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Garfield S. Pancoast

Police Court Judge, Camden, NJ
Page Contents

Introduction

Garfield S. Pancoast, Police Court Judge of Camden, NJ

Garfield S. Pancoast.

GARFIELD S. PANCOAST was born in December of 1880 to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Pancoast. When the Census was taken in 1900 he was living with his widowed father and younger brother Cleveland Pancoast at 323 Wood Street in Vineland NJ.

Garfield Pancoast practiced law in the Camden area, and by January of 1920 was serving as a Judge in Camden, a post he held into the 1930s. The 1920 Census shows him and his wife, the former Fannie Rood, living at 207 Graisbury Avenue with a daughter, Dorothy, 7, and son Garfield Siebert Pancoast, 5. The family moved to a newly constructed home at 234 Morse Street in East Camden in the 1920s. They were still living there as late as February 1933.

In 1919 Garfield Pancoast served as Exalted Ruler of Camden Lodge 293 of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.

Garfield Pancoast remained on Camden’s bench as late as July 1934. The Pancoast family had left Camden by 1947. Garfield Pancoast was living at 5120 Greene Street in the Germantown section of Philadelphia when he died in his sleep on November 20, 1947. He was buried at Siloam Cemetery in Vineland NJ.

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Not checked against a scan. The following items on this page are transcribed from site copies or printed books whose scans are not in the scan mirror, or are captions for photographs with no printed text; their wording has not been verified against the printed page:

  • Jobless Son Kills Jake Schiller Who Saves Boy's Wife From Gun — Camden Evening Courier — September 18, 1933 (story body is a site copy; only the portrait strip is scanned)

Watches Differed, Suit May Result

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Watches Differed, Suit May Result - Philadelphia Inquirer, January 9, 1914

Auto Reaches Gloucester Too Late to Prevent Sale of Property in Bankruptcy Case

Special to The Inquirer.

GLOUCESTER CITY, N. J., Jan. 8.—Losing out by a minute after a wild rush in an automobile from Camden to this city this afternoon, Garfield Pancoast, a Camden attorney and Assemblyman-elect, threatens to enter contempt proceedings against John T. Wright, the sergeant-at-arms of the Camden District Court, for conducting a sale at the new Broadway Schoolhouse today. Pancoast claims that he arrived on the ground a minute of two o’clock. Wright claims that it was a minute after two and that the sale, which consumed a minute, had taken place. The courts may decide which watch was right and whether the sergeant-at-arms was in contempt of court in holding the sale a minute ahead of time and not recognizing a writ staying the proceedings issued by S. C. Ott, referee in bankruptcy.

Attorney William F. Kelly, of the firm of Kelly & McDonald, of Camden, this afternoon at 1.30 filed a voluntary petition in bankruptcy proceedings in Trenton for Daniel Sharp, a Camden contractor, who has just finished the new school. The sale was under this proceeding. The petition in bankruptcy sets forth that the liabilities of Sharp are about $38,000 and the assets about $10,000.

Camden Elks Honor Dead Members

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Camden Elks Honor Dead Members - Philadelphia Inquirer, June 12, 1915

Camden Lodge of Elks yesterday held its annual memorial exercises. Secretary E. Wilmer Collins read the names of those who have died during the past year. Purple lights were turned on until there were thirteen. The oration was given by former Prosecutor William J. Crossley, of Trenton, N. J., and the eulogy by Rev. Dr. Holmes F. Gravatt, pastor of the First M. E. Church. The committee in charge included Lewis H. Leigh, chairman; Frank S. Albright, secretary; Robert MacIntosh, Andrew B. F. Smith and Garfield Pancoast.

Camden Elks Honor Dead Members

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Camden Elks Honor Dead Members - Philadelphia Inquirer, June 12, 1915

Camden Lodge of Elks yesterday held its annual memorial exercises. Secretary E. Wilmer Collins read the names of those who have died during the past year. Purple lights were turned on until there were thirteen. The oration was given by former Prosecutor William J. Crossley, of Trenton, N. J., and the eulogy by Rev. Dr. Holmes F. Gravatt, pastor of the First M. E. Church. The committee in charge included Lewis H. Leigh, chairman; Frank S. Albright, secretary; Robert MacIntosh, Andrew B. F. Smith and Garfield Pancoast.

Camden at a Glance

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Philadelphia Inquirer, June 17, 1915

Before Referee in Bankruptcy Ott yesterday a dividend of 5 per cent was declared to the creditors of John H. Dialogue, whose shipyard on the Delaware was at one time among the most thriving along the river.

Miss Lucy Becker, of 1160 Jackson street, and William Durham, a real estate operator of 1837 Broadway, were married yesterday by Rev. William Crum [sic], of the Trinity M. E. Church.

Although but ten years old, Frank Mazhaccio was taken to the State Home for Boys yesterday as an incorrigible.

A meeting of the jitney men has been called for tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock at the Hotel Ridgway for organization. The call was made by Assemblyman Garfield Pancoast. Mayor Ellis will address the drivers of the jits.

Jitney Drivers Organize

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Jitney Drivers Organize - Philadelphia Inquirer, June 19, 1915

Camden jitney operators to the number of 150 met yesterday at the Hotel Ridgway and took initial steps toward forming an association for their mutual protection and benefit. Assemblyman Garfield Pancoast presided and addresses were made by Mayor Ellis and Dr. H. H. Gros, of the Camden Motor Club, who assured them that as long as they respected the law and traffic regulations they would have strong support in their efforts to better transit facilities. Following liberal discussion the meeting adjourned until next Friday, when a committee of five will present a tentative plan of organization and operation. On this committee are William Sauerhoff, Walter Bunting, Daniel Sullivan, Walter C. Davis and Philip Ganter.

Camden Bar Welcomes New District Judge

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Philadelphia Inquirer, April 13, 1917 — Camden Bar Welcomes New District Judge (part 1) Philadelphia Inquirer, April 13, 1917 — Camden Bar Welcomes New District Judge (part 2)

District Court Judge Garfield Pancoast was sworn into office yesterday by Deputy County Clerk Howard Truax in Camden. In connection with the ascending of the new jurist to the bench, most of the Camden County bar was present to give him welcome and bid farewell to Judge William C. French, who completed five years of service yesterday.

There was a splendid display of floral tributes both to the new and the retiring judge. The little daughter of Judge Pancoast’s, Dorothy, was carried to the bar with a basket containing rose buds and sweet peas. When the judge took her in his arms and kissed her, there was applause.

At the close of some speaking, Judge Pancoast announced the appointment of Clifford K. Deacon, a Councilman from the Tenth ward, as sergeant-at-arms, and Eldred I. Hibbs, of the Sixth ward, as assistant clerk. They will assume office May 1.

Jewish Draftees Given Send-Off at Camden

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Philadelphia Inquirer, April 29, 1918 (part 1) Philadelphia Inquirer, April 29, 1918 (part 2)

State Treasurer Read Lauds Patriotism of Hebrews All Over the Country

One of the features of a dinner given at the Towers, Broadway and Pine street, Camden, last night, to the Jewish draftees, was the appearnce [sic] of forty boys who came from Camp Dix at a special order issued by General Scott, the commandant. The dinner was given under the direction of the Young Men's Hebrew Association and the Jewish Board of Welfare Work, which does the same character of work in the cantonments as the Y. M. C. A. and the Knights of Columbus.

On account of a previous engagement, Governor Edge was unable to be present and he was represented by State Treasurer William T. Read. Treasurer Read delivered a short address, in which he predicted that the Allies would win the war and praised the work being done by the Jewish boys throughout the country. Mayor Charles E. Ellis also lauded the patriotism of the Camden boys and declared that the war would be won by the Allies through the work of the United States.

Cyrus J. Janover, representative of the Jewish welfare at Camp Dix, and Chaplain Henry S. Davidson, also of Dix; Joseph Hagendorn, a Philadelphia Jewish orator; State Senator Haines, Judges Kates and Pancoast and Assemblyman Kellum also spoke. Benjamin Natal, a Camden attorney, conceived the idea of giving the boys a reception and he had associated with him on the committee Abe Fuhrman, Samuel Mackler, Morris Berman and Mark Obus.

Boy Killed by Truck on Chum’s Bicycle

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, April 30, 1929 (part 1) Camden Courier-Post, April 30, 1929 (part 2)

Driver Held on Manslaughter Charge Says Youth Fell After Hitting Car

After borrowing a bicycle from a neighbor boy for “a ride around the block,” Edward Devlin, 11, of 1122 Federal Street, was struck by a truck and hurled from the bicycle.

He died in West Jersey Hospital early yesterday from a fractured skull.

The truck driver, John Green, 31, of 435 Mechanic Street, was charged with manslaughter, and will be given a hearing today before Police Judge Pancoast. Green is employed by Louis Bantivoglio, junk dealer at 261 Division Street.

Edward borrowed the bicycle from Alfred Checetto, 14, of 1128 Federal Street on Saturday afternoon. Elated at getting the ride, he started off gaily, calling to Alfred that he was “just going ‘round the block.”

At Ninth Street and Newton Avenue, according to the truck driver, the bicycle first struck an automobile, then swerved in the path of the truck.

Gang War Figure

Camden Courier-Post —

Gang War Figure - Camden Courier-Post, April 30, 1929

Gang War Figure

Action Delayed in Gang Shooting

Camden Courier-Post —

Action Delayed in Gang Shooting - Camden Courier-Post, April 30, 1929 Action Delayed in Gang Shooting - Camden Courier-Post, April 30, 1929 Action Delayed in Gang Shooting - Camden Courier-Post, April 30, 1929 Action Delayed in Gang Shooting - Camden Courier-Post, April 30, 1929

Shooting Witness

MRS. ROSE GIBBS

Who is held as material witness in shooting of Joseph Connors Sunday night near Broadway and Kaighn avenue.

Indictment of Doris in Flannery Murder Revealed After Arrest

Assistant Prosecutor Rocco Palese was prepared last night to go to the bottom of all charges against John Doris, brother of an executed Philadelphia bandit murderer, in an effort to determine whether to press for his immediate trial on indictments accusing him of the killing of Joseph (Mose) Flannery, or to seek other indictments first on charges of shooting Joseph Connors, at 6 a. m. Sunday.

The condition of Connors, a reputed Gloucester racketeer, remained the same last night in West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital, where doctors said the crisis was not yet passed. He has bullet wounds in the lung, abdomen and the hand, physicians saying it was too soon to predict whether he had a chance for recovery.

Doris Arraigned

Doris was arraigned before Police Judge Pancoast yesterday charged with shooting Connors near Broadway and Kaighn avenue, after a brawl which took them into two resorts and finally ended on the street outside. The judge held him for grand jury action on that charge, and was about to close the case when City Detective J. Wesley McGrath took the stand and revealed that Doris was wanted in the mysterious murder of “Mose” Flannery, Camden racketeer, seven months ago at Front street and Kaighn avenue. Pancoast promptly denied him bail.

Records at the prosecutor’s office disclosed Doris was indicted secretly by the grand jury two days after the killing of Flannery, September 20, 1928. The indictment was kept secret when it was learned Doris had disappeared and Judge Shay automatically ordered the indictment impounded against a fugitive.

Palese Studies Case

The Flannery case was placed before the grand jury by former Assistant Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando, who left his notes with the indictment in the office when he relinquished his post to Palese.

“I will study the case tomorrow,” Palese said last night. “Until I do, and can learn the strength of the old case against Doris in the Flannery murder, I can’t say which charge I might take before a jury, provided, of course, that we can get an indictment in the Connors case against the youth.”

Connors, who is 28, lives at 135 North Broadway, Gloucester. He has been arrested twice, once in Gloucester for disorderly conduct in 1924, and later on a grand larceny charge, on which he was acquitted.

Doris is a brother of the late Frankie Doris, who with three other youths went to the electric chair for the murder of a policeman in the famous Olney Bank robbery in Philadelphia. The man held here was tried and acquitted of another murder charge in Philadelphia, at which time the trial judge predicted that he, too, would die in the chair.

A detainer warrant asking that Doris be held for the Philadelphia police was received by Chief County Detective Lawrence T. Doran, in the afternoon. According to the detainer, Doris is wanted in “the State of Pennsylvania” on charges of being a fugitive from justice; carrying concealed deadly weapons, and attempting to kill. No amplification of the charges is made in the warrant which was turned over to Warden Edward Powell of the county jail.

Doris pleaded not guilty to charges of atrocious assault and battery with intent to kill and carrying a concealed deadly weapon, before he was held for the grand jury.

A few minutes before Doris was arraigned yesterday, Mrs. Rose Gibbs, 18, of 411 Henry street, was arraigned as a material witness in the shooting. She repeated the story that she told detectives, in which she said Connors accused Doris of stealing her pocketbook, and an argument ensued. She was held in $500 bail as a material witness.

It was revealed that 12 men were arraigned before Judge Pancoast at a special hearing on Sunday and held as material witnesses in the shooting. Included among these were Connors’ brother and Russell Sage, who was also held as a material witness in two other Camden gang shootings, one of which was the Flannery case.

Mrs. Gibbs declared that she, Connors and Eli Conaghy, 28, of 814 South Sixth st., were at a party in the 2200 block on Broadway, and went to the Nonpareil Club, Second street and Kaighn avenue. There they met Doris and Sage. Mrs. Gibbs said she suddenly missed her pocketbook, which contained $4, and she told Connors, who accused Doris of taking it. An altercation between the two men started, and all five left the club. Mrs. Gibbs said she parted from the men outside. The men went into a restaurant, came out later, and the shooting followed.

Doris has a long criminal record, though but two minor convictions rest against him. Police dockets show him arrested as follows: January 7, 1925, arrested tried and acquitted in the murder of Joseph Rika, Philadelphia; December 12, 1925, arrested for larceny of automobile, dismissed; August 23, 1926, arrested for gambling, fined $13.50; September 11, 1926, gambling on the highway, dismissed; January 9, 1927, arrested as suspicious character, dismissed; April 9, 1927, arrested for disorderly conduct, sentenced to ten days; February 26, 1928, arrested for carrying concealed deadly weapon, and aggravated assault and battery, and was found not guilty; February 26, 1929, arrested and found not guilty of assault and battery and carrying a weapon.

Connors was arrested but twice, as far as police can learn. Once he was arrested in Gloucester on a disorderly conduct charge, while in 1924, he was tried on a charge of grand larceny, and was acquitted.

Sage was held as a material witness in the fatal shooting of Joseph Gannon, Philadelphia, in the Sixth Ward Republican Club, for which Joseph “Polack Joe” Devon received a state prison sentence, and in the murder of Flannery. He was arrested June 3, 1919, on a charge of larceny of a car on complaint of Margaret Chapman, 410 Federal street.

Connors Refuses to Name Assailant in Shooting at Club

Camden Courier-Post —

Connors Refuses to Name Assailant in Shooting at Club - Camden Courier-Post, May 16, 1929

Fails to Identify Doris, Held on Atempted [sic] Murder Charge, After Brawl Over Girl

VICTIM LEAVES HOSPITAL

Clinging to gangland tradition, Joseph Connors, 28, Gloucester, yesterday refused to tell who attempted to murder him at 6 a. m. April 28.

Connors was discharged from West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital yesterday, a shadow of his former self. He was taken to police headquarters and later arraigned before Police Judge Pancoast, who held him without bail.

After the hearing, Connors was quizzed by Assistant Prosecutor Palese and county detectives. He was brought face to face with John Doris, who, witnesses say, wounded him in a brawl over a girl on Broadway near Kaighn avenue.

Fails to Identify Doris

“I cannot identify him as the man who shot me,” was his laconic reply to a question from Palese.

Still suffering from bullet wounds through the lungs, abdomen and hand, he sat pale and seemingly disinterested as the detectives tried to get him to talk.

Prosecutor Galdwin [sic] ordered him held in $1500 bail as a material witness. He furnished bond and was permitted to go home.

Brother of Olney Bandit

Doris, who was a brother of the late Frank Doris, one of the four Olney bank bandits who went to the electric chair for killing a Philadelphia policeman, is also unuder [sic] indictment for the murder of Joseph (Mose) Flannery, who was shot in front of a saloon near Front street and Kaighn avenue last September.

About a dozen witnesses are either in jail or out on bail. According to the investigators, several have identified Doris as the man who shot Connors in a quarrel over a girl losing $4 while attending a party. She is Mrs. Rose Gibbs, 18, of 411 Henry street. She said she went home before the shooting and found the missing money.

Vice Quiz Bears Fruit as Police Raid Andy Kelly

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, May 18, 1929 (part 1) Camden Courier-Post, May 18, 1929 (part 2) Camden Courier-Post, May 18, 1929 (part 3) Camden Courier-Post, May 18, 1929 (part 4) Camden Courier-Post, May 18, 1929 (part 5) Camden Courier-Post, May 18, 1929 (part 6)

Ward and 10 Cops Seize Beer Samples, Arrest 25 Men, 12 Women

All Treated to Ride in Wagon to Lockup

Proprietor of Second and Federal Street Bar and Son Also Held

Police—true to the promise of their superiors to the Camden county grand jury Tuesday—last night struck with a vengeance at beer and bootlegging raiding Andy Kelly’s saloon at Second and Federal streets, probably one of the best known in the city.

Twenty-five men and 12 women were arrested and taken to city hall.

The raid was made about 11.15. The saloon, crowded with the usual numbers of men at the bar, and with the groups of men and women at tables in the two rear rooms, was entered by 10 policemen headed by Lieut. George Ward.

Beer Samples Seized

Before the bartenders and customers were aware of what was happening, three of the raiders rushed behind the bar, seizing samples of the beer on tap and a pint of whisky. Others guarded the three entrances while the patrons were rounded up and escorted into the waiting wagons. Six wagon loads were taken to headquarters.

Among those arrested were Andrew Kelly, alleged proprietor his son, Edward Kelly, and Daniel Hutchinson, bartender.

The elder Kelly was held in $1500 bail—$1000 for violation of the liquor laws and $500 for operating a disorderly house. Edward Kelly and Hutchinson were held in $500 bail. They were released early today.

The men and women patrons were held in $10 security as material witnesses for a hearing before Police Judge Garfield Pancoast this morning.

The raid came as the grand jury took a recess from Thursday until next Wednesday, after hearing all this week police officials of Camden and pike towns. Among those who discussed the liquor and vice situation with the jurors was Dr. David S. Rhone, director of public safety, who, with Chief Lewis H. Stehr, promised the city’s complete co-operation.

