 by 12 feet. In the front was a counter, where “writers” apparently turned in their receipts. The adding machines, telephones and papers were on a large table behind the counter.
Apparently the operators were particular about their drinking water. Several five-gallon bottles from a well known spring water company and a drinking stand with cups stood
Kobus Orders City Drive on Numbers Ring
Camden Courier-Post —
An ultimatum that numbers racketeers must be driven out and kept out of Camden was issued yesterday by Commissioner Mary W. Kobus as G-men opened a probe in an endeavor to link a half million dollar numbers bank, uncovered in Camden Monday, with a Philadelphia gambler.
The director of public safety issued her edict at a conference attended by Police Chief Arthur Colsey, Lieut. Ralph Bakley and police sergeants of the First district, in which the numbers bank was located.
Mrs. Kobus revealed:
That she was satisfied the bank was operated by two Philadelphia “big-shots” and believed it had been doing business but three or four days.
That she would investigate fully a report that a Camden patrolman had been storing his car in the garage over which the bank was found.
That she would investigate to find on whose orders recovered stolen cars were stored in the garage.
That police would be ordered to check on every other garage and building in the city which might possibly house a numbers bank.
Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, of Philadelphia, entered the picture in an effort to determine whether backers of the bank were working under “big shots,” believed to be the brains of a nation-wide lottery based on U. S. treasury report numbers.
FBI Checks Seized Articles
Three agents spent several hours minutely examining all papers, telephone addresses, adding machines and records seized by local police after discovery of the bank when a small fire had summoned them to a garage operated by John Gallen, 1136 Linden street. The bank was located over the garage.
The FBI agents, whose identity was not made public, were taken to the “office” of the bank and spent more than an hour in examining every nook and corner of the 12 by 12 room used as the “bank.”
The conference between Mrs. Kobus and police officials lasted nearly an hour.
“The men who operated this numbers hide-out are known to the police of this city and Philadelphia,” Mrs. Kobus said after the conference. “I am satisfied this place had been running for only three or four days.”
The Commissioner said she does not believe any of the First district officers had time to ferret out the place. The paraphernalia, consisting of six adding machines, telephones and other supplies indicated the layout of the place was not fully complete.
“I ordered Chief Colsey and others attending the conference to exercise more vigilance,” Commissioner Kobus continued. “Further I demanded that every garage or other type building where gambling or numbers hide-outs may be set up to be inspected.”
Demands Curb on Numbers
“So far as I know, numbers big shots and small-time writers in our own city are afraid to open up. This place on Linden street, we know, was headed up by two notorious Philadelphia numbers big shots.
“I am serving notice on all those engaged in the writing of numbers that they will not be permitted to locate or work in Camden as long as I am director of public safety. Every member of the police department understands just what I mean.”
Those attending the conference in the commissioner’s office, besides Colsey and Bakley, were Sergeants Walter Rowand, John Deith and Edward Hahn.
Mrs. Kobus said she plans to talk to detectives, plain clothes officers and the lieutenants of the Second and Third police districts either today or later in the week.
To Quiz Detectives
“I also intend to ask detectives in the accident bureau by whose orders stolen cars which have been recovered and cars figuring in accidents were stored in this same garage,” added Mrs. Kobus. “I have issued an order to check every garage for other possible stolen cars as well as numbers gambling joints on upper floors.
“I am investigating a report that one patrolman has been storing his own car in the Gallen garage.”
Earlier in the day Commissioner Kobus said she would order Sergeant Rox Saponare, identification expert, to go over all of the equipment, including six telephones and six adding machines “with a fine-tooth comb” in an effort to locate fingerprints.
“And if any fingerprints are found, I want them sent to the Federal Bureau of Identification to see if we can identify the criminals who had this numbers bank.”
“I am certain this numbers bank was running with the full knowledge of John Gallen,” the commissioner continued. “I had a talk with him and told him I was convinced he knew what was going on. I asked him to be fair with the police and to give them whatever information he possesses so that they may arrest the backers of this band.”
Seeks to Fix Date
“I also will summon City Fire Marshal Bernard Gallagher to my office and ask him when he made his last inspection of this garage. In that manner we may be able to place the exact date of these people coming here.”
Discovery of the “bank” with its alleged half-a-million-dollars-a-year business and seizure of a book, said to contain names and addresses in Philadelphia, caused four Philadelphia officials to confer Monday with Commissioner Kobus.
Three men were held following the discovery of the numbers bank, police admitting they were not among the three alleged “bankers” who fled the scene shortly after the fire broke out.
The “little black book” which caused the Philadelphia officials so much concern, was found in a locked filing box, which police broke open. It disappeared into the pocket of Acting Detective Sergeant Louis Shaw, after examination by other police officials who declared the information contained “may prove of great value in the investigation.” The book contains at least two Philadelphia addresses, which will be investigated.
The “bank” was discovered on the second floor of Gallen’s garage shortly after noon on Monday when firemen and police answered a fire alarm.
The garage was one of two used by the police department to which to tow disabled automobiles or stolen cars when they were removed by the city from the streets.
Colsey ordered that no more cars were to be taken to the garage by the police.
Three Men Held in Bail
Gallen, who is 37 and lives at 631 South Eighth street, was arrested on the spot and was charged with “possession of a lottery.”
Joseph Millis, 32, of 4018 Girard avenue, Philadelphia, who gave his occupation as automobile dealer, was arrested when he drove into the garage.
The third man arrested was John Shaffer, 54, of 1136 Linden, address of the garage, who is a welder.
The three men all were held for the grand jury when arraigned yesterday before Police Judge Gene R. Mariano. Bail was set at $500 for Shaffer, $1500 for Gallen and $2500 for Millis.
Explains Bail Figures
The higher bail was asked for Millis, Judge Mariano explained, because he was a resident of Philadelphia and “sometimes persons from out of town who are released in bail forget to show up when they are wanted.”
Cariton W. Rowand, member of the Camden Board of Education, was counsel for the defendants and requested a postponement, but City Prosecutor Mitchell Cohen insisted the case be heard yesterday because “it involves the biggest number bank ever seized here and should be given to the Grand Jury as quickly as possible.”
Commissioner Kobus was in police court when the case was called and left after it had been disposed of.
Millis drove into the garage soon after police, who answered the fire call with the firemen, had confiscated the office equipment and other evidence.
Detective Clifford Del Rossi was waiting in the garage. He told reporters that Millis’ face changed instantly when he observed the bustle resulting from the raid and that he “looked guilty.”
Ruse Fails to Work
Detectives in charge of the case expressed the belief the bank is operated by Philadelphians and also said they do not believe Millis is the brains or chief of the operators but is a member of the operating crew with “big shot” rating.
Stove Gets Overheated
An overheated stove set fire to a window sill, firemen said, and burned it slightly. The blaze was extinguished in a minute. The damage, firemen said, could be as much as $10.
But hundreds of dollars’ worth of adding machines, filing cabinets and other equipment of a big-time gambling racket were seized by the police, who respond to all fire alarms.
Sergeant Rowand, the first policeman on the scene, arrested Gallen. Gallen said he had rented the quarters on the second floor of his building, facing the street, to a group of Philadelphians a week ago, but did not name them.
Boy Held in Thefts Refuses to ‘Squeal’
Camden Courier-Post —
Leads Sleuths to Loot Cache After Confessing Possession of Stolen Goods
Foster G. Stickler, 16, of 825 Linden Street, arrested yesterday for allegedly robbing parked cars refused to reveal the name of a companion who aided him in the robberies, police said.
The youth admitted another boy was with him but he refused to give his name.
“Nothing doing, I won’t squawk,” he told Detective Sergeant Clifford Del Rossi, Detective Donald Swissler and Patrolman John Ferry.
Patrolman Ferry took the youth into custody at Eighth and Linden streets, on a hunch, when he found a dozen automobile keys in the youth’s pockets.
Stickler was taken to police headquarters and booked “on suspicion for further investigation,” where Del Rossi joined Patrolman Ferry in questioning Stickler. After about 20 minutes the youth admitted, according to Del Rossi and Ferry, that a fountain pen in his possession was stolen.
Stickler also said he stole a woman’s gold ring, a flashlight and a man’s gold watch. He hid the flashlight and gave the watch to another boy to sell, police learned.
The two detectives and patrolman took the youth to his home where, according to Del Rossi, they found the flashlight.
Stickler then led the way to a lot in the rear of 813 Linden Street where he measured off two paces from a fence and then stepped off four paces in another direction, stooped and began digging in the soil with his hands.