More Raids Loom

Meanwhile, Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin will have the opportunity to catalogue and weigh the evidence which he has obtained this week in the three sessions of the probe so that it may be used in possible raids or when the grand jury begins to indict.

While the prosecutor maintains the strictest secrecy, he indicated yesterday the probe thus far has produced fruitful results. When questioned concerning progress made by the inquisitors, he stated.

“There is much that could be said, but not for publication.”

The grand jury will meet next Tuesday, but only to consider routine matters, one of which will be the April 28 shooting case, in which John Doris, who already has been indicted for the murder of Joseph “Mose” Flannery, is alleged to have thrice wounded Joseph Connors, of Gloucester.

On Wednesday, the crime probe will resume with the questioning of police officials from those communities at the lower end of the county. When that is done, the police authorities of every city, borough and township in the county will have been asked to co-operate closely with the probers and to submit all information concerning vice conditions. What the jury will then take up is a matter of conjecture to the public. For the prosecutor would not disclose that, saying that any statement on the future action of the grand jury would “tip off” the law violators.

Old Camden Police Team Had Loads of Fun in 1907

Camden Courier-Post —

Old Camden Police Team Had Loads of Fun in 1907 - Camden Courier-Post, June 23, 1929 Old Camden Police Team Had Loads of Fun in 1907 - Camden Courier-Post, June 23, 1929 Old Camden Police Team Had Loads of Fun in 1907 - Camden Courier-Post, June 23, 1929 Old Camden Police Team Had Loads of Fun in 1907 - Camden Courier-Post, June 23, 1929 Old Camden Police Team Had Loads of Fun in 1907 - Camden Courier-Post, June 23, 1929 Old Camden Police Team Had Loads of Fun in 1907 - Camden Courier-Post, June 23, 1929 Old Camden Police Team Had Loads of Fun in 1907 - Camden Courier-Post, June 23, 1929

WHEN FATHER WAS A BOY!

Veteran Bluecoats Recall Days When Games Were Picnics

Two Now Pensioned

THE CAMDEN POLICE TEAM OF 1907. Front row, left to right — William Kiker, Walter “Weep” Stanton, “Dick” Haines, Lou “Dutch” Urban. Back row — Charles Whalen, Fred Lechleidner, George Hill, Otto Erdbrink, George “Babe” Clayton and Captain Lincoln James.

One score and two years ago, before racketeers and prohibition invaded the quiet and serenity of this then peaceful town, a jolly band of bluecoats hammered horsehides around sundry South Jersey lots. They comprised the Camden Police baseball team.

Today that same group of hardy men who climbed out of their brass buttons into the regalia of ball players still can gather to “chew the rag” about “those good old days.”

Three of them wore moustaches and the upper lip adornment didn’t create the comment that would result if tossers of the current era were to stroll out on the battlefield all bewhiskered. There is little to write about of their record of 1907. They played whenever they could book a game. These tilts were more or less in the nature of little picnics for the guardians of the law and each game stirred them to a point of enthusiasm that made them feel like kids once again.

The team pictured above was photographed at Blackwood during the hot, sweltering summer of 1907 when they played the Public Service nine there.

William “Bill” Kiker, whom youngsters will say is “one strict cop,” because he somehow seemed always around when they were hopping on wagons, or snitching a chunk of ice while the peddler of that cooling product was engaged elsewhere, played center field. He still lives on Spruce street, near Haddon avenue and patrols a downtown beat. A husky fellow, was Kiker, and he still steps with a lively gait although the thatches under his blue lid have greyed.

‘Weep’ Daddy of Veterans

The “daddy of all veterans,” that call him. He is Walter “Weep” Stanton and may be met any evening in the central part of the city as he jogs gaily over his rounds, seemingly unmindful of the years that have changed his hair to a snowy hue. “Weep” chased fly balls in right field and was a demon on the bases, and for many years was regarded as one of the foremost baseball characters in Camden.

“Dick” Haines, whose powerful right arm bent benders across the dish in a tantalizing manner, held the Public Service batters to one run that day while the “Coppers” tallied seven. Throughout the entire heaving career of this genial, smooth-faced lad his slants escaped the murderous aims of his opposing sluggers. “Dick” had a good whip, knew when to stick his fast one over and only required a fair amount of breaks in the field along with a good backstop to come out on top. Haines is now a prosperous furrier in Brooklyn, N. Y., and recently paid a visit to Camden, to renew acquaintances here.

‘Babe’ Played All Over

George “Babe” Clayton, whose black curly hair and ever-present smile drew attention from what few fair fans attended the games in those days, was battery mate to Haines. A peppery player who kept up a rapid-fire line of chatter “Babe” held Haines keyed up from start to finish and his snappy wing cut many daring runners off the bags or when they tried to pilfer the sacks. Clayton undoubtedly played with more teams than any other member of this squad. A consistent hitter, to a degree, he knocked around with nearly all of the leading teams in this city. Then he toiled under the banners of Merchantville, Medford, Vincentown and even down in Salem during the old South Jersey circuit. “Babe” later played with Baltimore of the Union League and had a fling up in Connecticut with an Eastern League outfit. He’s a bit enlarged around the waist now and it seems that his once jet-black locks are beginning to turn, but the “Babe” is just as jolly and can spin a police motor-bike around in his same lively fashion.

‘Cap’ James Still on the Job

Captain Lincoln James, then a veteran tosser for one of the old Camden clubs, played third base for the coppers, being teamed up in the infield with Charley Whalen, at first, George Hill at second and Lou “Dutch” Urban at the shortfield. Captain James is still in active charge out at the City Hall while Whalen and Hill both have retired via the pension route. Urban played with a number of teams hereabouts and is a keen follower of the national pastime today. This quartet proved a huge problem for any opposing players and freely handed out headaches to umpires.

Fred Lechleidner, one of the outfielders who sported a moustache, patroled the left side of the pasture. He is that dignified gendarme who occupies the post of sergeant-at-arms in the Camden Police Court where Judge Garfield Pancoast is the umpire-in-chief.

Otto Erdbrink, shown in the above photo, was one of those fellows who liked to travel around with “the boys.” He was a loyal fan, rarely missing a game in which the “cops” were booked to battle.

Liquor Raid Fines Enrich City $1020

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, September 30, 1929 (part 1) Camden Courier-Post, September 30, 1929 (part 2) Camden Courier-Post, September 30, 1929 (part 3) Camden Courier-Post, September 30, 1929 (part 4)

Small Cigar Stores Draw Big Penalties; Late Closing Costs Saloon $100

Patrons of speakeasies, their proprietors and 13 youthful craps players paid a total of $1020 into Camden city’s treasury yesterday in fines and forfeitures.

The fines and forfeitures were those of small operators caught in raids by police in virtually every section of the city Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Fines of $100 each were paid by four proprietors charged with violation of a city ordinance forbidding the congregation of disorderly persons on their premises. Another alleged proprietor was fined $100 on the same charge and an additional $200 for operating without a license.

Hearings for proprietors of three other places were postponed until Wednesday at the request of police.

The fines came on the eve of the new Grand Jury’s vice probe. Walter J. Staats, Grand Jury foreman, former treasurer of the Victor Talking Machine Company and now treasurer of the Smith-Austermuhl Company, yesterday turned over to Prosecutor Baldwin, a number of anonymous letters he received informing him of alleged violators. Staats, who conferred with the prosecutor on today’s session of the Grand Jury, declined to give out any statement on what he hopes the jury will accomplish, but declared that it is not interested in anonymous letters. He said that if letters are signed, the senders will be questioned, but unsigned letters were generally valueless bits of spite work.

Cigar Dealer Fined $300

George Palmer, proprietor of a cigar store at 2315 Federal Street, raided by District Detectives Louis Schlam and Walter Smith early Sunday morning, was fined $300. Detective Walter Smith testified six patrons were arrested and a small quantity of beer was found. The sleuth asserted that John DiLorenzo, 36, of 22 Marlton Pike, whose home also was raided Sunday, “dumped” some liquor.

William Stettler, 47, of 1137 South Fourth Street, pleaded guilty of violating the city ordinance as proprietor of the Harry Bach Cafe, where he and ten men were arrested at 12.03 a.m. Sunday. Lieut. Ralph Bakley testified that six weeks ago he had warned Stettler to close at midnight and the proprietor grew abusive. He was raided Sunday morning when the establishment was found open three minutes after midnight. A $100 fine was imposed on Stettler in court yesterday.

Oyster Shop Raided

Schlam and Smith raided the oyster saloon of Joseph Dugan, 2222 Federal street, at 2:45 a.m. Sunday. Dugan was held in $500 bail when alleged liquor was found. He was fined $100.

Max Levin, 48, grocery proprietor of 530 Kaighn Avenue, was arrested on charges of violating the state prohibition act after a raid on the store. He furnished bail of $500 to insure his appearance before Judge Pancoast tomorrow.

Five men were arrested at a cigar store at 2314 Federal street. Two empty bottles which police said smelled of whisky were seized and the alleged proprietor, William Hopkins, 38, was fined $100.

Killed as He Drops in Front of Auto

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, September 20, 1929 (part 1) Camden Courier-Post, September 20, 1929 (part 2)

Chums Get Off Wagon Going Against Traffic Light on Baird Boulevard

DRIVER HELD FOR COURT

Six-year-old Benamin Ealdyga [sic]. 100 South Twenty-fourth street [sic]. hooped one ride too many. He is dead.

Witnesses said he dropped from the back of a wagon at Baird boulevard and Marlton avenue, directly in front of a slowly-moving automobile driven by Charles W. Daily, 41, of 111 West Central avenue, Moorestown, last night.

Francis J. Denver, of Brightwood, N. J., driving behind Daily told Detective William Boettcher that Daily passed him at a slow speed and was crossing Marlton avenue on a green traffic light when two boys dropped from the rear of a wagon crossing the boulevard against the lights.

One ran along with the wagon but Benamin. Denver told police stepped right into the right fender of Daily’s car and was crushed to the street. Daily stopped his car before the rear wheel had passed over the boy’s body, and the two motorists hurriedly took him to West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital.

He was dead of a fractured skull.

Coroner George D. Morgan opened inquiry into the fatality after Police Judge Pancoast held Daily in $1000 bail for grand jury action on an automobile manslaughter charge.

3 Bus Drivers Fined $100 in Speed War; 6 Others Released

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, September 20, 1929 (part 3) Camden Courier-Post, September 20, 1929 (part 4)

Pancoast Warns Against Recklessness in Night Court Lecture

WILL AID PEDESTRIANS

Three bus drivers were fined $100 each and six others were released with sharp reprimands and warnings as the drive against reckless operation of buses continued yesterday.

Police Judge Pancoast in night court warned the drivers that they cannot “speed 65 miles an hour” through Camden streets and that they are going to “drive as we tell you not as the boss says.”

“A pedestrian needs police protection to walk across Federal street when one of you is coming along,” he said.

Charles Kessler, 29, of Palmyra, N. J., alleged to have driven at 30 miles an hour in Westfield avenue; Benjamin J. Stanger, 25, of 331 Boyd street, charged with speeding and passing a bus in motion in Crescent boulevard, and Charles Sager, 22, of 730 Pearl street, alleged to have had 42 miles an hour at Atlantic and Haddon avenues, paid $100 each to escape alternative 30-day sentences.

Of 45 traffic cases other than those against bus drivers, three drivers were fined, two were dismissed and 40 failed to appear forfeiting security.

George Dennis, colored, charged with blocking traffic at Broadway and Sycamore street, didn’t help himself any when he told Judge Pancoast a car had struck him just before he was arrested.

“I’ve been hit 37 times, judge,” he said, “and I haven’t collected damages once.”

“If you have been hit 37 times,” replied the judge, “you aren’t fit to drive. Ten dollars.”

‘Celebrators’ Freed

Camden Courier-Post —

‘Celebrators’ Freed - Camden Courier-Post, February 10, 1930

Youths Released When Restaurateur Declines to Press Charges

Because Robert Turner, Federal street restaurant proprietor, declined to prosecute, two young Philadelphians went home yesterday instead of to jail. They are Charles Dolan, 24, of 5504 Thompson street, and William Delaney, 24, of 34 South Melville street.

Both were arraigned in Police Court on charges of being drunk and disorderly Saturday night.

Delaney, it was testified, tried to open Turner’s door at 212 Federal street with his elbow. He opened a pane of glass. Patrolman William Schultz testified.

“We were full of spaghetti and beer, judge,” said Dolan and Delaney. “We’re really good guys at heart.”

“Yes? Well, celebrate in Philadelphia in the future,” said Judge Pancoast, dismissing them.

Liquor Raid Fines Enrich City $1020

Camden Courier-Post —

Liquor Raid Fines Enrich City $1020 - Camden Courier-Post, September 30, 1929

Small Cigar Stores Draw Big Penalties; Late Closing Costs Saloon $100

Patrons of speakeasies, their proprietors and 13 youthful craps players paid a total of $1020 into Camden city’s treasury yesterday in fines and forfeitures.

The fines and forfeitures were those of small operators caught in raids by police in virtually every section of the city Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Fines of $100 each were paid by four proprietors charged with violation of a city ordinance forbidding the congregation of disorderly persons on their premises. Another alleged proprietor was fined $100 on the same charge and an additional $200 for operating without a license.

Hearings for proprietors of three other places were postponed until Wednesday at the request of police.

The fines came on the eve of the new Grand Jury’s vice probe. Walter J. Staats, Grand Jury foreman, former treasurer of the Victor Talking Machine Company and now treasurer of the Smith-Austermuhl Company, yesterday turned over to Prosecutor Baldwin, a number of anonymous letters he received informing him of alleged violators. Staats, who conferred with the prosecutor on today’s session of the Grand Jury, declined to give out any statement on what he hopes the jury will accomplish, but declared that it is not interested in anonymous letters. He said that if letters are signed, the senders will be questioned, but unsigned letters were generally valueless bits of spite work.

Cigar Dealer Fined $300

George Palmer, proprietor of a cigar store at 2318 Federal street, raided by District Detectives Louis Schlam and Walter Smith early Sunday morning, was fined $300. Detective Walter Smith testified six patrons were arrested and a small quantity of beer was found. The sleuth asserted that John DiLorenzo, 36, of 22 Marlton pike, whose home also was raided Sunday, “dumped” some liquor.

William Stettler, 47, of 1137 South Fourth street, pleaded guilty of violating the city ordinance as proprietor of the Harry Bach Cafe, where he and ten men were arrested at 12.03 a. m. Sunday. Lieut. Ralph Bakley testified that six weeks ago he had warned Stettler to close at midnight and the proprietor grew abusive. He was raided Sunday morning when the establishment was found open three minutes after midnight. A $100 fine was imposed on Stettler in court yesterday.

Oyster Shop Raided

Schlam and Smith raided the oyster saloon of Joseph Dugan, 2222 Federal street, at 2:45 a. m. Sunday. Dugan was held in $500 bail when alleged liquor was found. He was fined $100.

Max Levin, 48, grocery proprietor of 5[?]0 Kaighn avenue, was arrested on charges of violating the state prohibition act after a raid on the store. He furnished bail of $500 to insure his appearance before Judge Pancoast tomorrow.

Five men were arrested at a cigar store at 2314 Federal street. Two empty bottles which police said smelled of whiskey were seized and the alleged proprietor, William Hopkins, 38, was fined $100.

Death Cheats Wife of Mate’s Surprise

Camden Courier-Post —

Fate and the heavy wheels of a bus turned to tragedy a surprise planned by Arthur Hickman, 45, of 2021 Howell Street, for the wife he had not seen for five weeks.

Returning unexpectedly last night from Auburn N. Y., where he had been working as an asbestos pipe coverer, Hickman was but a few blocks from his home when he was struck by a bus and killed instantly. The tragedy occurred on Twenty-seventh Street, between Howell and Thompson Streets.

Hickman had written a letter to his wife, Lottie, telling her that his work soon would be finished and that he expected to arrive here Saturday. The work, however, was completed earlier than he had expected and Hickman arrived in Camden last night.

He left a bus at Twenty-seventh and Howell Streets and stopped for a moment at the home of a friend nearby. Shortly after 6 p. m. he stepped from the curb and ran across Twenty-seventh Street in the path of a Schultz Pennsauken-Philadelphia bus. The front right wheel passed over his head. Identification was made possible only through papers in his pockets and his suitcase.

William Renfrey, 24, of 2936 Cramer Street, driver of the bus, was held in $1000 bail on a charge of manslaughter by Police Judge Garfield Pancoast.

Hickman was well known in Camden as a pigeon fancier. Beside his wife, he is survived by a son, Joseph, 24, attached to the aviation corps at Honolulu.

Fines Total $1005 in Weekend Raids

Camden Courier-Post —

Three Proprietors Assessed $100 Each! Two Disorderly Houses and Restaurant Hit

A weekend of raiding in which 59 men and women were arrested in two disorderly houses, and a restaurant dispensing beer enriched the coffers of the Camden city treasury yesterday by $1005.

Proprietors of the three establishments were fined $100 each by Judge Garfield Pancoast on charges of violating the city disorderly act. An inmate of one of the disorderly houses was sentenced to three months in jail, having ignored a warning to leave town.

The raid on the Blue Hour Luncheonette, 1282 Liberty street, early Sunday in which 43 were arrested is said to have been the largest of its type in the city in more than a year.

Frank Kerr, 40, proprietor, pleaded guilty to charges of violating ordinance 422, while Parker McGonigal, of 1240 Morton street, facing similar charges, said he only worked in the establishment and received a suspended sentence.

Security of $10 was returned to Florence Williams, 22, of 312 North Third Street; Teresa Kelly, 21 of 3013 Constitution Road, and Charles Mengalie, 24, of 314 Stevens Street, who proved that they had not been in the restaurant but were picked up on the street outside.

Thirty-eight others required to post $10 for appearance as material witnesses forfeited their security.

The disorderly houses raided were located at 818 and 1219 Locust Street.

Two colored women and six white men were arrested in the first establishment and three men and five women in the second.

Pearl Williams, an inmate of the establishment at 818 Locust street, was sentenced to three months in jail, while Mary Young, proprietress, and Leona West, proprietress of the second establishment, were each fined $100.

All of the men arrested were either fined $25 or forfeited securities of $25 each.

The establishment at 1219 Locust Street, raided late Sunday night by Sergeant Frank Truax and detectives is said to be the most luxurious of its kind found in this city.

Boys Held in Gem Theft

Camden Courier-Post —

Lads, 11 and 10, Charged by East Camden Woman With Taking Purse and $725 Diamond

Charged with the theft of a $725 diamond ring, two small boys were ordered held for Juvenile Court by Police Judge Pancoast yesterday. One of the boys, William McGinnis, 11, of 2639 Carman Street, had been released from the county detention home last Thursday on probation by Judge Shay. He had been one of six boys held in connection with a series of nine robberies in East Camden.

The other boy is John Auletto, 10, of 2824 Howell Street.

Mrs. Catherine Tydeman testified the pair had come to her apartment at Twenty-eighth Street and Westfield Avenue Thursday afternoon and told her she was wanted on the phone. Returning, she saw the two boys leaving her apartment, and a short time later she discovered that her pocketbook containing a $725 diamond ring was missing. District Detective William Hurlock arrested the pair at the Garfield School. He said he found the ring in their possession.

Parents of the McGinnis boy pleaded for him before judge shay last Thursday and said he was “backward” because of a fractured skull he had suffered in an accident.

3 Youths Held as Blaze Razes Grain Plant of Sitley and Son

Camden Courier-Post —

Damage in Fire at Sixth and Bulson Streets Estimated at $45,000

Four Men Risk Lives to Save Two Horses — Boys Believed by Police Probers to Have Been Smoking, in Building

Three boys are being held and two others are sought in the investigation of the $45,000 fire which today destroyed the warehouse of Sitley & Son, wholesale hardware, roofing material and grain dealers at Sixth and Bulson streets.

The three boys were ordered held by Police Judge Pancoast after authorities expressed belief that the three alarm fire was caused either by thieves or boys smoking cigarettes on the premises.

Two of the youths admitted they stole coal from the plant’s siding last night, while the third confessed that he, and two other boys were in the plant last evening. He said his two companions, who are expected to be arrested this afternoon, were smoking.

One fireman was slightly hurt when he ran a nail into his foot, while other firefighters narrowly escaped injury when the roof of the blazing building collapsed.

A dense fog, rain, great clouds of thick smoke and intense heat all hampered the firemen, and rendered them practically helpless for more than three hours. When the blaze was finally under control at 8:00 a.m., only the blackened and buckled walls remained standing.

Practically the entire stock was lost, but through the courage of four men including two policemen: a team of terrified horses and three trucks were saved from the blazing stable.

Twenty employees were temporarily deprived of work.

Discovery of three rolls of wire fencing on nearby railroad tracks and the presence of two men near the premises when the blaze was discovered led Fire Chief Thomas Nicholas to believe thieves had thrown a cigarette near some flammable material.

The arrested boy is John Brodzik, 1927 Fillmore Street.

Two other youths, John Hadyniak, 16, of 685 Ferry Avenue, and Anthony Parraine [Piraino—PMC], 11, of 2026 South Seventh Street, arrested on a charge of stealing coal from the Sitley siding last night are also being held. They declare they were not in the plant.

In addition to the smoke and heat firemen were further hampered by the fact that two railroads pass the building. Many of the hose lines had to be stretched over the tracks, so that in order to prevent passing trains from cutting the lines, holes were dug under the tracks and the lines run through the excavations.

Horses Rescued

The four rushed into the stable, broke down the door, and led out the two horses, which several times attempted to run back into the flames. The men also drove three trucks out of the place before they were driven away by the dense smoke.

The building occupies a plot about 300 feet square and comprises several one and two-story sections. There was formerly a grain elevator on the site belonging to the Sitleys, but it was destroyed by fire more than a decade ago and never rebuilt. On the south side of the plant are the Atlantic City Railroad tracks, and on the east side the West Jersey and Seashore Railroad lines.

Flames Spread Rapidly

Believed to have started either in the stable or at the extreme northern end of the plant, the fire quickly swept through the entire building. Rolls of tarred paper and bins of grain were quickly consumed, throwing out huge clouds of smoke.

Two more alarms were sounded for additional apparatus, but it was not until 7:30 a.m. that firemen could enter the building. Meanwhile, about 50 hose lines were stretched to the building and water continually played on the fire. Commissioner Frank B. Hanna arrived and increased the water pressure five points at the pumping stations to keep a water supply to feed the hose lines. Chief of Police Lewis H. Stehr also sped to the fire.

A touch of tragedy was added when Thomas Mills, 70, of 431 Viola Street, employed by the Sitleys for 40 years as a packer, arrived. The elderly workman burst into tears when he saw the flames, and sobbed that he was now out of work and had a family to support.

Finally, about 8 a. m., firemen had the blaze under control, after the roof had caved in. Only the walls stood, but several times they threatened to collapse.

The owners, Frank B. Sitley, Sr., of Woodbury, and his son, Frank B. Sitley, Jr., arrived, but declined to estimate their loss. However, police and firemen fixed an approximate damage of $25,000 to the building and $20,000 to the stock.

Lieutenant Frost found three rolls of wire fencing which had been taken from the building. They were lying on the Reading Railroad tracks, apparently dropped by thieves when police arrived.

Young Brodzik was arrested at 8:00 p.m. yesterday by Special Officer John Stevenson, who turned him over to Patrolmen Smith and Rieh. The youth was charged with suspicion of having broken into the place, and is alleged to have first denied being in the building, but later admitted that he and two other boys crawled through a basement window.

The boy declared that he neither smoked nor stole anything, but said that other boys had smoked. He refused to divulge their names.

Hadyniak and Perraine were arrested last night and charged with theft of coal from the siding. Brodzik declared those two were not the boys who were with him last night.

All three were arraigned before Judge Pancoast in police court this morning and held without bail pending investigation.

Dr. Lesher Trial In Dope Case To Open Tomorrow

Camden Courier-Post —

Dr. Lesher Trial In Dope Case To Open Tomorrow - Camden Courier-Post, May 4, 1930 Dr. Lesher Trial In Dope Case To Open Tomorrow - Camden Courier-Post, May 4, 1930 Dr. Lesher Trial In Dope Case To Open Tomorrow - Camden Courier-Post, May 4, 1930

Penn Street Physician Accused of Giving Drugs to Woman Addict

She Also Will Face Court on Charges

Doctor Says in Defense That He Administered to Her as Patient

Indicted on five counts for violation of the state narcotic act, Dr. Charles B. Lesher, 40, of 331 Penn street, will go on trial tomorrow before Judge Shay and a jury in Camden Criminal court.

The physician is accused of “administering, giving and prescribing drugs” to Mrs. Doris Jenkins, 32, of Lester terrace near Broadway, mother of a year-old daughter, Doris. She was indicted five times for being a drug addict and will go on trial after Dr. Lesher.

Trial of Dr. Lesher was to have started a week ago, but on request of D. Trueman Stackhouse, his counsel, a delay was granted by Prosecutor Baldwin to give Stackhouse additional time to prepare his defense.

Dr. Lesher was arrested January 22 last, shortly after he had appeared before Police Judge Pancoast as a witness in the hearing of Mrs. Jenkins, who was charged with attempting to abandon her child a second time.

A month previous Mrs. Jenkins had been arrested on a charge of seeking to abandon the baby in a coach on the street and sent to jail to take the “drug cure.”

In Jail 25 Days

She remained in jail 25 days and was discharged as cured of the drug habit.

A few days later she again was seized with the desire for drugs and once more found herself in the toils of the law. She was taken to West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital, from which she escaped clad in a nightgown and blanket early on the morning of January 20 as the thermometer hovered near the zero mark. She walked two miles along icy pavements to the home of a friend at 808 Morgan street, who notified the authorities.

The defense of Dr. Lesher will be that he prescribed drugs to relieve Mrs. Jenkins of pain suffered from gallstones. After she had been committed to jail a second time, she was stricken seriously and taken to the hospital, where an operation was performed.

Physician Testifies

Dr. Lesher testified at the last hearing of the woman before Judge Pancoast that she came to his office on August 13 last and complained of severe internal pains. After learning of her condition, the physician said he advised an operation, but she said she could not afford it. Then he is said to have given Mrs. Jenkins a hypodermic injection to relieve her suffering. From that time on, according to Dr. Lesher’s testimony, the woman came to him for relief.

Mrs. Jenkins, according to Dr. Lesher, owes him $1080 for drugs and services which she has made no attempt to pay.

The physician’s records of Mrs. Jenkins in possession of the prosecutor’s office are said to show that he had given her 300 hypodermic injections.

Dr. Lesher also must stand trial in Federal court as the result of seven indictments returned against him several weeks ago, charging violation of the Harrison anti-narcotic act.

Judge Quashes 5 Drug Charges Against Doctor

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, May 5, 1930 (part 1) Camden Courier-Post, May 5, 1930 (part 2) Camden Courier-Post, May 5, 1930 (part 3) Camden Courier-Post, May 5, 1930 (part 5) Camden Courier-Post, May 5, 1930 (part 10) Camden Courier-Post, May 5, 1930 (part 11) Camden Courier-Post, May 5, 1930 (part 12)

Indictments Dismissed on Grounds They Allege No Crime; All Worded Alike

Baldwin Will Carry Case to High Court

Law Permitting Use of ‘Dope’ to Cure Habit Cited by Defense Attorney

Five indictments charging Dr. Charles B. Lesher, of 331 Penn Street, with violation of the state anti-narcotic act of 1929, were quashed by Judge Shay in Criminal Court today when the defense contended that the indictments were faulty in that they alleged no crime.

Prosecutor Baldwin immediately gave notice that he would petition the State Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari for a review of the case. If the Supreme Court reverses Judge Shay’s decision, the prosecutor will then move for sentence.

Seven indictments have also been returned against Dr. Lesher by the Federal Grand Jury, but no date has been fixed for trial on those bills.

The North Camden physician, who is represented by D. Trueman Stackhouse, was to have gone on trial on the five true bills which accused him of unlawfully administering, giving and prescribing narcotics to Mrs. Doris Jenkins, 32, of Lester terrace near Broadway. Mrs. Jenkins has also been indicted on five counts as a drug addict. She, too, was to have gone on trial, but she was released on her own recognizance today pending the Supreme Court’s ruling on Baldwin’s writ.

When court opened today, Stackhouse called for a side bar conference, at which he retracted his client’s former plea of not guilty and substituted a plea of guilty. He averred that in doing this, Dr. Lesher was not pleading guilty to a crime, but to a lawful act, as the indictments do not charge him with unlawfully giving and prescribing drugs for a malady other than habitual use of drugs, whereas the anti-narcotic act permits that.

Effort to Cure Claimed

Prosecutor Baldwin then pointed out that the indictments charged that Dr. Lesher knew Mrs. Jenkins was a drug addict, and that the state act prohibits the administering of drugs to an addict. Stackhouse then set forth that the act also permits a physician to give or prescribe drugs to an addict for the purpose of curing the patient of habitual use of drugs.

The prosecutor declared he was “taken back” by the defense’s apparent claims that Dr. Lesher had intended to cure Mrs. Jenkins of the drug habit. Baldwin averred he was under the impression that Dr. Lesher would claim that he had given the morphine to Mrs. Jenkins to relieve her of pain from gallstones, for which she underwent an operation.

Baldwin then moved for sentence, declaring that Dr. Lesher had forfeited the right of trial by pleading guilty.

Judge Shay agreed with Stackhouse and dismissed the indictments, whereupon Baldwin asked for an exception, which was granted.

The indictments charge the physician with violating the state drug code on November 1, December 9 and 10, and January 6 and 13. With the exception of the different dates, each bill reads as follows:

“Dr. Charles B. Lesher, being a duly licensed physician, did unlawfully administer, give and prescribe a certain quantity of a preparation, admixture or compound containing morphine, or a salt, derivative or chemical compound of morphine unto Doris Jenkins, known to him to be a habitual user thereof, said preparation, admixture and compound not having been then and there administered for the cure or treatment of some malady other than the drug habit to the evil example of all others in like case offending, contrary to the form of the statute provided, against the peace of this state and government, and the dignity of the same.”

Prosecutor Baldwin read the indictments into the court records to be submitted to the Supreme Court. The anti-narcotic act is contained in Chapter 301, laws of 1929, supplement to the Crimes Act. It reads:

“No physician or dentist shall sell, dispense, administer, distribute, give or prescribe any drugs to any person known to him to be a habitual user of any said drugs, unless said drug is administered, distributed, given or prescribed for the cure or treatment of some malady other than the drug habit;

“Provided, however, that if any physician desires to undertake in good faith the cure of the habit of taking or using opium or any of its derivatives in any form, said physician may prescribe or dispense opium or any of its derivatives to the patient;

“Provided that such opium or its derivatives are prescribed, dispensed in good faith for the purpose of curing such patient of such habit and not merely for the purpose of satisfying the craving for drugs.”

Dr. Lesher was arrested January 22 last, shortly after he had appeared before Police Judge Pancoast as a witness in the hearing of Mrs. Jenkins, who was charged with attempting to abandon her child a second time.

Dr. Lesher testified at the last hearing of the woman before Judge Pancoast that she came to his office on August 13 last and complained of severe internal pains. After learning of her condition, the physician said he advised an operation, but she said she could not afford it.

Mrs. Jenkins, according to Dr. Lesher, owes him $1080 for drugs and services which she has made no attempt to pay.

The physician’s records of Mrs. Jenkins in possession of the prosecutor’s office are said to show that he had given her 300 hypodermic injections.

Judge Quashes 5 Drug Charges Against Doctor

Camden Courier-Post —

Judge Quashes 5 Drug Charges Against Doctor - Camden Courier-Post, May 5, 1930 Judge Quashes 5 Drug Charges Against Doctor - Camden Courier-Post, May 5, 1930 Judge Quashes 5 Drug Charges Against Doctor - Camden Courier-Post, May 5, 1930 Judge Quashes 5 Drug Charges Against Doctor - Camden Courier-Post, May 5, 1930 Judge Quashes 5 Drug Charges Against Doctor - Camden Courier-Post, May 5, 1930

Indictments Dismissed on Grounds They Allege No Crime; All Worded Alike

Baldwin Will Carry Case to High Court

Law Permitting Use of ‘Dope’ to Cure Habit Cited by Defense Attorney

Five indictments charging Dr. Charles B. Lesher, of 331 Penn street, with violation of the state anti-narcotic act of 1929, were quashed by Judge Shay in Criminal Court today when the defense contended that the indictments were faulty in that they alleged no crime.

Prosecutor Baldwin immediately gave notice that he would petition the State Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari for a review of the case. If the Supreme Court reverses Judge Shay’s decision, the prosecutor will then move for sentence.

Seven indictments have also been returned against Dr. Lesher by the Federal Grand Jury, but no date has been fixed for trial on those bills.

The North Camden physician, who is represented by D. Trueman Stackhouse, was to have gone on trial on the five true bills which accused him of unlawfully administering, giving and prescribing narcotics to Mrs. Doris Jenkins, 32, of Lester terrace near Broadway. Mrs. Jenkins has also been indicted on five counts as a drug addict. She, too, was to have gone on trial, but she was released on her own recognizance today pending the Supreme Court’s ruling on Baldwin’s writ.

When court opened today, Stackhouse called for a side bar conference, at which he retracted his client’s former plea of not guilty and substituted a plea of guilty. He averred that in doing this, Dr. Lesher was not pleading guilty to a crime, but to a lawful act, as the indictments do not charge him with unlawfully giving and prescribing drugs for a malady other than habitual use of drugs, whereas the anti-narcotic act permits that.

Effort to Cure Claimed

Prosecutor Baldwin then pointed out that the indictments charged that Dr. Lesher knew Mrs. Jenkins was a drug addict, and that the state act prohibits the administering of drugs to an addict. Stackhouse then set forth that the act also permits a physician to give or prescribe drugs to an addict for the purpose of curing the patient of habitual use of drugs.

The prosecutor declared he was “taken back” by the defense’s apparent claims that Dr. Lesher had intended to cure Mrs. Jenkins of the drug habit. Baldwin averred he was under the impression that Dr. Lesher would claim that he had given the morphine to Mrs. Jenkins to relieve her of pain from gallstones, for which she underwent an operation.

Baldwin then moved for sentence, declaring that Dr. Lesher had forfeited the right of trial by pleading guilty.

Judge Shay agreed with Stackhouse and dismissed the indictments, whereupon Baldwin asked for an exception, which was granted.

The indictments charge the physician with violating the state drug code on November 1, December 9 and 10, and January 6 and 13. With the exception of the different dates, each bill reads as follows:

“Dr. Charles B. Lesher, being a duly licensed physician, did unlawfully administer, give and prescribe a certain quantity of a preparation, admixture or compound containing morphine, or a salt, derivative or chemical compound of morphine unto Doris Jenkins, known to him to be a habitual user thereof, said preparation, admixture and compound not having been then and there administered for the cure or treatment of some malady other than the drug habit to the evil example of all others in like case offending, contrary to the form of the statute provided, against the peace of this state and government, and the dignity of the same.”

Prosecutor Baldwin read the indictments into the court records to be submitted to the Supreme Court. The anti-narcotic act is contained in Chapter 301, laws of 1929, supplement to the Crimes Act. It reads:

“No physician or dentist shall sell, dispense, administer, distribute, give or prescribe any drugs to any person known to him to be a habitual user of any said drugs, unless said drug is administered, distributed, given or prescribed for the cure or treatment of some malady other than the drug habit;

“Provided, however, that if any physician desires to undertake in good faith the cure of the habit of taking or using opium or any of its derivatives in any form, said physician may prescribe or dispense opium or any of its derivatives to the patient;

“Provided that such opium or its derivatives are prescribed, dispensed in good faith for the purpose of curing such patient of such habit and not merely for the purpose of satisfying the craving for drugs.”

Dr. Lesher was arrested January 22 last, shortly after he had appeared before Police Judge Pancoast as a witness in the hearing of Mrs. Jenkins, who was charged with attempting to abandon her child a second time.

Dr. Lesher testified at the last hearing of the woman before Judge Pancoast that she came to his office on August 13 last and complained of severe internal pains. After learning of her condition, the physician said he advised an operation, but she said she could not afford it.

Mrs. Jenkins, according to Dr. Lesher, owes him $1080 for drugs and services which she has made no attempt to pay.

The physician’s records of Mrs. Jenkins in possession of the prosecutor’s office are said to show that he had given her 300 hypodermic injections.

Doris Kin Held in Attempt to Rob Store Here

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, June 2, 1930 — George Doris Camden Courier-Post, June 2, 1930 (part 1) Camden Courier-Post, June 2, 1930 (part 2) Camden Courier-Post, June 2, 1930 (part 3) Camden Courier-Post, June 2, 1930 (part 4) Camden Courier-Post, June 2, 1930 (part 5) Camden Courier-Post, June 2, 1930 (part 6)

George Doris.