He unearthed a man’s watch valued at $60 and described by police as the one which the youth said he gave to a boy to sell. Nothing else was recovered from the “treasure hole.”
Persons who have lost articles from their automobiles are requested to go to the detective bureau to see if they can identify the youth as having been around the machines.
Police said Stickler made a practice of watching parked cars.
Canio Lorusso Feted on His 73d Birthday
Camden Courier-Post —
The family of Canio Lorusso, widely known South Camden resident, gathered at his home at 319 Stevens street last night at a birthday party given in his honor.
Lorusso was 73 yesterday. He has resided in this country 50 years and had conducted a saloon business now operated by his son at the 241 Stevens street address for almost 50 years. He is the father-in-law of Detective Sergeant Clifford Del Rossi.
Among those attending the party were two sons, Joseph and William Lorusso; five daughters, Mrs. Catherine Abate, Mrs. Angeline Romano, Mrs. Margaret Del Rossi, Mrs. Beatrice Dandrea, and Mrs. Carmela Trancanna; 28 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
250 Arrested in Raid on Show in Eagles Hall
Camden Courier-Post —
25 Cops, Detectives Led by Mrs. Kobus Invade ‘Smoker’ Given by Group
CHARGES MADE OF GAMBLING
More than 250 men, most of whom gave Philadelphia addresses, were arrested shortly after 1 a. m. today when a squad of police, led by Commissioner Mary E. [sic] Kobus, director of public safety, raided the Eagles Hall, Broadway near Washington street.
The men seized, according to Sergeant Walter Rowand, who led the raiding party, were viewing a lewd motion picture when the 25 detectives and uniformed men rushed up the stairway and into the auditorium.
In a side room, the raiders found a “bird cage” dice game, Rowand said.
Officers of the lodge, summoned there as the raid was being completed, said the auditorium was rented for the night for a “druggists’ convention.”
Rental Paid In Advance
“The lodge had nothing to do with the show or whatever it was,” said Fred Eckard, of 445 Liberty street, a trustee and one of the three lodge officials in charge of the building.
“A man whose name I do not recall, came to see me Saturday and said he wanted to rent the auditorium for some sort of convention for a druggists’ association. I told him the rental would be $85 and he paid it in advance.”
Support was given Eckad’s statement of a “druggists’ convention,” police said, when most of the first 20 prisoners booked—all on material witness charges—gave their occupation as druggist or pharmacist’s clerk.
The raid, Commissioner Kobus disclosed, resulted from radio patrol car policemen reporting an unusual number of automobiles, most of them with Pennsylvania license plates, in the vicinity of the hall.
“The police,” the commissioner said, “are to be commended for their vigilance in spotting cars parked in the vicinity of the hall and their investigation that resulted in the raid.
“I want to give notice now that the police department is determined that Camden shall not be the dumping ground for things of this nature.”
Tickets Sold For $2.50
A number of tickets, said to have been sold for the affair, were recovered by police. The men said they paid $2.50 in advance for each ticket. Printed on cardboard about an inch and half by three and a half inches, each read:
“N. E. June Frolic—The Eagles—413 Broadway, Camden, N. J., Tuesday, May 31, 1938.”
Each ticket was numbered, the highest number on those recovered being 422.
Three patrol wagons were pressed into service to transport the men seized to police headquarters, each wagon taking 15 prisoners on each trip.
Rowand and Detective Sergeant Clifford Del Rossi, assisting in booking the men, said they did not expect to complete that task before 6 a. m.
No one had been charged as the proprietor or manager of the affair two hours after the raid, each of those booked insisting he had just gone there “to see the show.”
Draft Registrant Leaps 5 Floors to Death at City Hall
Camden Courier-Post —
Sleuths Vainly Try to Grab Florida Man Who Asked About Status
A 30-year-old Florida descendant of one of North Carolina’s blue-blooded families walked into police headquarters Saturday afternoon and asked them to check his status with a Florida draft board.
Two hours later the man was dead, his crushed body lying on the Market street pavement of the City Hall after he leaped from a fifth floor window in the City Hall detective bureau. The jump was made before the eyes of three detectives all powerless to reach him in time.
Identified tentatively as Manly McDowell, he had told detectives he was living at the Dixie Hotel, Florida. He was dead on arrival at Cooper Hospital. The man’s head was crushed and his arms and legs were broken.