Alertness of Citizen Halts Thief in Getting $2500 Loot

Defendant’s Arrest Recalls Dual Tragedy

One Brother Slain in Prison, Other Killed by Gangster

Surprised while looting a Broadway women’s wearing apparel shop, George Doris, 23, of 738 Race street, Philadelphia, was held without bail to await the action of the grand jury today when arraigned before Judge Pancoast in Camden Police Court on charges of breaking, entering and larceny.

When arrested early yesterday morning, Doris told police he was George McGovern, a Camden cafe entertainer, but fingerprints and photos taken by Camden police and compared with those of George Doris at Philadelphia detective headquarters resulted in his identity being established.

The accused man is a younger brother of John Doris, Camden and Philadelphia gangster who was slain under mysterious circumstances while serving a sentence in the State Penitentiary at Trenton, and Frank Doris, who was electrocuted in Pennsylvania in connection with the killing of a policeman in the Olney Bank robbery. In court today, Doris, not represented by counsel, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.

He told Judge Pancoast that he was busy yesterday and did not remember being in the Pomerantz Dress Shop at 601 Broadway when he was taken into custody.

Neighbor Gives Tip

Had it not been for the quick thinking of William Henion, of 532 Royden street, City Detective Joseph Carpani and Judge Pancoast, Doris might have gotten off with $2500 in women’s coats, dresses and lingerie.

Henion, according to the story which Carpani disclosed to the court, was aroused from his sleep early yesterday by somebody hammering against a rear door of the Pomerantz store, which is opposite his home.

Getting up, Henion went down to learn the cause of the disturbance and found Doris using a pick-ax which he found in Henion’s yard to force the door.

Doris became talkative as soon as he saw Henion and confided that he had a contract to do some work in the Pomerantz store.

Surprised that a man should be at work so early on a Sunday, Henion detained the man and went into his own home and decided to telephone police headquarters and communicate his suspicions.

Patrolmen George Schuyler and Milton Cahill were dispatched to the scene. Entering through the rear, the same as Doris had done, the two patrolmen came upon the suspect as he was carrying an armful of women’s dresses from the front of the store to the rear.

Doris surrendered without a struggle and was taken to police headquarters where he said his name was George McGovern.

A search of his clothing, revealed which he had taken from a cash register in the store but $600 in receipts, from Saturday night which S. Pomerantz, proprietor had placed in a jar and hidden under a counter, was not disturbed.

Police Record

Doris has a police record in Philadelphia, having been arrested at one time or another for having an opium outfit in his possession, as an inmate of a disorderly house and in connection with operation of a gaming house.

Burglars who are believed to have used a small boy to force a way into the Keystone Stationery Store, at 414 Market street early yesterday, made off with $1700 in stationery supplies, including many expensive fountain pens.

City Detective William Boettcher who investigated the robbery, found a small bar had been broken and a blossom on a rear door forced, allowing a child to be passed through and the door opened from the inside. The burglars were evidently in great haste as they missed considerable other stationery supplies, police said.

New Vice Squad in 3 Raids Nabs 6 as Suspects in Bandit Gang

Camden Courier-Post —

New Vice Squad in 3 Raids Nabs 6 as Suspects in Bandit Gang - Camden Courier-Post, June 3, 1930 New Vice Squad in 3 Raids Nabs 6 as Suspects in Bandit Gang - Camden Courier-Post, June 3, 1930 New Vice Squad in 3 Raids Nabs 6 as Suspects in Bandit Gang - Camden Courier-Post, June 3, 1930 New Vice Squad in 3 Raids Nabs 6 as Suspects in Bandit Gang - Camden Courier-Post, June 3, 1930

Police Believe Prisoners Know Something of Wierman Murder

PROSECUTOR BALDWIN SEEKS SPEEDY TRIAL

Indications Point to Sextet Staging Recent Holdups Netting $25,000

Arrested by the new Camden police vice squad today in three East Camden dwellings, four men and two women are believed by county authorities to be members of a bandit gang which collected $25,000 and murdered a Camden man in a series of eight holdups during the past two months.

Prosecutor Baldwin expressed belief that the suspects were either implicated in, or know who executed the shooting of William “Big Bill” Wierman, alleged Camden beer runner, during a holdup April 28 at the Bellmawr County Club.

He announced he would ask the grand jury this afternoon to indict them on charges made against them this morning by the city police, and would probably place them on trial here next week.

Meanwhile, all victims and witnesses to the daring holdups in and near the city will be summoned to the courthouse to attempt to identify the prisoners.

He highly complimented the newly created vice squad on its efficient raids made after a week of painstaking investigation.

Firearms Seized

In each residence police seized a veritable arsenal of revolvers, sawed-off shotguns, repeating rifles and hundreds of ammunition, all hidden in closets or secret caches under the floors. An opium “layout,” hacksaw, pairs of colored eyeglasses and silverware were also confiscated.

The discovery of the tinted eyeglasses in the residence was of significance to Police Lieutenant Ralph Bakley, who pointed out that one of the armed bandits who held up the son of Freeholder Leonard Brehm at Front and Kaighn avenue two weeks before the Wierman slaying wore green glasses to escape identification.

The detectives aided by state troopers executed their raids with a precision which prevented any of the suspects from resisting or escaping. Two men attempted to slip through the ring, but one surrendered after a single shot was fired at him, and the other was captured while trying to scale a rear fence.

The suspects gave their names as:

John Fisher, 38, of 41 South Thirty-third street, Camden.

Nicholas Bartluci, 23, of 764 South Berwick street, Philadelphia.

Joseph Conti, 34, of 708 South Eighth street, Philadelphia.

Catherine Christman, 28, of 2202 Filbert street, Philadelphia.

Marco Reginelli, 32, of Apartment 2, at 143 North Thirty-fourth street, Camden.

Mrs. Mary Reginelli, 24, his wife, same address.

Committed Without Bail

All six were arraigned before Judge Pancoast in the city police court this afternoon. As they were arrested in a joint complaint charging each with carrying concealed deadly weapons was lodged against them by Detective Louis Schlam, member of the vice squad. An additional complaint charging possession of narcotics was placed against Conti and Catherine Christman.

All of the suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges and were remanded to the county jail without bail. Prosecutor Baldwin stated he did not immediately fix bail, but would hold them for further investigation. They will be finger-printed and “mugged” so that county authorities can obtain their police records.

Bartluci has been arrested four times in Philadelphia since 1926, but each time was released or exonerated. The charges were inciting a riot in 1926.

[The page-one text breaks off here; the lines joining it to the page-two text below are not in the crops.] suspicion of hold-up and robbery in 1927, 1928 and 1929.

Conti is a familiar figure in the Philadelphia underworld, according to police, and it is believed that he may be the same Joseph Conti who was arrested as a witness in a recent gang murder in that city.

All of the prisoners treated their arrest with levity. Conti, while being led from the courtroom after his hearing jocularly remarked to Patrolman Everett Joslin:

“Wait, and I’ll get a machine gun out of my shoe for you.”

All the men were handcuffed when arrested in police court.

Conti and the Christian [sic] woman were arrested when police broke down the door of a house at 3719 Highland avenue, Camden. Fisher and Bartluci were seized at the South Thirty-third street address, while the Reginellis were captured in their apartment.

Conti made a desperate bid for freedom when he saw the detectives, armed with shotguns, repeating rifles, revolvers and tear bombs. The suspect dashed through the rear door, but came to an abrupt standstill when a member of the vice squad, Detective James Paradise, fired one shot at him.

Bartluci also attempted to escape and was clambering over a rear fence when he fell into the arms of Detectives Walter Smith and Vernon Jones.

All were arrested “on information received,” the only explanation the police would give. It was revealed that the special vice squad, organized by police heads a few days after a Camden bank messenger was robbed of $6700 in broad daylight May 23, has had the three dwellings under surveillance for the past week.

The raiders first visited the Highland avenue place at 5:15 a. m. An automobile was in front of the house, and Conti and the Christman woman were in it, according to detectives. When the suspects saw the police, they leaped from the car and ran into the house, locking the door after them.

Batter Down Door

Under the leadership of Detective Theodore Guthrie, the vice squad members quickly surrounded the place, and Detectives Smith and Jones knocked at the front door. There was no response, and the detectives then battered the door down, rushing into the dark interior with drawn revolvers.

They found Catherine Christman, but Conti had fled out the rear. Detective Paradise’s shot changed his mind about escaping.

Then a thorough search was made of the premises for weapons or possible loot. In closets, under beds, the detectives found weapons of all description. Baseboards and the floors were hammered, and several traps were found to contain weapons when floor boards were ripped up.

The raiders took their prisoners to City Hall, and then descended upon the South Thirty-third street house, at 6:30 a. m. There they had to force open the front door when their demands for entrance met no response. They arrested Fisher, who made no attempt to resist when he saw it was futile. Bartluci, however, dashed into the rear yard, but was captured.

Here, another thorough search uncovered weapons, and when the prisoners and confiscated material had been disposed of, the raiders sped to the North Thirty-fourth street apartment, forcing the front door open at 7.30 a. m., after surrounding the place.

Those who participated in the raids were the following members of the vice squad, headed by Detective Guthrie: Paradise, Jones, Walter Smith, Clarence Bunker, Louis Schlam, Clarence Arthur, Howard Smith and Joseph Mardini. With them were Sergeant Wilfred L. Dube and Detective Andrew Zopesky, of the state police.

Seized in Raid

The following is a list of what was seized in each place:

At 3719 Highland avenue: One automatic 12-gauge shotgun, serial numbers filed off to prevent tracing to the buyer; one bolt action high-powered .38-calibre rifle; one .38-calibre short-barrelled revolver, loaded; one .38-calibre long-barrelled revolver, loaded; one hacksaw and blade; one box of 50 12-gauge buckshot cartridges, one pair of green glasses, three dozen silver spoons, 10 rifle bullets, 33 .38-calibre bullets, two bunches of keys, one handbag and a complete opium layout, including an extra pipe and a quantity of opium.

At 41 South Thirty-third street: One .45-calibre Colt automatic, loaded; one .45-calibre side-break revolver, loaded; one extra clip of 20 bullets, one 12-gauge sawed-off shotgun, two barrels; four dozen 12-gauge shells, four dozen rifle bullets, 32 .38-calibre bullets and three .45-calibre long rifle bullets.

At 143 North Thirty-fourth street: One automatic .12-gauge shotgun, Remington, Model 11, serial number 324870; one sawed-off shotgun, serial number filed off; one .32-calibre Savage automatic, six dozen 12-gauge shells, 13 .38-calibre bullets for a Luger revolver, eight dozen .32-calibre bullets, one dozen .25-calibre bullets and a pair of amber-colored glasses.

Bandit Suspects Arraigned Before Judge Pancoast

Camden Courier-Post —

Bandit Suspects Arraigned Before Judge Pancoast - Camden Courier-Post, June 3, 1930

Six prisoners arrested in East Camden this morning as bandit suspects are shown above as they pleaded not guilty to charges of carrying weapons. From left to right they are: Catherine Christman, 28; Joseph Conti, 34; Nicholas Bartluci, 23; John Fisher, 38; Mrs. Mary Regnelli [sic], 34, and Marco Regnelli [sic], 32. The photograph was taken in police court. The six are believed by county authorities to be members of a gang which killed a Camden man in a Bellmawr holdup and which conducted a series of daring holdups netting them about $25,000.

—Courier-Post Photo

‘Never Drink in Dark,’ Judge Pancoast Warns

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, June 4, 1930

Judge Pancoast gave this advice in Police Court today: “Never drink when you can’t see what you’re drinking.”

The advice was given Alexander Williams, 23, of 1714 Miller street. Williams was drinking wine in a dark room and accidentally poured some in a glass that contained lye. He hurried to Cooper Hospital, where he was arrested for “attempting suicide” after being treated. Judge Pancoast dismissed the charge.

Punched in Jaw by Request, Girl Loses in Court Appeal

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, December 1, 1930

If someone threatens to sock you on the jaw, don’t invite him to do it. First, he might accept the invitation—undoubtedly he will after reading this—and second, you can’t have him punished in court.

That was the unusual ruling today when Police Judge Pancoast freed Charles Jones, 35, of 324 East Pine street, Audubon. The latter was arraigned on a charge of assault and battery on complaint of Mary Lastini, of 1513 Wayne avenue, Camden.

It seems that Jones is, or maybe was, the boy friend of Mary’s sister. Sunday night, Mary took her sister out on another date. Last night, Jones arrived at the Lastini home “loaded for bear,” according to Mary. The boy friend started to rebuke Mary’s sister, and Mary intervened.

“I’ll punch you in the jaw,” warned Jones.

“I’d like to see you do it,” challenged Mary.

Jones obliged.

“That is not an assault,” stated Judge Pancoast, after hearing Miss Lastini’s testimony and not waiting to hear Jones’ side. “You invited this man to hit you. The case is dismissed.”

After court, Judge Pancoast explained that this interesting point had been in controversy in the U. S. Supreme Court. He averred that in Chicago, a man had handed his servant a revolver with the request, “Shoot me.” Being trained to obey any request, the servant pulled the trigger with deadly effect. He was tried for murder, and the case was carried into the Supreme Court, where it was finally held that the case was not one of murder, but of suicide!

Moral—If you dare someone to hit you—duck!

More Camden Police Hinted by Pancoast

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, December 2, 1930 (part 1) Camden Courier-Post, December 2, 1930 (part 2)

Judge at Westville Dinner Says Force Will Be Increased to 350

Westville, Dec. 2.—A movement to increase the Camden police force from 300 to 350 men to reduce crime in the city was intimated by Police Judge Garfield Pancoast, of Camden, in addressing a banquet last night of the Westville Republican Club at Toppin Inn here.

All officers of the club were re-elected at the meeting which was attended by outstanding county officials.

Describing Camden as the “pivot city” and Westville as the “bottleneck” Judge Pancoast said:

“A community can never have enough police protection. The Camden force will soon be increased from 300 to 350 men. Crime still exists in Camden despite the efforts of the present force, and yet there is no crime wave.”

“We can’t blame crime on prohibition or the war. We are living in a scientific age and I believe the automobile is responsible for present disregard for the laws.”

“Only last Saturday 27 men appeared before me in police court, 23 of them charged with carrying guns. Today I saw more guns than ever before and some of them contained dum dum bullets. Additional police protection will greatly reduce these violations.”

Other speakers were Samuel Davis, assessor; Councilman Harry Quenzel; John F. Davis, borough clerk; Oliver J. West, county clerk, and Freeholder Jess Darlington, of Westville.

Officers re-elected are Mayor A. V. Cox, president; W. H. Lucas, vice president; Raymond Crawford, secretary, and A. E. Jones, treasurer.

Doris Brothers’ Pal Is Given Six Months

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, December 5, 1930 (part 1) Camden Courier-Post, December 5, 1930 (part 2)

James Trainer Jailed on Charge of Loitering With Intent to Steal

Found guilty of “loitering with intent to steal,” James Trainer, 31, was sentenced to six months in the county jail by Police Judge Garfield Pancoast today. Trainer pleaded not guilty and gave as his address the home of the Doris’ brothers mother [sic], Mrs. Emma McGovern, 132 York street.

Trainer had just left an automobile and started to enter the McGovern home at 3 a. m. yesterday when District Detectives Walter Smith and Alfred Shire arrested him on suspicion.

Mrs. McGovern said Trainer was a friend of her late sons, John and Frank Doris, both underworld figures, and that he occasionally had spent the night at her home. Trainer declared he had been living in the McGovern home for a year.

Frank Doris was one of the four Olney bandits executed several years ago. John Doris was mysteriously stabbed to death in state prison while serving a sentence for wounding Joey O’Connors [sic], man-about-town.

Trainer’s record, produced in police court today, showed 17 arrests and three convictions from 1917 to 1930. It showed that he had served sentences of three years, one year and 30 days. He was shown to have been arrested for larceny, robbery, breaking and entering, and as a suspicious character.

Raid Rhone Ordered Costs Barman $100

Camden Evening Courier —

Raid Rhone Ordered Costs Barman $100 - Camden Evening Courier, December 8, 1930 Raid Rhone Ordered Costs Barman $100 - Camden Evening Courier, December 8, 1930 Raid Rhone Ordered Costs Barman $100 - Camden Evening Courier, December 8, 1930

Spruce Street Saloon Visited by Cop for Violation of Sunday Curfew

Arrested in a raid ordered by Dr. David S. Rhone, director of public safety, Daniel McGettigan, 60, was fined $100 in police court today.

McGettigan said he was bartender of a saloon at 783 Spruce street, raided last night, after Dr. Rhone found it open in violation of the “Sunday-closing” order.

Police Judge Pancoast ordered a warrant issued for the arrest of a man named “John McCauley,” of Pine street, after McGettigan said McCauley owned the place.

Two other men arrested in the raid, which was made shortly before midnight Sunday night, failed to appear in court and forfeited $10 security each. They gave their names and addresses last night as Jack Sands, 31, of 915 Spring Garden street, and Harry Hertsch, 47, of 5400 North Fairhill street, both of Philadelphia.

Policeman William Kiker said he was on his way to Second District police headquarters at 11:35 a. m. to start work on the midnight to 8 a. m. shift when he met Dr. Rhone at Ninth and Cherry streets.

“Dr. Rhone told me the saloon at 783 Spruce street was open and told me to close it,” Kiker related. “I saw 20 persons drinking in the back room. When I went to the telephone in the saloon to call headquarters for a patrol wagon I found the phone out of order. I had to go to Eighth and Walnut streets to telephone and when I returned all had fled except Sands and Hertsch. I found McGettigan in bed upstairs.”

McGettigan testified he hadn’t felt well yesterday and went to bed at 2 p. m.

Two automobiles found outside the place were impounded by the police. One bore the Pennsylvania license 23U38 and is said by the police to belong to William Walker, 901 North Moss street, Philadelphia. The other, with Pennsylvania license number B717 belongs to McCauley, according to Kiker. Kiker said he saw McCauley jump out of it and run after the raid.

Number Writer Fined

Camden Evening Courier —

Camden Evening Courier, December 9, 1930

Downtown Man ‘Takes Rap’ and Pays $100 Rather Than ‘Peach’ on Employers

Disclaiming any alliance with a “numbers” ring, a “numbers writer” arrested yesterday afternoon “took the rap” alone today when he entered a plea of guilty before Police Judge Pancoast and paid a fine of $100.

Carey Brown, 23, of 141 Mount Vernon street, was arrested by Patrolman Charles Smith on Kaighn avenue between Fourth and Fifth streets. Smith testified several number slips were found in Brown’s pockets.

“Who are you working for?” Pancoast asked Smith [sic].

“Nobody,” Smith [sic] replied. “I’m my own ‘n this business, collect the money I can and pay out what due.”

“In that case you are due to pay a fine of $100,” Pancoast said. Smith [sic] paid up and departed.

Suspect Is Nabbed at Fairview Home in Shooting of Cop

Camden Evening Courier —

Camden Evening Courier, December 10, 1930 (part 1) Camden Evening Courier, December 10, 1930 (part 2) Camden Evening Courier, December 10, 1930 (part 3)

Collingswood Man Held on Charge Made By Police at Springfield, Mass.—Accused of Having Gun When Caught Crawling From Cellar

A two-week search for a Collingswood man wanted in Springfield, Mass., on a charge of shooting and beating a patrolman, ended in Fairview this morning when George Fingerhut, 26, was captured by three Camden district detectives as he was attempting to flee from the home of his sister.

Fingerhut, who said he lived at 68 Collings avenue, Collingswood, was caught by Detective Howard Smith as he attempted to crawl through a cellar window, gun in hand. Fingerhut had been trailed from Collingswood by Patrolman George Smith, of the Collingswood police, a son of Detective Smith.

According to the Springfield police, Fingerhut was one of three men who shot Patrolman Joseph Gauderau two weeks ago when the patrolman surprised them in the act of stealing a car. After shooting the patrolman, one of the men beat him over the head with a revolver. Gauderau is not expected to live.

Jailed 60 Days

The suspect was arraigned before Police Judge Pancoast on a charge of carrying deadly weapons and being a fugitive from justice. He entered pleas of not guilty to both charges and was sentenced to 60 days on the deadly weapon charge. He was ordered held 30 days pending extradition proceedings.

Fingerhut, after the three detectives testified he had a loaded revolver in his hand when he attempted to flee from a house at 953 Monitor road, Fairview, asked Pancoast to set bail on the fugitive charge. Bail was set at $15,000. He said he reached Camden last night.

The residence at 953 Monitor road is occupied by Raymond Gondolf and family, according to the police. Raymond Gondolf is a son of Peter Gondolf, a Fairview contractor, Republican committeeman from the Fourteenth Ward. Mrs. Raymond Gondolf is Fingerhut’s sister.

The Gondolfs were away from their home last night. Fingerhut, finding the house unoccupied, used it as a hiding place, according to a report filed by Detective Smith.

Fingerhut’s brother, Hugh, and a man known to the police only as “Pete” have been arrested in New England and are being held in Springfield. George Fingerhut, according to the Springfield police, has a long criminal record.

Home Surrounded

The police received a tip yesterday that Fingerhut would try to visit Fairview last night. Detectives Theodore Guthrie, Clarence Bunker and Smith watched the house during the night, and this morning when no sign of Fingerhut was seen Bunker, [sic] went to the rear of the house, Smith to the side and Guthrie to the front door.

Guthrie knocked several times, but his knock was not answered. Then it was that Smith saw a man crawling through a cellar window with a revolver in one hand. Stepping behind some shrubbery, Smith waited until Fingerhut emerged from the cellar window and then covered him with a revolver.

At police headquarters Fingerhut refused to make any statements. His photographs and Bertillion measurements will be broadcast by the Camden police to ascertain if he is wanted in any other cities.

6 Men Are Nabbed as Number Writers

Camden Morning Post —

6 Men Are Nabbed as Number Writers - Camden Morning Post, December 12, 1930 6 Men Are Nabbed as Number Writers - Camden Morning Post, December 12, 1930 6 Men Are Nabbed as Number Writers - Camden Morning Post, December 12, 1930 6 Men Are Nabbed as Number Writers - Camden Morning Post, December 12, 1930

Arrests Lead to Belief Shore Racketeers Are Working Here

Arrest of six alleged number writers here yesterday has spread the belief that Atlantic City racketeers have established “branch offices” on downtown street corners. Four of the accused all of whom were caught by members of the traffic squad, will be given hearings this morning. The other two were sentenced to 60 days each in the Camden county jail, when unable to pay fines of $50 imposed by Police Judge Garfield Pancoast yesterday.

All of the men were arrested while soliciting “business.”

‘Pick Up’ Man Nabbed

One of the six men arrested is believed to be the “pickup man” for the syndicate. He was in an automobile bearing Atlantic county tags and his pockets were filled with number slips and cash, according to the police.

Henry Davis, 36, of 208 Walnut street, and Alonzo Singleton, 20, of 256 Chestnut street, were arrested by Sergeant Jeff Kay and Motorcycle Policeman Thomas Kauffman at Second and Kaighn avenue. One man was standing on the northwest corner and the other on the southwest corner, soliciting business, the police testified. Davis and Singleton pleaded guilty and went to jail for 60 days.

LeRoy Keeler, 20, of 1617 Arctic avenue, Atlantic City, and David Watson, 29, of Second and Mt. Vernon streets, Camden, were arrested at Broadway and Mickle street by Motorcycle Policeman Charles Smith and William Moll. They were held for hearings this morning.

Wesley Edgehill, 35, of 1623½ Arctic avenue, Atlantic City, alleged by the police to be the “pickup man” for the Atlantic City barons, was arrested by Smith and Moll at West and Mickle streets. Edgehill was driving an automobile bearing Atlantic county tags. He had “hundreds of numbers slips and plenty of cash” in his pockets when arrested, according to the police. He also will be given a hearing this morning.

Wilbert William, 20, of 1010 Walnut street, was the sixth man arrested. He was caught selling numbers at Mt. Ephraim and Kaighn avenues, according to Kauffman and Kay. He will face Judge Pancoast today.

No Drive Ordered

Questioned regarding whether the traffic squad was making a drive against numbers game operators in Camden, Police Capt. Charles T. Humes, inspector of traffic, said no orders had been issued for a drive on operators. The motorcycle policemen were only acting in line of regular duty, he said.

Major Charles V. H. Dickinson, deputy director of public safety, stated yesterday that the arrests were not part of a concerted drive against the number “barons.” He said:

“There is no particular drive under way. The first I knew of the matter was when I read of the arrests in the Courier-Post. I questioned one of the men and he stated that he saw the writers selling slips and picked them up. There have been no orders issued except that I will not tolerate any form of gambling and want the city kept clean of it.”

Burglar Robs Woman of $3 in Hour of Terror

Camden Courier-Post —

Burglar Robs Woman of $3 in Hour of Terror - Camden Courier-Post, December 13, 1930 Burglar Robs Woman of $3 in Hour of Terror - Camden Courier-Post, December 13, 1930 Burglar Robs Woman of $3 in Hour of Terror - Camden Courier-Post, December 13, 1930 Burglar Robs Woman of $3 in Hour of Terror - Camden Courier-Post, December 13, 1930 Burglar Robs Woman of $3 in Hour of Terror - Camden Courier-Post, December 13, 1930 Burglar Robs Woman of $3 in Hour of Terror - Camden Courier-Post, December 13, 1930 Burglar Robs Woman of $3 in Hour of Terror - Camden Courier-Post, December 13, 1930 Burglar Robs Woman of $3 in Hour of Terror - Camden Courier-Post, December 13, 1930

Smokes Cigarettes While Demanding More Money; Suspect Is Held

A masked burglar, who menaced her with a rifle and a coil of rope, as, terrified, she was aroused from sleep beside her 5-year-old son, sat at the bedside of Mrs. Ernest McLaughlin, 30, of 1226 North Twentieth street, for an hour after 2 o’clock yesterday morning and smoked cigarettes, tossing match sticks on the bedroom floor.

Disappointed, angered, when the woman told him that there was only $3 in the house, the intruder, alleged to be William Murphy, 46, a neighbor, of 1221 North Twentieth street, vowed to wait and kill her husband. McLaughlin is an employe of the composing room of the Morning Post.

Within an hour after the accused neighbor is said to have left the McLaughlin home, Mrs. McLaughlin was telling her story to police. Murphy, held without bail for the grand jury, is charged with breaking, entering and threats to kill.

Murphy, short, thin, a carpenter, denies knowledge of the incident. He is identified positively by Mrs. McLaughlin.

Mrs. McLaughlin was disturbed by noise of someone trying to force open a door or window.

Soon after the sounds became distinct. She saw her bedroom door thrust open. A man entered. He switched on the lights, when it was noted he was wearing a white handkerchief over the lower part of his face. He carried a long rifle and coiled about his arm was a quantity of cord.

Intruder Gets $3

According to Mrs. McLaughlin, the man walked about the room demanding money. He was directed to a bureau drawer, where he found the $3. The burglar again threatened her.

Taking a seat the man reached for a cigarette, Mrs. McLaughlin said. He tossed the burned matches to the floor and continued to question Mrs. McLaughlin as to the whereabouts of money. Then Mrs. McLaughlin noticed that the handkerchief-mask was on fire. She warned the intruder, fearing that a disastrous blaze might result. Her son awoke to hear the bur- glar’s further demands and then pluckily informed him that:

“Daddy never leaves any money at home. He always takes it to work with him.”

This heartened the intruder, who apparently had knowledge of the usual time McLaughlin returned home. He ended the 50-minute ordeal, Mrs. McLaughlin said, by declaring:

“I’m going down to waylay your husband, and if I hear you scream or holler I’ll come back and kill you both.”

According to the details gained by police the man left the house. That was at 3 o’clock.

Meanwhile McLaughlin, en route home, drove north on Twentieth street about 3:15 a. m. and noticed a man dashing across the street. He stopped his car near the corner and gazed toward his home to see the front door opened. He picked up an empty milk bottle, as the only weapon available, and approached his home. He paused at the door, suspecting that someone might be concealed inside, but upon failing to hear a noise he rushed in and switched on several lights.

Intruder Makes Escape

Proceeding to the rear of the house he saw the figure of a man at a door leading from the back porch. He still carried the bottle and when the man made a feeble excuse and raced off the porch McLaughlin followed. The intruder raced around the side of the house before McLaughlin could capture him. As the burglar fled McLaughlin hurled the bottle, narrowly missing the man’s head.

McLaughlin, enraged, was determined to continue pursuit but a neighbor, George Watson, who had been aroused, advised him to summon the police.

Sergeant Edward Hahn with Policemen Wilbur Prentiss and Oscar Botta, of the Third District, responded. McLaughlin insisted the police search the house at 1221 North Twentieth street Twentieth [sic] street and knocked loudly upon the door, after he had been told by Mrs. McLaughlin that a light had switched on and off in the house across the street.

An elderly man answered the repeated pounding on the door. After entering the house, McLaughlin said he noticed a large strip of rope and a heavy hammer on a table. He urged police to determine whether the man carried matches similar to those he found in Mrs McLaughlin’s bedroom and also to note whether his handkerchief had been burned. The man produced a blue handkerchief, and when taken before the frantic woman he was cleared of suspicion.

Identifies Suspect

Returning to the house Sergeant Hahn located Murphy, who then was taken to Mrs. McLaughlin. She immediately identified him by his peculiar manner of speech and before the police began to search him she told them to look for a burned white handkerchief.

A piece of cloth taken from the man’s pockets was exact, in every description, to that which Mrs. McLaughlin said the intruder wore over his face when the robbery was committed. Matches found in the man’s clothes also compared with those gathered about the floor of the woman’s bedroom.

Murphy declared he had been asleep until aroused by police. He was booked at city hall shortly after 4 a. m. and arraigned before Judge Pancoast yesterday morning.

City Detective William Boettcher was the only witness to appear against Murphy.

McLaughlin said the intrusion marked the second time his home has been entered. The first occurred about the same time on Saturday, September 13.

The rope found at Murphy’s home was different from that which the intruder left at the McLaughlin home. The elderly man who first was aroused at the house where Murphy was seized is said to be the suspect’s father-in-law.

Outwits Burglar

MRS. HELEN McLAUGHLIN

Motorist Gets Forty Days

Camden Courier-Post —

Philadelphia Driver Jailed On Charge of Intoxication After Crash at Broadway and Market

Convicted of drunken driving and driving without a license, Richard R. Pattinson, 21, of 5230 Harlan Street, Philadelphia, was sent to jail for 40 days by Judge Garfield Pancoast in police court yesterday in default of a $220 fine on the first charge and a $50 penalty on the second.

Making a left hand turn into Market Street from Broadway shortly after midnight, Pattinson’s car struck the car of Robert Brest, 33, of 1476 Kaighn Avenue. The tire and outer portion of the right front wheel on Pattinson’s car, which has disk wheels, were torn off. The car continued to “limp along,” according to the police, to Fifth and Market Streets, where a collision with the automobile of Harold Gondolf, 3001 Fenwick Road, was narrowly averted.

Gondolf had Pattinson arrested and examined by Dr. Charles T. Ley, who pronounced the man drunk. No one was injured in the collision with the Brest machine.

Former Cop Is Jailed in Non-Support Case

Camden Courier-Post —

John “Jackie” Hindle, 28, of 2277 South Seventh Street, one-time boxer and former policeman, was sent to jail in default of $500 bond by Judge Pancoast in police court yesterday to ensure the payment of a $15 weekly support order for his wife, Helen, and three children.

Mrs. Hindle lives at 924 Tulip Street. She testified she had received no money for several weeks. Hindle said since he lost his job as a policeman about a year ago he had been unable to obtain work.

Two Men Arrested With Runaway Girl

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, February 4, 1931 (part 1) Camden Courier-Post, February 4, 1931 (part 2)

Young Woman Sent Back to Reform School in Penna.

A runaway girl arrested with two men in a North Camden apartment last night was sent today by Judge Pancoast to the Pennsylvania State Home for Girls at Glen Mills, from where the girl was paroled.

She is Marion Blair, 17, of 209 East Third Street, Wilmington, Del. Arrested with her in her apartment at 312 North Third Street were two men who gave their names as Daniel Pizzutilla, 23, of 292 Mt. Vernon Street, and Christian Falarica, 23, of 2837 Clinton Street.

They said they had “picked up” the girl when they saw her at Broadway and Carman Streets Sunday, and went with her to her apartment for a short time. They met her again last night, they testified.

The girl said she had been at the Glenn Mills reform school but was paroled Jan. 13 in the custody of her mother. She ran away from home Saturday, she testified, and admitted that she allowed herself to be “picked up” by the two men. She said she did not work, and when asked by Judge Pancoast how she paid her rent and bought food, she admitted she entertained men there. She asked to be jailed rather than be taken back to Glenn Mills.

However, Judge Pancoast turned her over to Miss Catherine B. McLallen, of the Glen Mills institution, who said the girl was officially under their care until she was 21. The two men were released until wanted.

2 Held in Raid as Night Club Has Opening

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, August 22, 1931 (part 1) Camden Courier-Post, August 22, 1931 (part 2) Camden Courier-Post, August 22, 1931 (part 3) Camden Courier-Post, August 22, 1931 (part 4) Camden Courier-Post, August 22, 1931 (part 5) Camden Courier-Post, August 22, 1931 (part 6) Camden Courier-Post, August 22, 1931 (part 7)

2 HELD IN RAID AS NIGHT CLUB HAS OPENING

Proprietors Fight Claim of Police They Operated in Violation of Law

NORTH CAMDEN PLACE HAS SHORT EXISTENCE

Case Sent to Grand Jury After Hearing in City Police Court

Although they were not included among the 500 guests invited to the “grand opening,” First district police last night visited the new Ambassador Club at 519 Main street on orders of Mayor Roy R. Stewart and arrested the two alleged proprietors and six other persons.

Stephen Kirby, 33, of 552 Bailey street, former boxer and city fireman, and Eugene Lorenzo, 33, who gave the club as his address, were held by Judge Garfield Pancoast, in $500 bail each for the grand jury as proprietors after they pleaded not guilty in police court this morning to charges of operating a disorderly house. The other six, including two women, were released in their own recognizance as material witnesses.

Police charged that the establishment had no soft drink license and that two half-barrels of high-powered beer were found on the premises. Kirby held that the place was privileged to operate as it had been incorporated by the state as a club and that he had a half-barrel of near beer.

The raid on the alleged whoopee house follows the raid made Monday night on a Chinese gambling establishment at 507 North Fifth street, one block distant. Both raids are part of Mayor Stewart’s announced program to “clean gangsters and their lairs from Camden.”

Police said that Kirby appeared at police headquarters last Monday night and offered bail for the 57 Chinese prisoners but that the bail was taken from another bondsman.

Although the establishment advertised in invitations a “grand opening” for last night, it had been in operation for some days past, said Lieut. George Ward, commander of the district who led the raid. He was accompanied by Detectives Alfred Shire and Walter Smith.

Incorporation Claimed

Kirby told police the club was incorporated by himself and six men, and that it had been closed on Monday night following a visit there by Lieut. Ward, Shire and Smith. This visit followed the complaint of Eli Carson, of 5101 Chester avenue, Philadelphia, that he had been robbed there of a watch, Kirby said. This was verified by police.

“We held a meeting yesterday,” Kirby maintained, “and decided that as a club, incorporated by the state, we had the right to open irrespective of police orders. We had even an official reopening and it was known as ’grand reopening.’”

Two barrels of alleged high-powered beer were found in the club, and bottles, believed by police to have contained whisky.

Lieutenant Ward ordered all the prisoners to be held as “principals” until identity of the proprietor could be established. On his order Sergt. Gus Koerner refused to accept a $1000 surety bond proffered for release of the seven other prisoners last night.

On Sunday night Detective Edwin Mills went to the club and received the watch Carson contended was stolen from him. Kirby declared that the watch was accepted as security for a $7 loan by Lorenzo and denied an allegation of Carson that women frequented the upper floors of the club.

Following the closing of the place Kirby said that an invitation was “sent out to 500 members for the official reopening.”

Kirby declared last night that the raid was unjust.

“I am an American citizen and ex-service man, as are three others arrested with me,” Kirby said. “We are incorporated as a club and make no disturbance, but we’re raided. I can’t understand that, in view of the fact that that Chinese place raided the other night still shows lights at 2 and 3 o’clock in the morning.

“I was released pending a hearing when I posted $100 cash, but the police would not accept a bond of $1000 for the other seven. They wanted cash, but finally the others were released in $500 bail each for a hearing this morning. And yet those Chinese arrested were released in $10 security.”

Bandit Suspect Held

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, August 22, 1931

Audubon Man Complains of $60 Robbery After Meeting Two Strange Men

Identified as a bandit suspect, Carman Mercancini, 22, of 327 Line street, was held in $2000 bail for the grand jury when he was arraigned before Police Judge Pancoast today.