Detective Harry Kyler was walking through police headquarters in the City Hall basement, when Patrolman Marshall Thompson called his attention to McDowell’s request. The man wanted to know if any notifications had been sent out by the board to him lately, explaining that for the past several months he had been traveling in the South and had been out of touch with his local board.
Asks for Cigarette
Kyler took McDowell to the Detective Bureau and telephoned Miami police asking them to check McDowell’s draft status and his record. Kyler told McDowell to sit down until the return call was made.
The detective told Acting Sergeant John Opfer about the man, then left to answer another call. On his return at 5.55 p. m, Kyler learned of the leap.
Others besides Opfer in the bureau were Detectives Heber McCord and Clifford Del Rossi. All three said McDowell drank considerable water and smoked several cigarettes but gave no indication of contemplating suicide.
Opfer said McDowell sauntered over to the accident bureau to McCord and asked for a cigarette. McCord gave him one, then turned his back. After several puffs, McDowell put the cigarette on a filing case, leaped to the top of a table and out the window. Opfer saw the man ascend the table and yelled to McCord to stop him. McCord was too far away to grab him.
Makes Grab in Vain
DelRossi, meanwhile, walked into the bureau just in time to see the man going out of the window. He also attempted to grab him.
Acting Desk Sergeant Frank Nelson had reported off duty a short time before and as he turned the corner of the city hall on the Market street side, he saw the man’s body on the pavement. Believing him to be a heat victim, or drunk, Nelson went over to investigate just as the police ambulance arrived.
Five minutes after the death plunge, the return call was made from Miami police which said McDowell was not wanted by either police or draft board. They said the draft board had been instructed to get in touch with Warren Steiffell, employed in the Brooklyn State Hospital, Brooklyn, N. Y., whenever they wanted to reach McDowell. Kyler later learned Steiffell had been inducted into the Army and stationed at Madison Barracks, Watertown, N. Y. A call to the barracks revealed Steiffell was on 48-hour leave.
Was Hospital Orderly
Attaches at the hospital said they knew McDowell as a former orderly, who had worked in hospitals in the New York City area. Kyler learned the man had worked as an orderly last year for several months at the Pilgrim State Hospital, Brentwood, N. Y.
Kyler contacted an aunt yesterday, Mrs. W. A. Leslie, of Morganton, N. C., who said McDowell’s only living close relative was a sister, Mrs. W. J. Verbeck, of Manlius, N. Y. Word was sent to the sister of McDowell’s death and she is expected to arrive here today to make positive identification.
Thieves Get $117 In Restaurant
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden police are searching for a thief who took $117 from a cash register in Everybody’s Lunch room, 511 Kaighn ave., Camden, some time between 8 P. M. Saturday and 2 A. M. yesterday.
Angelo Kascaturos, proprietor, who lives at 513 Kaighn ave., reported his loss to Detectives Clifford DelRossi and Harry Kyler when he found the register had been rifled.
Bandit Gets $30 In Hyde’s Cafe
Camden Courier-Post —
Joseph F. Hyde Jr., 59, operator of Hyde’s tavern, 1600 South Sixth street, last night reported an armed masked bandit robbed him of $30.
Hyde told Sgt. Earl Wright and Detectives Joseph Schultz and Clifford Del Rossi a man, wearing a mask and carrying a nickle-plated revolver, entered the taproom around 10.20 and announced: “This is a stickup.”
Hyde said the man, wearing army fatigue clothes, put a piece of paper on the bar and ordered him to dump the contents of the cash register in it. Hyde said there were approximately $15 in bills and about the same amount in change.
He said two patrons in the place, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin F. Livingston, 1634 South Sixth street, were not molested.
Car Bandits Beat, Rob Camden Man on Street
Camden Courier-Post —
A Camden man, returning to his home early today, was beaten and robbed of his overcoat, wrist watch and $4.50 in cash.
Ernest Wolf, 27, of 529 Haddon avenue, told Detectives Pfleiderer and DelRossi he left a bus at Broadway and Federal street and was walking toward home when a Pennsylvania car with three men in it, stopped at the curb beside him. Wolf said two of the men jumped out, punched him and kicked him to the ground and after taking his belongings boarded the car and were driven away. Wolf obtained only part of the car registration.