According to Curtis Wood, 37, of 26 Oswego avenue, Audubon, Mercancini was one of two strange men he met last night at Fourth street and Lansdowne avenue. They went with him to Fourth and Jackson streets, where he was robbed of $60, Wood said. Detectives later arrested Mercancini near his home.

The defendant today denied any connection with the holdup. He said he had been to a dance in Philadelphia last night and was arrested by the detectives while on his way home.

Bullet Upsets Theory Thief Shot Detective

Camden Courier-Post —

Bullet Upsets Theory Thief Shot Detective - Camden Courier-Post, August 26, 1931 Bullet Upsets Theory Thief Shot Detective - Camden Courier-Post, August 26, 1931 Bullet Upsets Theory Thief Shot Detective - Camden Courier-Post, August 26, 1931

[Bu]llet Found in Ashenfelter Declared From Gun of Slain Burglar’s Pal

[O]PERATING SURGEON TAKES OPPOSITE VIEW

[W]ounded Cop ‘Got His Man’ With Left Hand, Police Reveal

[I]nvestigation of the attempted [rob]bery which ended with the [dea]th of a young burglar veered [off] on a new tangent today when [it w]as reported that City Detective [Rob]ert Ashenfelter may not have [bee]n wounded by the slain youth [but] by an accomplice.

[A] ballistic expert may have to be [calle]d in to examine the bullet which [was] removed from above the detective’s heart in a delicate operation at [the] West Jersey Homeopathic Hos[pital] yesterday afternoon. It was [offi]cially reported at the hospital [this] morning that the bullet was of […]alibre, whereas Charles Rettberg, [… ] North Thirty-sixth street, the [slain] burglar, had a .25-calibre Luger [auto]matic. However, Dr. H. Wesley [… ], who performed the operation, [sai]d that in his opinion the bullet [is a] smaller calibre than a .32, and [possi]bly is a .22 or .25.

Probe Ordered

[Bo]th County Detective Chief [Law]rence T. Doran and Captain of [Dete]ctives John Golden, stated that [they] would obtain determination of [the b]ullet’s calibre. It was pointed [out t]hat the bullet struck and sev[ered] the butt of Ashenfelter’s gun [befor]e it entered the detective’s [body], so that it might have flattened [b]efore hitting the sleuth. There [is al]so the possibility that the dead [ma]n’s revolver, empty when he was [foun]d dead, might have contained [dum-]dum bullets, which also were [use]d in the gun of an accomplice. [Dum-]dum bullets flatten out when [they] hit a target, making a much [large]r wound than the original size [of th]e bullet.

[Ca]ptain Golden also announced to-[day t]hat the shot which was fatal to

(Continued on Page Two)

Bullet Casts Doubt in Shooting of Cop

(Continued from Page One)

Rettberg when he was trapped robbing a chain store at Thirty-second street and Pierce avenue Monday was fired by Ashenfelter.

It was first thought that Policeman Frank Evans, who fired into the store with a machine gun after Ashenfelter fell wounded, had slain Rettberg. But Captain Golden said the calibre of the bullet taken from the dead youth’s heart proved to be 38, the size fired by Ashenfelter’s gun. The detective’s gun was shot from his hand, but, though wounded in the chest and shoulder, the game detective picked up the weapon with his uninjured left hand and emptied it at the shed from whence the robber bullets came.

Three Arraigned

Three alleged accomplices of the slain robber and a girl witness were arraigned before Judge Pancoast in police court this morning and held without bail for the grand jury. They are Theodore Rettberg, 24-year-old brother of the dead robber; Gordon McCrea, 20, of 820 Beideman avenue; James Melbourne, 38, of the Beideman avenue address, and Miss Emmalinda Canilus, 20, who lives at the Rettberg home.

Theodore Rettberg and Melbourne are alleged to have confessed to taking part in the attempted robbery; but McCrea has denied any connection with it. However, when stolen goods worth about $500 were found in his room yesterday, he confessed to three other robberies, implicating two men.

McCrea, Rettberg and Melbourne were arraigned first on charges of atrocious assault and battery with intent to kill. Rettberg pleaded not guilty, McCrea asserted that he had nothing to say, while Melbourne pleaded “guilty to what I confessed.” That was that he helped plan the robbery and acted as lookout. Then they were charged with breaking and entering, to which all three pleaded not guilty. Melbourne was further charged with carrying a concealed deadly weapon, as he had a 38-calibre revolver loaded with dum-dum bullets when nabbed. He pleaded guilty to that complaint. All of the complaints were signed by Detective Benjamin Simon, who was two feet behind Ashenfelter when the former was wounded.

Girl Hysterical

Miss Canilus was arraigned as a material witness. Judge Pancoast said he would have to hold her without bail but that the prosecutor’s office could fix bail for her release. After being taken back to her cell, the young woman became hysterical, attracting a crowd to the corridor outside the city jail cells. She repeatedly cried out:

“I have nothing to do with this. I told them all I know. Why are they keeping me here?”

McCrea and Melbourne are newcomers to this city, having recently moved here from Royersford, Pa. They boarded with Mrs. Anna Bowden, an aunt of McCrea’s, at 820 Beideman avenue. Mrs. Bowden was taken to city hall for questioning yesterday after the loot was found in her house but satisfied Chief Doran and Captain Golden, chief of the city detective force, that she knew nothing of the robberies.

The loot was located by District Detectives Louis Schlamm and Richard Donnelly and Detective Benjamin Simon. With Chief Doran and Captain Golden they moved the stolen merchandise to city hall.

Last night, McCrea admitted that some of the loot came from three robberies, but he said he knew nothing about the rest of the merchandise. He confessed to robbing the store of Jacob J. Friedman, 18 King street, Gloucester, on Aug. 13, of shoes, hats and other articles of clothing worth $123. Friedman identified some of the loot at headquarters today.

Tells of Tire Theft

McCrea also said he stole two tires from the S. M. Brothers on Crescent boulevard in Pennsauken, and five boxes of cigars and a sprinkler from a road stand owned by Ida Carver on Burlington pike in Burlington county.

He implicated two companions, giving the police the name of one and saying that the other was a close friend of the one he had named.

Chief of Police Jesse Neiman, of Royersford, Pa., identified McCrea and Melbourne yesterday as two youths wanted in Pennsylvania for questioning in several recent robberies there. He declared the two were “well known hoodlums who were always in trouble.” According to Chief Neiman a brother of McCrea’s is serving a long prison term in the Eastern Penitentiary for highway robbery.

Fake ‘Floyd Gibbons’ Seeks Freedom Here

Camden Courier-Post —

Counsel for Henry Luellowitz, 28, of Los Angeles, who was arrested here last June after posing as Floyd Gibbons, will seek his freedom from the county jail today in application for a writ of habeas corpus before Judge Samuel M. Shay.

Frank Lario, attorney representing Luellowitz, said yesterday he would seek the writ on the ground there is no proof that his client aided and abetted in the escape of Albert Rumford, alleged bandit, from the jail several weeks ago. Sheriff E. Frank Pine charged Luellowitz sang and made other noises near Rumford’s cell to prevent jailors from hearing hacksaw blades the fugitive used.

Luellowitz was ordered by Police Judge Garfield Pancoast to pay $100 fine or spend three months in the county jail for posing as Gibbons, the famous radio entertainer. Luellowitz has been in the jail since June 13. His term on the city charged ended September 12, but there are two detainers against him, one placed by Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin on Sheriff Pine’s charge, and the other from Connecticut, where he is charged with failing to pay a hotel bill.

Court Frees Girl Who Drank Poison

Camden Courier-Post —

Pleading guilty to attempting to end her life by drinking poison, Sarah Turner, 17, of 338 Lansdowne Avenue, was given suspended sentence by Police Judge Pancoast yesterday.

The girl was arrested after she was treated at Cooper Hospital. She told Detective Ben Simon she drank the poison because she was jealous of her sister. William Harrity, 24, of 409 Senate Street, Sarah’s sweetheart, was held as a material witness but was released today when he said he knew nothing of the quarrel between the sisters.

Parents Given Custody of Runaway Boy, 13

Camden Courier-Post —

Salvatore Bonimassa, 13, of 410 Royden Street, who was arrested Sunday night when he appeared at police headquarters and appealed for a place to sleep, was released in the custody of his parents yesterday by Judge Garfield Pancoast in police court.

Salvatore left his home as usual Thursday to go to school, but instead disappeared. Parents gave a description of him to police and when he appeared at headquarters he was recognized and promptly arrested.

Judge Pancoast told his parents that if the boy does not behave he will commit him to jail.

Tipsy Motorist Jailed in Default of $200 Fine

Camden Courier-Post —

Charged with driving while drunk, Clarence Lefferts, 40, of Hatboro, Pa., was sentenced to 30 days in jail yesterday by Judge Garfield Pancoast in police court in default of a fine and costs of $220.

Lefferts collided Monday at Ninth Street and Kaighn Avenue with the Second district patrol wagon, driven by Patrolman Oscar Probst. He was pronounced intoxicated by Dr. Garnett Summerill.

Traffic Court So Dull Pancoast Stays Away

Camden Courier-Post —

A dull session of Camden traffic court was the order last night when only six of twenty-eight offenders appeared, five of whom were fined and the other case dismissed. The balance forfeited security.

The business of the court was so light that even Judge Garfield Pancoast remained away. Court Clerk James E. Smith acting in his absence.

Those fined included three truck drivers, Harry Jones, Brace Road, Delaware Township; Edgar Roop, Oak View, Pa., and Charles R. Flack of Atlantic City. They were charged with overloading their vehicles by motor Vehicle Agent Howard C. Wilson. A fine of $100 was imposed on each man. John E. Fernsler, 18, 145 Westmont Terrace, Collingswood, paid a $5 fine for speeding while Richard Batten, 19, of 522 Ridgeway Street, Gloucester, was fined $3 for passing a red light.

Ash Can Girl 'Out' Again; Parents Held

Camden Courier-Post —

Dad Who Took Her Rejoins Mother; Anna Loses Home

Anna Rickowska — 11-year-old child who lived for two weeks in an ash can has been driven from home again.

But Anna, profiting in a measure from her experience of only three days ago, will not sleep in an ash can this time.

She told her plight to Mrs. Louise F. Walsh, secretary of the Camden County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Anna’s mother and father are under arrest and will face the child today in police court.

It was only three days ago that Judge Pancoast placed Anna in her father’s care. Her mother, he declared, was unfit to care for her. The child had accused her of being a habitual drunkard.

And Anna was pleased by the decision. Her eyes glistening, her blond tresses tumbling about her head, she joyfully walked from the courtroom with her dad — the man who promised to be good to her.

Anna soon was disillusioned. The father and mother, who had been estranged, took up their lives together again. The girl was taken back to the home at 1401 Rose Street, the home she had been ordered from more than two weeks before.

Things became even worse than before. In her story to Mrs. Walsh last night, Anna declared that added to the abuse of a drunken mother was that of her father, Ignatius.

And finally, on Wednesday night, her parents beat her and threw her from the house.

She went to the home of an aunt, Mrs. Minnie Blake, of 1213 Lansdowne Avenue, who cared for her until last night when she again sought out her benefactor of a few days ago.

According to Sergeant John Garrity and Patrolman Edward Suski, the child’s parents had been drinking last night.

Anna remained at the home of the aunt until today and Judge Pancoast will make another decision as to who shall have her custody.

Anna Rickowska (Raczkowski)

1931

Anna Rickowska (Raczkowski) - 1931

Anna Rickowska (Raczkowski)

‘Mack’ Out on Bail Until Girl

Camden Courier-Post —

When the girl whom he is charged with having attacked was unable to leave the hospital and appear against him yesterday, Frank Manfredi, 22, of 301 Chestnut Street, who fought under the ring name of “Frankie Mack,” was released from jail under $1500 bail by Judge Pancoast in police court for a further hearing next Thursday.

Judge Pancoast explained he had consulted Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin, who gave him permission to release the defendant in bail. It is expected the girl, Marie Romaine, 17, of 2842 Constitution road, Fairview will be able to leave West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital before the hearing.

In her complaint to the police, Miss Romaine said she went with Manfredi to “Mack’s Cafe,” conducted by him at the Chestnut Street address, and that he attacked her there last Saturday.

Six Are Arrested Following ‘Party’

Camden Courier-Post —

Young Girls Accuse Married Man of Attacking Them in Bungalow

Three pretty girls, a married man and two youths were arrested last night on charges growing out from an extended whoopee party in a Blackwood Terrace bungalow.

Two of the girls, all of whom are related, are said to be runaways from Philadelphia. One of these and a Camden schoolgirl charge they were attacked by the married man.

The girls gave their names as: Julia Barkowski, 17, of 923 Florence Street, Camden; Mary Holod, 16, and her stepsister, Vera, also 16, both of 1325 Tyson Street, Philadelphia. Both Julia and Mary allege they were criminally assaulted early last week by Samuel Read, 31, who gave his address as 2847 Congress Road, Camden.

Linked as material witnesses in the case are John Barwick, 19, of 543 Fairview Street, and William Murdock, 19, of 548 Gordon Terrace, Camden.

According to the story gathered by Police Sergeant John Skolski and Patrolman John Larson, the three girls were strolling along Broadway on the night of October 12, when they were “picked up” by Barwick and Murdock, in an automobile. The girls related they were taken to a bungalow in Blackwood Terrace where they said they met Read. The two youths then left, they said.

The Barkowski girl and Mary Holod allege they were attacked by Read while Vera Holod told police she averted assault by fighting.

Return of the girls to the Barkowski home yesterday was followed by arrest of all six revelers. Mrs. Bertha Barkowski, mother of the Camden girl, summoned police. Read was lured to the house and placed under arrest and apprehension of the two youths was then made.

Julia was charged with being incorrigible by her mother. Police held Mary and Vera as runaways and as witnesses against Read. The Philadelphia girls are said to have been missing from home several weeks.

All are to be given hearings today before Police Judge Garfield Pancoast.

‘Gibbons’ Free After 46 Days ‘Extra Time’

Camden Courier-Post —

Judge Shay Calls Holding of Impersonator An Outrage

Declared to have been illegally detained in Camden County jail, Henry Luellowitz, 28, of Los Angeles, who posed as Floyd Gibbons, was ordered released yesterday by Judge Samuel M. Shay.

A writ of habeas corpus, served at the office of Sheriff E. Frank Pine, charged Luellowitz had been kept prisoner 46 days after his 90-day sentence had expired. The man was sentenced June 13, by Police Court Judge Pancoast, on a charge of impersonating the famed radio announcer after his arrival here by plane.

He was detained following expiration of his sentence, on a detainer from New Haven, Connecticut, where he was accused of having defaulted payment of a hotel bill.

According to Rocco Palese, assistant prosecutor, and Chief of County Detectives Lawrence T. Doran, Luellowitz was held in connection with an investigation of the escape from jail of Albert Rumford, 23, of Philadelphia. The latter cut his way from a cell adjoining Luellowitz last August 17.

Calls Case Outrage

In dismissing the prisoner, Judge Shay declared the case was “an outrage,” ruling that the man was kept “through somebody’s oversight.” Luellowitz criticized the prosecutor’s office upon his release, saying his detention was occasioned by his refusal to “become a goat in the investigation of Rumford’s escape.” He praised prison attaches and Warden Edmund B. Powell, for treatment accorded him in the jail.

Frank M. Lario, attorney, who started proceedings to affect Luellowitz’ release, told Judge Shay yesterday that the man had been detained without a hearing after his sentence had expired. He charged that following service of the writ last week, Luellowitz was rushed by county detectives to the office of Peter J. Wallace, justice of the peace, and then recommitted to his cell.

Judge Shay sent for Justice of the Peace Wallace who admitted he ordered the man’s commitment after a hearing at which only the detectives appeared as witnesses.

The jurist declared he was convinced Luellowitz had been kept in jail through oversight of someone.

“The New Haven authorities have had ample time to come for the man. I don’t care now whether they want him or not. This man cannot be punished for some one’s negligence. I order his release immediately.”

Says He Was ‘Goat’

Following his dismissal, Luellowitz said he had been questioned about the escape of Rumford, alleged bandit, for whose capture the county has offered a $200 reward. Luellowitz and another inmate were said to have made noise while the jailbreak was being made.

“It’s an outrage, the way I was treated by the prosecutor’s office. Warden Powell and the jailers were mighty nice but the prosecutor and sheriff wanted to have a goat when that guy escaped and I was the first one they reached for.

“But I wasn’t going to let them make a goat of me. It wasn’t my fault if they didn’t have enough jailors there and they couldn’t blame me if that guy got away.”

Assistant Prosecutor Palese said Luellowitz was detained because he was suspected of having aided Rumford to escape. He admitted the man was not legally committed.

‘Alky’ Car Owner Denies Crash Here

Camden Courier-Post —

Machine Was Hi-Jacked and Driven by Thieves He Claims; Pays Fine

Three men who attempted to hijack 100 gallons of alcohol which was later seized by the police, yesterday were blamed for a hit-run accident which resulted in the seizure.

Charles Alu, of Trenton, who was arrested on October 2 after the alcohol was found in his car, denied in police court yesterday he was operating the vehicle when it crashed into a truck, owned by Frank Salerno, of 446 South Fourth street. Two policemen found the liquor when the driver abandoned the car on Locust Street near Kaighn Avenue.

Alu testified that he had been driving along Fourth Street near Division when another machine pulled in front of him and stopped. Three men got out of the car and ordered him to leave his machine, he said. It was after they drove off in the car that the hit-run accident occurred, Alu stated.

William Helberson, a passing motorist, corroborated Alu’s story and said he helped to chase the three men who had taken the Trenton man’s car. Charles Cook, a fireman, also said that Alu asked him to help in the chase.

Police Judge Pancoast found Alu guilty and fined him $25, but suspended the sentence date, when Alu agreed to pay for the repairs to Salerno’s car.

At the time of Alu’s arrest on the liquor possession charges, a record book was found in his car. It revealed that he had done $40,000 worth of business through August, but through the operations of rival dealers had lost $4000. He is under $1000 bail on this charge.

Court Sends Girl, 15, to Home of Her Sister

Camden Courier-Post —

One of the five children of Joseph White, a former Camden hotel proprietor, who have been county charges, found a home yesterday.

White, who lives at 517 Penn Street, was rebuked in police court by Judge Pancoast last week, for buying expensive clothing and wearing diamonds while his ten children were in need. Welfare workers said he failed to contribute to the support of the five children in homes here and in Trenton.