Woodley Snyder Reenacts Candy Store Attack
Camden Courier-Post —
-Courier-Post Photo
“HERE’S WHERE SHE FELL,” is what Woodley Rex Snyder, 26, of 737 Kaighn ave., told Camden detectives today in reenacting his brutal beating of Mrs. Rachael Weiner in her candy store at 763 Kaighn ave., on Oct. 1. She fled into this room off the store as he pistol-whipped her, police charged. Taking notes are, left, Detective Sgt. Vincent Conley and Detective Clifford DelRossi.
Camden Man Held In Store Beating Of Aged Widow
Camden Courier-Post —
Suspect’s Police Record Started at Age of 9 Years
A Camden man with a record of arrests since he was nine years old is being held by Camden police today charged with the near fatal beating of Mrs. Rachel Weiner on Oct. 1.
Woodley Rex Snyder, 26, of 737 Kaighn ave., was booked Wednesday night in police headquarters on a charge of atrocious assault and battery with intent to kill after he allegedly admitted the savage beating of Mrs. Weiner in a small candy store she operates at 763 Kaighn ave. Her condition remains critical at Cooper Hospital.
Snyder “surrendered meekly” and was arrested at 6.15 p. m. Wednesday at the parsonage of the Rev. George Nicholas, 823 Walnut st., pastor of the Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church, Ann and Sycamore sts. Police said Snyder lived at the parsonage until Sept. 11.
Convinced by Pastor
Detective Sgt. Vincent Conley and Detective Clifford Del Rossi, who had worked around-the-clock since the beating in an effort to capture Mrs. Weiner’s assailant, made the arrest. The detectives said the Rev. Mr. Nicholas cooperated with police and had convinced Snyder he should give himself up.
Police Chief Koerner said Snyder “admitted hitting Mrs. Weiner on the head seven or eight times” with the butt of a .25-calibre automatic pistol.
The blood-stained pistol and a blood-stained jacket and pair of pants, recovered during the investigation, are being sent to Trenton for examination at the State Police laboratory.
Lived With Brother
Detective Capt. Thomas Murphy disclosed how suspicion fell on Snyder.
“Snyder and a roommate, William Spearman, lived at the home of Snyder’s brother, Julius, on Kaighn ave., Murphy stated. “Spearman told police that some of his clothing was missing. A search of the room revealed bloodstained clothing, which Spearman said must belong to Snyder.
“Further search disclosed a .25 calibre revolver under a mattress and Spearman said this did not belong to him and must be Snyder’s. Snyder’s brother backed up Spearman on identification of the clothing.”
Conley and Del Rossi quoted Snyder as saying:
“I had no motive. I walked into the store to get something to eat and she walked toward me. A feeling came over me.”
The detectives said Snyder admitted having the gun in his possession, but denied that he entered the store planning a hold-up. Snyder was quoted as saying:
“If I needed money, I could get it this way.”
Snyder’s trail after the beating led from Camden to Philadelphia, Baltimore, Rockville Center, L. I.; back to Philadelphia, to Camden, to Philadelphia, to Washington, to Baltimore, to Philadelphia and then to Camden Wednesday when he was arrested.
Eluded Pursuers
Detectives were on Snyder’s trail continually and missed him by less than an hour in Baltimore. Conley and Del Rossi traced him to an uncle’s home in Baltimore, but Snyder at the same time was in an aunt’s home in the same city, where he allegedly stole $12, according to detectives.
According to detectives, Snyder served time continually from the time he was nine years old until he was 20. In 1942 he was sentenced to Jamesburg on five charges of breaking, entering and larceny, and served additional time for escape.
Agrees to Surrender
Detectives said Snyder returned to Camden at 4 a. m. Wednesday after telephoning the Rev. Mr. Nicholas, who pleaded with him to give himself up, from Philadelphia.
Detectives quoted the preacher as saying Snyder told him he’d “rather be shot walking down the street than return to prison.” The Rev. Mr. Nicholas fed him and after continued pleadings Snyder “told him to call police,” Conley said.
Snyder was first aware that he was wanted by police when he visited an aunt in Rockville, L. I., on Monday.
Howard L. James Held on Burglary Charge
Camden Courier-Post —
Howard L. James, 25, of Fogarty ave., who police said was found hiding behind a workbench in a service station at 920 Cooper st. early Wednesday, was held in default of $10,000 bail for further hearing Friday on a charge of breaking and entering. Det. Clifford Del Rossi asked the continuance for further investigation.
Man, 25, Held On 6 Counts of Break Trys
Camden Courier-Post —
City Court Scene:
As a result of investigation by detectives, Howard L. James, 25, of Fogarty ave., was held without bail by Municipal Judge Marino today on six charges of breaking and entry.
James pleaded guilty to breaking into a gas station at 920 Cooper st. early last Wednesday, but not guilty to five other breaking jobs the previous night.
Det. Sgt. Stewart Patterson and Det. Clifford Del Rossi, testified the other breaking and entries were at the offices of the Fitwell Coat Co., Asam Bros., the Camden Ink and Color Co., Inc., Cutler Metal Products Co. and Wilkie Faust & Son, all in a building at 1001-11 Market st.
All the offices were ransacked, the detectives said, and $40 plus $6 worth of stamps were stolen from the ink company office.
Ptl. James Large testified he caught James red handed in the gas station, and said James carried a hammer, a chisel and a screwdriver. The detectives testified that the state police laboratory, at Trenton, had made microscopic examination of slivers of glass found in James’ shoes and trouser cuffs, and had reported they were similar to glass broken in the office building.
* * *
Breaking and entry charges against three men were dismissed by Judge Marino, who said that there was insufficient evidence to support the charges.
The three are Ernest Ewing, 37, of the 1900 block Kossuth st.; Herbert Johnson, 27, of the 700 block Ferry ave., and Isaac Roberts, 26, also of the 700 block Ferry ave.
Ptl. Joseph Whylings testified he arrested Ewing in the ruins of an Acme Food Market at 752 Ferry ave. on Nov. 30, the day after it was wrecked by fire. Detectives said they arrested the other two after questioning Ewing.
Det. Sgt. Patterson testified the other two admitted picking up meats left outside the store after the fire, but Joseph Rourke, Acme district manager, testified the meats were to be thrown away, and that nothing of value was stolen from the burned out market. City Prosecutor Joseph Asbell agreed with Judge Marino that there was no evidence of breaking and entering, as legally defined.
Gold Badges to Be Given 15 City Cops
Camden Courier-Post —
Fifteen retired Camden City policemen will be honored by the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, Local 35, Wednesday night at the Police and Fire Club, 1175 Whitman Avenue.
Police Chief William H. Neale, will present awards. The awards will be gold retirement badges mounted in wallets. The men receiving them will have served 20 or more years.
According to Patrolman Robert Mentz, PBA secretary, this is the first time since 1960 that retirement badges have been presented. The ceremonies will follow the organization’s business meeting.
Awards will be made to: Edward Suski, Harry Cattell, Clifford Del Rossi, Frank Gutherman, John Houston, Thomas Kauffman, William Stibi, Leon Feltz, Russell Young, Henry Leutz, George Ellis, Everett Joslin, Ralph Cline, John Kaighn and former Chief Gustav Koerner.
Clifford Del Rossi of Camden
Camden Courier-Post — c. 1970
Clifford Del Rossi of Camden
CAMDEN — Mass of Christian Burial for Clifford Del Rossi Sr., a retired Camden policeman who died Thursday, will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Broadway and Ferry Avenue.
DelROSSI
Camden Courier-Post —
On January 1, 1981, Clifford Sr. of Camden, N.J. Father of Mrs. Mamie Moffa of Westmont, Mrs. Florence Rydeski of Marlton, Mrs. Evelyn Reichert of Camden, Mrs. Rita Weber of Camden, Thomas DelRossi of Hammonton, Clifford DelRossi Jr. of West Berlin, Mrs. Rose Wdzieczkowski of Maple Shade, Mrs. Rita Chudzinski of Camden, brother Charles DelRossi of Gloucester Twp, sisters Mrs. Mamie Rossi, Camden, Mrs. Angelina DelRossi of Camden, Mrs. Marie Colaretti of Blackwood, Mrs. Alvira Kenard of Haddon Heights, nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren. Relatives, friends and members of P.B.A. Local No. 35, are invited to attend the funeral Monday 9am from the JACKSON FUNERAL HOME, Haddon and Stoy Aves., Westmont, N.J. Mass of Christian Burial, Church of the Sacred Heart, Camden at 10:30am. Entombment at Harleigh Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday evening from 7-9. If desired contributions maybe [sic] made to the Camden County Heart Association, 7645 Maple Ave., Pennsauken, NJ 08109.