The recent hearing was a result of White bringing his 15-year-old daughter, Dorothy, into court as an incorrigible. The charge was disproved today in the opinion of Judge Samuel Shay, sitting in juvenile court. He granted the request of Dorothy’s married sister, Mrs. Catherine Graham, of Magnolia, to have the girl live with her.

Stolen Garage Loot Found in Auto as 4 Men Are Nabbed

Camden Courier-Post —

Four Suspects Caught as Series of Weekend Robberies Keep Police Busy — Trio Held at Gloucester for Robbing Store at Westville Grove — Oil Stove Is Stolen

Loot valued at several hundred dollars was recovered and four men arrested over the weekend as many robberies were reported to police throughout South Jersey.

Three of the men arrested were captured in Gloucester when merchandise stolen from a Westville Grove store and garage was found in their automobile. The fourth man was arrested in Camden.

Those under arrest in Gloucester, are Joseph Rietsch, 47, of 1245 Palmer street; Joseph Dorman, 18, of 103 Chango street, and Charles Headley, 18, of 936 North Fourth street, all of Philadelphia.

The loot found in their car consisted of automobile tires, cigarettes, safety razors, tubes and other articles. It had been stolen from the store and garage of George A. Fields, Delsea Drive, Westville Grove.

The three men were arrested by Patrolmen Walter Lane and William Fowler, who stopped their car because it had but one headlight.

Taken back to Westville the three men were held without bail for the grand jury by Recorder Charles H. Benner.

Held For Theft

When he walked down Federal Street with an oil stove Armstead Saunders, 56, of 314 Taylor Avenue, was stopped by the police Saturday night.

An investigation revealed he had picked it up as he passed the second-hand store of W. L. Ernest, 408 Federal Street, according to Patrolmen Walter Patton and Raymond Stark.

Saunders will have a hearing today before Police Judge Pancoast, on a charge of larceny.

James Josephson, 3320 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, a salesman for the Household Institute of New York reported the loss of two cases of aluminum ware and an investigation was conducted by Detective Sylvester McGrath. Upon information he entered the apartment alleged to have been tenanted by John Harrigan, of 1289 Dayton Street and found the merchandise. Harrigan is said by the police to have left the apartment. The goods are valued at $150.

William H. McMakin, of 119 West Pine Street, Audubon, reported to Detective Robert Ward that he was held up at Pine Street near Fifth on Sunday morning by three young men. They relieved him of his watch, valued $35, and his drivers license. McMakin was unable to describe the culprits.

William Harris, 53, of 1731 Fillmore Street, told Detective Clifford Carr he was relieved of his wallet containing $6.90 by an unknown man at Haddon Avenue and Copewood Street, Sunday morning. He described the man as being about 27 years old and wearing a light cap.

Thieves entered the candy shop of Jones Wilson, Park Boulevard and Kaighn Avenue, Saturday night and took three cartons of cigarettes, some candy and soda valued at $23.

Hair Clipper Stolen

Waclaw Hermanolski, 1322 Mt. Ephraim Avenue, reported to police that someone entered his barbershop through a rear window and stole an electric hair clipper, massage vibrator and $15.

A grocery store operated by Joseph S. Eskowitz, of 1022 Broadway, was entered early yesterday and the thieves took three dozen cans of malt syrup valued at $12. Detective Benjamin Simon discovered the burglar gained his entrance by cutting a pane of glass out of the back window.

Louis E. Barnes, 21, colored, employed by the police department to catch a colored man who has been reported preying on unemployed and collecting money from them in promise of a job, has informed police that such a man got away from him on October 24. He is known to the police and will be picked up, they said.

Barnes said the man being sought told him to give him $2.50 for a white coat and he would get him a job in the kitchen of the Cooper Hospital. When Barnes returned with the money the man had disappeared.

Two Children, One Aged Man Killed by Cars

Camden Courier-Post —

Boy and Girl Run Down While Playing In Streets Here — Three Drivers Held in Bonds of $5000 — Bus Rider Steps Into Path of Auto on White Horse Pike

Two Camden children and a 70-year-old Somerdale man were killed in more than two score of accidents in South Jersey over the weekend.

The dead are:

Dominic Nobilisse, 2, of 271 Mt. Vernon Street.

Beverly Israel, 4, of 415 Lansdowne Avenue.

James Hare, 70, of Crestwood Avenue, Somerdale.

Court Postpones Case of Indian Husband

Camden Courier-Post —

Court Postpones Case of Indian Husband - Camden Courier-Post, March 15, 1932

Hearing of William May, 54, an Indian, of 2218 Berwick street, on a charge of disorderly conduct preferred by his wife, Anna, has been postponed by Police Judge Pancoast until today.

May was committed to jail pending the hearing after he is alleged to have attempted to choke his wife during a quarrel. He had thrown her to the floor, she said, when their daughter, Myrtle, 16, struck him on the head with a glass.

May was arrested by Policeman William Turner. He was treated at Cooper Hospital for cuts on the head. His hearing was postponed yesterday when his wife was unable to appear because of the illness of two children.

Woman’s ‘Love Nest’ Is Raided Third Time on Mate’s Complaint

Camden Courier-Post —

For a third time an alleged love nest maintained by Mrs. Dorothy Fisher, 35, of 122 York Street, was raided last night by Frank H. Miller, private detective.

This time, Mrs. Fisher was arrested with John Goldberg, 35. At a hearing before Justice of the Peace Frank Sheridan they were held for a further hearing before Police Judge Pancoast.

The complaint was made by Frank Fisher husband of the woman. Fisher said he left his wife a year ago when he learned of her friendship for other men.

He recently sued for divorce, but withdrew the action. He announced he intends to enter suit again for divorce. They have one child.

2 Men Pay Fines for Interference

Camden Courier-Post —

Police Say Defendants ‘Butted in’ During Probe Into Accident

Two men were arrested yesterday by a Camden policeman, who charged they interfered with his investigation of an automobile accident at Ninth Street and Kaighn Avenue.

Richard Mayer, 28, of 373 East Gowan Avenue, Mt. Airy, Pa., and Joseph Meraglo, 23, of 1016 South Fourth Street, Philadelphia, were fined $25 each by Police Judge Pancoast. Both were charged with disorderly conduct. Mayer also was charged with reckless driving.

Joseph Devlin, 42, of 1919 Mifflin street, Philadelphia, was held in $1000 bail by Pancoast to await the outcome of injuries suffered by a woman passenger in his car. The woman, who gave her name as Miss Jane Glenn, 36, of 2506 South Twenty-second Street, Philadelphia, is in West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital. Doctors say her condition is not serious.

The accident occurred at 2:20 AM. Motorcycle Policeman Earl Wright and other policemen were at the scene in investigating, when an automobile flashed by. Wright in court said he blew his whistle and declared the car was unable to stop within 100 feet. Wright said he was questioning Mayer when Maraglo “butted in,” and stated, “I’ll get this fixed up tonight.” Wright testified he searched Mayer for a gun and Mayer replied, “I haven’t got it on me tonight.”

In court both Mayer and Meraglo said they were not speeding, and didn’t interfere with the officer.

Devlin was released for court by Detective Joseph Caputi. Devlin’s automobile was in collision with the car of Edward Kaligian, 30, of 1251 North Twenty-eighth street.

Bail Forfeited, Bootlegger Fined

Camden Courier-Post —

Pancoast Censures Man Who Thought He Could Dodge Trial in Court

Peter Sherer, 57, of 225 Mechanic Street, who aroused the ire of Police Judge Pancoast Friday by failing to appear in court, was fined upon his appearance Saturday after a bench warrant had been issued for his arrest.

Judge Pancoast issued the bench warrant after denouncing defendants who preferred to forfeit bail to appearing for trial.

Sherer, who had been arrested by Lieutenant Ralph Bakley when a raid of his home disclosed a still and 90 gallons of alleged whiskey and kummel, offered to explain why he was not in court Friday.

“Someone told me that I did not have to appear because I had posted $100 bail, and the case would be all over when I forfeited bail,” he said.

“It appears you have been misinformed,” Judge Pancoast said. “No defendant can close up a case in this court by merely forfeiting bond. We want bootleggers to know it is not just their money we want. It is their presence in court that we want, so they can be tried.”

Sherer pleaded guilty and Judge Pancoast fined him $100, saying the fine would be paid with the $100 bond he forfeited Friday.

Police Raid House

Camden Courier-Post —

Taylor Avenue Man Sent to Jail for 50 Days When Unable to Pay $50 Fine

Thomas Fleeyne, 54, of 515 Taylor Avenue, who was arrested when police raided his home, was sent to jail for 50 days in default of a $50 fine Saturday by Police Judge Pancoast. Fleeyne entered a plea of guilty to permitting disorderly persons to congregate at his home. He said he had been without work since coming to Camden.

Fleeyne’s wife, Margaret, 42, was unable to appear in court on account of illness, and her $25 bond was returned; Josephine Lorento, 30, of 350 Tree Street, Philadelphia, also held as a material witness, was freed when she said she had visited the house to see Mrs. Fleeyne.

Michael Bratses, 49, of 210 Market street, and Thomas Kretekos, 48, of 529 South Broad street, Philadelphia, were fined $25 each as inmates. John Kershaw, 32, of 515 Taylor Avenue, forfeited $25 bail when he failed to appear. The raid was made by Lieutenant George Ward, commander of the First district police, and Patrolman John Trout, on complaint made by Dominick Madden, 46, of 455 Haddon Avenue.

2 Young Coal Thieves Get 30-Day Sentence

Camden Evening Courier —

Two youths who pleaded guilty to stealing coal were sentenced to 30 days, and two others were sent to the detention home by Police Judge Pancoast Saturday. Frank Carroll, 16, of 750 Pine street, and James Hinson, 16, of 1810 Mulford Street, got the jail sentences and Percy Jones, 14, of 808 Kaighn avenue, and William Carroll, 15, brother of Frank, were sent to the home.

They were arrested by Patrolman William Taylor who said they had been stealing coal from a yard at Seventh and Pine Streets. The boys admitted taking two sacks of coal.

Mother, 17, Denied Custody of Infant

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, June 1, 1932 (part 1) Camden Courier-Post, June 1, 1932 (part 2)

‘Unfit’ Declares Secretary of S.P.C.C. in Police Court

A 17-year-old mother was denied, temporarily at least, the custody of her baby son when Mrs. Louise F. Walsh, secretary of the Camden County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, testified yesterday before Police Judge Pancoast that she was “unfit” to care for the child.

The boy, George Templeton, 17 months, was found wandering at Fourth and Linden Streets early Monday. Clad only in underclothing, he was taken to the Sheltering Arms Home by Mrs. Walsh.

The mother, Mrs. Margaret Templeton, 401 Linden Street, telephoned the police to learn whether her boy had been found. She said she did not know how he got out of the house. She was told to come to headquarters, where she was arrested on a cruelty charge by Sergeant Stiles Whitaker.

Mrs. Walsh testified yesterday, that Mrs. Templeton and her husband, Harry, had separated and declared the young mother is “unfit” to care for the boy.

Judge Pancoast asked the husband if he is willing to take his wife back. Templeton replied that he was, but Mrs. Templeton did not seem enthusiastic about the idea.

“Well,” Judge Pancoast decided, “the only thing I can see to do is to order the boy kept at the Sheltering Arms for several days and suspend sentence on Mrs. Templeton until Mrs. Walsh completes her investigation.”

Although there was no testimony in court to substantiate the statement, the police quoted Mrs. Templeton as saying that the boy “somehow got out of the house” while she was attending the dance marathon at Central Airport.

6 Arrested in Raid Pay $225 in Fines

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, June 1, 1932 (part 3) Camden Courier-Post, June 1, 1932 (part 4)

Six men arrested in a North Twenty-second street raid Saturday night were fined a total of $225, two women forfeited $10 security each and two other men received suspended sentences before Police Judge Pancoast yesterday.

Bernard McLaughlin, 22, of 140 North Twenty-second street, pleaded guilty to permitting disorderly persons to congregate and was fined $100. Detectives testified they found 135 bottles of home brew and two quarts of liquor.

George Humphries, 21, of 140 North Twenty-second street; Francis Sullivan, 22, of 122 North Twenty-second; Edward Parvin, 19, of 123 Dudley street; George O’Conner, 41, of 1435 South Tenth street, and Arnold Emery, 21, of 2038 Cleveland avenue, were fined $25 each after they testified they saw no one buy anything to drink.

Sentence was suspended on Elmer Ward, 28, of 525 Ray street, a taxi-driver, and Clifford Lydman, 21, of 2116 Howell street, who arrived at the “party” at the same time as the police. Mary Patton, 23, of 2412 Garnett street, and Helen Jeffries, 29, of 219 Boston avenue, both Philadelphia, forfeited $10 security.

Argument of Women Upsets Police Court

Camden Courier-Post —

Argument of Women Upsets Police Court - Camden Courier-Post, June 2, 1932

Two women staged such a fierce verbal battle in police court yesterday that Judge Garfield Pancoast, after dismissing the case, detained one of them an hour, so they would not resume their fight outside.

The contestants were Mildred Russo, 22, of 425 Winslow street, and Mary Delfico, of 348 Clinton street. The latter was arrested on complaint of Miss Russo, who said she slapped her and scratched her.

They calmed down long enough to tell Judge Pancoast that Mildred is a forelady in a factory from which Mary was dismissed recently. Mary blamed Mildred for her lay-off and came up to the plant and attacked her, Mildred said. The other denied it, claiming that Mildred started the fight.

Motorist Is Fined $25 for Passing Red Light

Camden Courier-Post —

Motorist Is Fined $25 for Passing Red Light - Camden Courier-Post, June 2, 1932

Benjamin Rosner, 35, of 1443 Mt. Ephraim avenue, paid $25 in police court yesterday for passing a red light. He explained to Judge Garfield Pancoast that he didn’t stop when chased by detectives because he thought they were holdup men.

Detectives Richard Donnelly and Louis Schlamm testified they were waiting today in their automobile for the light to change at Haddon and Newton avenues, and when Rosner passed it, they chased him.

They caught up with him at Haddon avenue and Carman street and when Schlamm opened the door of his car the detectives said Rosner attempted to kick Schlamm.

Disabled Vets Rebuked for ‘Borrowing’ Auto

Camden Courier-Post —

Disabled Vets Rebuked for ‘Borrowing’ Auto - Camden Courier-Post, June 2, 1932 Disabled Vets Rebuked for ‘Borrowing’ Auto - Camden Courier-Post, June 2, 1932

Two wounded World War veterans, who went A. W. O. L. from the Walter Reed Hospital, Washington, to “tour” the country in a “borrowed” automobile, and who were arrested here, were dismissed by Police Judge Garfield Pancoast yesterday after a rebuke.

The men, Raymond L. Keen, 34, and James E. Donnelly, 44, were arrested at Camden bridge plaza when they couldn’t pay their toll. They told police they became tired of life at the hospital and decided to go absent without official leave, after “borrowing” the car of Irvin Graybill, also a patient at the hospital.

Both men are supported by braces and were reprimanded by Judge Pancoast, after Graybill, summoned here, told Judge Pancoast that he would make no complaint against them, because if convicted they would lose their pensions.

“Because you men fought in the war and were wounded, is no reason why you should break the law,” Judge Pancoast said, in suspending sentence. “When you men get your pension, don’t forget I am the one who could have taken them away from you had I wanted.”

Teacher’s ‘Hunch’ O. K. as Pupil Takes $6

Camden Courier-Post —

Teacher’s ‘Hunch’ O. K. as Pupil Takes $6 - Camden Courier-Post, June 2, 1932 Teacher’s ‘Hunch’ O. K. as Pupil Takes $6 - Camden Courier-Post, June 2, 1932 Teacher’s ‘Hunch’ O. K. as Pupil Takes $6 - Camden Courier-Post, June 2, 1932

Rafael Petito, 10, of 237 Pine street, started out to have a good time with $6 belonging to his teacher, but wound up in the Detention Home because the teacher proved to be a good detective. Yesterday Police Judge Pancoast sent him back to the Detention Home after hearing the teacher, Jane Baker, 203 East Clinton avenue, Oaklyn, tell how she found Rafael in a movie theatre Tuesday night.

The boy is a pupil in Miss Baker’s class at the Central School, Fourth and Washington streets, and didn’t return for the afternoon session Tuesday. Miss Baker’s $6 was in a purse in her desk which she missed at noon. Miss Baker had a “hunch” her pupil might be located in a movie show and sure enough that’s where Petito was found. She turned him over to the police.

Job in North Jersey Wins Release in Court

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, June 3, 1932 Camden Courier-Post, June 3, 1932 (part 1) Camden Courier-Post, June 3, 1932 (part 2)

Job in North Jersey Wins Release in Court

When Wharton Lafayette, 27, of 401 North Third street, told Police Judge Pancoast yesterday he was leaving for North Jersey to start working, Judge Pancoast gave him a suspended sentence on a disorderly conduct charge as a parting gift.

Lafayette was arrested after an argument with two other men who lived at the Third street address. He was recently released from the county jail after serving 30 days on charges made by his wife.

Records Altered, Court Rebukes Cop

Pancoast Angered Because Name of Youth Was Removed From Complaint

Police should not consider themselves as judges, nor have they the privilege of mutilating records of the police court, Judge Pancoast said yesterday in rebuking Patrolman Charles Smith for altering a complaint and warrant.

Smith, according to the testimony offered at the hearing of Leon Crank, 18, of 1460 Louis street; Ray Jenkins, 22, of 1220 Princess avenue, and Stanley Busko, 17, of 1187 Sycamore street, in a complaint charging them with loitering with intent to steal, and being suspicious characters.

Smith arrested Crank and Jenkins, but scratched off the name of Busko on the complaint and warrant, Pancoast said. Smith said he pursued three youths in a car Wednesday and recognized Crank and Jenkins. He said he thought the other youth was Busko, but later came to the conclusion he had been mistaken in the identity.

“It is not your place to judge persons you or any other person names in a complaint and warrant,” Judge Pancoast said. “I’ll make that decision. You arrest them and bring them in, and if they are innocent, I’ll turn them loose. You are not to decide the innocence of anyone.

“Furthermore, you have no right to mutilate the records of this court. No official of this court is permitted to change any records and you are not going to do it.” Pancoast found Crank and Jenkins not guilty and released them. Busko was not in court.

Police Censured in Pickpocket Case

Camden Courier-Post —

Police Censured in Pickpocket Case - Camden Courier-Post, June 4, 1932 Police Censured in Pickpocket Case - Camden Courier-Post, June 4, 1932 Police Censured in Pickpocket Case - Camden Courier-Post, June 4, 1932 Police Censured in Pickpocket Case - Camden Courier-Post, June 4, 1932 Police Censured in Pickpocket Case - Camden Courier-Post, June 4, 1932 Police Censured in Pickpocket Case - Camden Courier-Post, June 4, 1932 Police Censured in Pickpocket Case - Camden Courier-Post, June 4, 1932 Police Censured in Pickpocket Case - Camden Courier-Post, June 4, 1932 Police Censured in Pickpocket Case - Camden Courier-Post, June 4, 1932 Police Censured in Pickpocket Case - Camden Courier-Post, June 4, 1932 Police Censured in Pickpocket Case - Camden Courier-Post, June 4, 1932 Police Censured in Pickpocket Case - Camden Courier-Post, June 4, 1932

Stewart Reprimands Pancoast for Freeing 4—Grand Jury Refuses to Indict

Mayor Roy R. Stewart has reprimanded Police Judge Garfield Pancoast, former Acting City Detective Benjamin Simon and Captain of Detectives John W. Golden for laxity in handling the case of four alleged pickpockets and their unwilling accuser.

Meanwhile, the Camden County Grand Jury has exonerated the four accused men and also the complainant, who had been held by Pancoast as a material witness after failing to appear against the quartet in court.

The pickpocket suspects were released in their own recognizance by Pancoast and only one was rearrested after the police judge ordered the case reopened after a conference with the mayor.

Stewart acted after criticism had been made concerning progress of the case. He insisted that the defendants be brought to trial.

The men exonerated gave their names to the police at the time of their arrest as Thomas Anthony, 30, of 1112 Federal street; Harry Smith, 44, of 1338 Oxford street; Harry Miller, 29, of 629 North Tenth street, and Sam Berman, 46, of 606 West Girard avenue, all of Philadelphia.

Their attorneys at the police court hearing were Walter S. Keown and L. Scott Cherchesky.

Accused by Theatregoer

Their accuser was Charles Wilder, of 567 Liberty street, who had charged the men with taking $22 from his pocket in March as he was leaving a theatre at Broadway and Newton avenue.

The mayor said Wilder informed him, in a formal statement, that the reason he did not appear against the defendants at the original hearing was because he was more interested in getting his money back than in pressing the charges. Wilder is said to have given police the name of the man who gave him back his money.

“Wilder said he felt that if his money was returned to him there was no more to the case,” the mayor said.

“Will contempt proceedings be instituted against Wilder?” the mayor was asked.

Warrants Out for Four

“No,” he replied. “I don’t think so because we are still waiting to get the other fellows. Warrants are out to pick up the four defendants at any time.”

“Can they still be rearrested, even though they have been exonerated by the grand jury?” the mayor was asked.

“Well, that’s something you will have to ask Police Judge Pancoast,” he replied.

The quartet cleared of pocketpicking have long police records in Philadelphia.

In his formal decision yesterday, after reviewing the case, the mayor censured Simon for “failure to properly handle the case and dispose of same before the police judge”; Pancoast, for his “overzealousness in calling this case as the first of the morning” and for releasing defendants with criminal records in their own recognizance, and Golden for “not seeing that each and every member of the detective bureau was familiar with the rules, regulations, responsibilities and duties of their positions.”

“After reading all the evidence submitted in the case, I do not believe that Officer Simon has the qualifications to be assigned to the detective bureau,” the mayor said at the conclusion of his decision.

Simon, according to the mayor, failed to press the charge against the defendants in the absence of Wilder at the hearing. He also accused Simon of permitting release of the accused and with failing to rearrest them.

Notes Witness’ Absence

The mayor, other than to comment on the absence of the witness at the police court hearing, does not go further into failure of Wilder to appear after receiving back the money that had been stolen from him. The mayor said, in answer to a question, that he was concerned mainly with laxity in the case.

Mayor Stewart’s formal decision is dated May 27. He handed Judge Pancoast, Simon and Golden a copy of it the next day after conferring with each man separately.

Simon, he said, regarded the reprimand as “rather severe,” but did not attempt to shift responsibility; Pancoast explained that he heard the pickpocket case first because it is his custom to do so when defendants are represented by counsel, and Golden received the censure “graciously.” Pancoast freed the men, it was reported, after Simon testified the police “have nothing against them” and when Wilder failed to appear in court.

The exoneration of the four men charged with being pickpockets was voted Thursday when Wilder testified before the grand jury that he would not be able to identify them, Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin said.

The prosecutor said that although the four have long criminal records, the grand jury could not indict them on their records. Wilder, he added, had “testified fairly” that he could not identify them; therefore the no-bill was returned.

Of the men who had been arrested on Wilder’s complaint, only Miller, alias Harry Cohen, was rearrested after Judge Pancoast had reopened the case. He was held in $1000 bail in Philadelphia pending extradition after a hearing before Magistrate Edward F. Roberts.

Pancoast postponed hearings in the case several times to permit Simon and other detectives to rearrest the defendants. He also postponed the case of Wilder, whom he had held in $1000 bail as a material witness when he did not appear at the original police court hearing. The bail was fixed to assure Wilder’s appearance against the men in the event of their reapprehension.

On April 1, Judge Pancoast severely rebuked Simon for his inability to rearrest the four Philadelphians sought as pickpockets. The police judge said: “There has been a lot of criticism in this case and yet nothing has been done to apprehend the men.” Simon said he was doing all within his power in the case.

At a continued hearing before Judge Pancoast May 6, the court informed Wilder that he would be sent for by the grand jury.

“This case has been going on since March 15 and is now in the hands of Prosecutor Baldwin,” Pancoast said at that time. “He has complaints against all four of these men and they will be indicted. I shall continue your bail so that you will be sure to appear before that body when wanted.”

Text of Statement

The text of the mayor’s conclusions, after reviewing the case, follows:

“On March 15, 1932, Harry Miller, Sam Berman, Harry Smith and Thomas Anthony, all of Philadelphia, known as pickpockets, were apprehended after picking the pocket of Charles Wilder by a motorcycle policeman, William Taylor. After the arrest was made, Acting Detective Benjamin Simon was assigned to the case.

“I feel that Officer Simon should be reprimanded for his failure to properly handle the case and dispose of same before the police judge.

“The latter recommendation is based on the following facts: First, for Simon’s failure to press the charge in the absence of the witness. Second, inasmuch as he was familiar with the records of the four men, and, according to his own statement that Acting Detective George Zeitz telephoned from the Philadelphia detective bureau and gave the information that the prisoners had long records and that it would require from two to two and one-half hours to prepare a copy of the same. Third, for permitting the court to try this case as the first case in the morning, realizing the record of the men, and not requesting the judge to lay it over until he could furnish the information being furnished by the Philadelphia bureau. Fourth, that Officer Simon carried in his pocket for several days the necessary warrants to arrest these men after they had been released in their own recognizance and the very weak statement from him that he hoped to have the men surrender without extradition being necessary. I feel that it was preposterous to believe that criminals of this type would be lured into any such scheme. Fifth, that Officer Simon should have made the charges against these men instead of leaving the matter to Judge Pancoast. Sixth, for Simon’s unwillingness to sign the statement which he gave to the detective bureau.

Censures Pancoast

“Judge Pancoast should be reprimanded for his overzealousness in calling this case as the first of the morning. Certainly, four men arrested as pickpockets should not be swept aside and released without holding them until their complete record could be obtained. Judge Pancoast realizes that we are not inviting criminals of this type to our community, and the rougher we treat them the fewer we will have in our midst. He certainly should not release men with criminal records, such as these, in their own recognizance.

“Captain Golden should be reprimanded for not seeing that each and every member of the detective bureau was familiar with the rules, regulations, responsibilities and duties of their positions, as in this case it was very evident that Detective Simon did not show any of the aforesaid qualifications. I also believe that in cases of this nature that Captain Golden should make sure that the complaining witness would appear in court and that the court be instructed to hold the men until they had a complete record of them. To my mind, the laxity in any department is and should be placed directly on the man in charge, in this instance, the captain of detectives.

“After reading all the evidence submitted in this case, I do not believe that Officer Simon has the qualifications to be assigned to the detective bureau.”

Commenting on the no-bill exonerating the men accused by Wilder, Prosecutor Baldwin said:

“The man who had his pocket picked (Wilder) appeared before the grand jury Thursday. He was very fair about it and he said he could not identify the men who were arrested as the ones who picked his pocket because the moving picture theatre, where he said he was jostled, was dark. When the grand jury heard this testimony, it returned a no-bill.

Jostled in Theatre

“It is true that these four men who were accused have criminal records, but we cannot indict them on that. Wilder said he was brushed against in the aisle of the theatre as he was putting on his overcoat. When he reached the sidewalk, he said he saw an automobile pulling away. He testified that he did not know how long the men had been in it when they started off, but that he automatically jotted down the license number of the car. However, when we questioned him as to whether there was any possible way he could identify them as the men who picked his pocket, he said ‘No, because it was dark in the theatre’.”

Wilder, on March 23, was reported as having identified Miller as the man who picked his pocket and said the others jostled him as he was leaving the motion picture theatre. He saw the four men leave in a car, he told Policeman Taylor. The policeman chased the car to Broadway and Federal streets and arrested the occupants.

2 Gambling Raids Enrich City by $210

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, June 6, 1932 (part 1) Camden Courier-Post, June 6, 1932 (part 2)

One man was fined $50 and eight forfeited $160 securities when they failed to appear in Camden police court yesterday after raids on two alleged gambling establishments.

The only man who appeared for a hearing before Judge Pancoast was Tony Miller, 34, charged with being the proprietor of horse race betting establishment at 112 North Second street. Six men arrested as material witnesses forfeited $10 each.

Securities of $50 each were forfeited by Joseph Connors, 32, of 869 North Twenty-first street, Philadelphia, and Max Aronson, 45, of 425 Stevens street, arrested in a raid at 338 Kaighn Avenue. Lieut. Ralph Bakley said the place was a numbers writing headquarters.

Those who forfeited securities in the Second street raid gave their names as Thomas Telto, 42, of 1424 Federal street; Thomas Maner, 40, of 414 North Fourth street; Thomas Wright, 30, of 345 Penn street; William Brown, 39, of 115 North Third street; Clinton Krane, 43, of 145 State street, and Leonard Winner, 35, of 1021 Grant avenue, Collingswood.

Pennsauken Man Held as Burglar Suspect

Camden Courier-Post —

Pennsauken Man Held as Burglar Suspect - Camden Courier-Post, June 6, 1932

Camden’s oldest burglar suspect was held without bail for the grand jury when arraigned in police court before Judge Pancoast Saturday. He entered a plea of guilty to breaking into and robbing the home of Watson M. Mervin, at 3266 Pleasant street, of jewelry worth $150 and a loaded revolver.

He gave his name as John H. Evans, 63, of 2254 Forty-first street, Pennsauken. He was arrested by Patrolman Clarence Barnes as he was leaving the Mervin home. Barnes said he found a rear door had been forced.

Detective Edwin Mills told Judge Pancoast that Evans had been arrested a number of times for burglary and had served several terms.

Inspectors Check Cars on Camden Streets

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, June 9, 1932

One driver was summoned and 30 motorists warned Saturday night when state motor vehicle inspectors examined cars on North Twenty-seventh street, between Howell and Saunders streets.

Harry Wood, 17, of 2823 Sherman avenue, was said to be driving on a drivers’ permit without a licensed driver with him. He was handed a summons by Inspector Fred Pfrommer for a hearing before Judge Pancoast.

Pfrommer, Special Inspector John H. Tischner, Sr., and Policeman Clarence Barnes conducted the check-up. Most of the violators had defective lights.

Youth Exonerates Partner in $5000 Extortion Plot on Reserve Bank Head

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, June 10, 1932 — Extortion case Camden Courier-Post, June 10, 1932 (part 1) Camden Courier-Post, June 10, 1932 (part 2) Camden Courier-Post, June 10, 1932 (part 3) Camden Courier-Post, June 10, 1932 (part 4) Camden Courier-Post, June 10, 1932 (part 5) Camden Courier-Post, June 10, 1932 (part 6) Camden Courier-Post, June 10, 1932 (part 7) Camden Courier-Post, June 10, 1932 (part 8) Camden Courier-Post, June 10, 1932 (part 10) Camden Courier-Post, June 10, 1932 (part 11) Camden Courier-Post, June 10, 1932 (part 12) Camden Courier-Post, June 10, 1932 (part 13)

Boy in Cell Tries to End Life After Police Foil Plan

Mt. Ephraim Prisoner Admits Sending Threatening Notes to George W. Norris

Parents Supply Bonds

Blame for the attempted extortion of $5000 from George W. Norris, governor of the Federal Reserve Bank in Philadelphia, was taken entirely yesterday by Frederick Fickel, 19, of Mt. Ephraim.

Fickel was one of two youths arrested after a “trap” had been set for them by Camden police, and Federal secret service men. The other youth was Joseph Wittman, Jr., 17, of Audubon.

Fickel, who attempted to commit suicide in his cell at the city jail, told police yesterday that Wittman knew nothing about two letters sent to Norris “demanding he join a protective association for which he was to pay $5000.”

Enter Not Guilty Pleas

Both youths were arraigned before Judge Garfield Pancoast in police court on the extortion conspiracy charges, while Fickel was additionally charged with attempted suicide. They entered pleas of not guilty through their attorney and were held for the Camden county grand jury. Fickel was held in $1500 bail on the conspiracy complaint and $500 for trying to end his life. Bail of $1000 was set for Wittman. The parents of the youths were permitted to furnish bail.

Fickel, an avid reader of detective stories, made a “clean breast” of the plot and assumed all blame for it, telling authorities he had promised Wittman a small sum of money to drive him to Camden.

Trapped by Detectives

They were arrested at Fourth and Mt. Vernon streets last night by city detectives and a secret service operative as they were about to receive a decoy package, supposedly containing $5000, from a schoolboy. Fickel had promised the boy 50 cents if he would obtain the package from a “messenger” who was standing in front of the Lyric theatre at Broadway and Newton avenue. This arrangement was in accordance with instructions Fickel had set forth in a series of threatening letters he sent to Norris and signed “P. P. A.,” a purely fictitious “protection organization.” The “messenger,” however, was the secret service operative.

Youth Slashes Wrists

At 3.30 a. m. yesterday Turnkey William Robinson was making his rounds when he looked into Fickel’s cell and saw the youth holding a wrist, blood dripping from his hands. Fickel was taken to Cooper Hospital, where physicians said both wrists had been cut and considerable blood lost. Eight stitches were required to close the wounds, which had not opened any arteries. He was taken back to his cell.

Fickel made his suicide try with a broken razor blade which he said he had in his coat pocket, although police asserted they searched him thoroughly last night before placing him in his cell at police headquarters. When questioned today, Fickel evaded admission he had tried to end his life.

Mr. Norris received the first threatening letter on May 26. It said:

“We are writing To let you know that you are To become a member of the P. P. A. organization, Which is a Protective org. for a large number of Promient People in the eastern Part of The U. S. You are To become a member for which membership you are To Pay The sum of $5000.

Detailed Instructions

“In return you will get a 6-word sentence in code which if you are ever bothered by any other org. etc., you will Publish this in the Personal column of any Phila. newspaper. We will then get into comunication with you and give full Protection from such without further expense to you.

“However we demand that you first Pay us $5000 cash. You shall Proceed as follows. Get the money in any Phila Bank in the following denominations.

“Get 40 fifty dollar bills, 100 twenty dollar bills & 100 ten Dollar bills.

“This you shall keep and await further instructions. Sat. May 28 or Mon. May 30 you shall put in the Personal column of The Evening Bulletin the following (P. P. A. Will come home soon—G. W. N.) This will Indicate that you agree to do as we say. A few days later you will receive further Instructions.

“We need not caution you as to the Matter of calling the Police or Private Detec. our connections enable us to learn of this immediately.

“Further more should you ignore this letter we will quickly enforce our demands By harm to your Person and damage To your Property. You must do as we say or suffer in turn. A man of your means and advanced age cannot jeopardize his life for a mere $5000. So remember do as we say for we always enforce our demands (The) P. P. A. Red [sic] This letter over Then destroy it.”

Mr. Norris advertised last Thursday, as follows:

P. P. A.—Just received your letter; been away; write again.—G. W. N.

The advertisement was answered by a letter, received last Monday, telling Mr. Norris “nothing would happen” if he complied with their demand.

Held in Bail

Frederick Fickel.

Joseph Wittman, Jr.

Arrested late Wednesday night on charges of attempting to extort money from George W. Norris, governor of the Federal Reserve Bank, of Philadelphia, Fickel confessed yesterday the plot was planned and executed by himself and absolved Wittman of complicity.

Accused Mermaid Held; Judge Scores Plaintiff

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, June 7, 1932 (part 1) Camden Courier-Post, June 7, 1932 (part 2) Camden Courier-Post, June 7, 1932 (part 3)

Accused Mermaid Held; Judge Scores Plaintiff

Mrs. Dorothy Imhoff Enderwood, 19, Camden aquatic star, was held in $500 bail for the grand jury by Judge Pancoast yesterday after pleading not guilty to the theft of a watch from a male companion.

At the same time Judge Pancoast severely scored the complainant, John J. Spellman, of 3092 Federal street, for “poor grace” in preferring the charges after he had been evicted from the girl’s apartment for attempting to “get fresh.”

$650 Fines Levied as Echo of Raids

One Man With ‘Faulty Memory’ is Given 60-Day Sentence

Fines totalling $650 were levied against alleged proprietors of disorderly houses arraigned before Police Judge Garfield Pancoast yesterday.

Nine inmates of an East Camden house were given suspended sentences, while one who claimed that in numerous visits to the place he failed to see any intoxicating liquors, was given a 60-day sentence “for a faulty memory.”

George Thomas, 44, colored, of 134 Clinton street, forfeited $300 security when he failed to appear in court. He was arrested by Lieutenant Ralph Bakley and a group of raiders early yesterday when they discovered five gallons of whisky and 100 bottles of home brew in the place. A warrant was issued for Thomas’ arrest.

The same group of raiders arrested James Williams, 44, of 519 South Second street, in his home, where a small quantity of whisky was seized. Williams was fined $50.

John B. Di Simone, whose cigar store at 207 Clinton street yielded a quantity of whisky, paid a fine of $100, as did Mrs. Carrie Becker, 38, of 1245 North Thirty-third street, whose place was raided by police of the Third district.

In the Becker home ten men were arrested, including Edward Marshman, 21, of 20 Morse street, whose inability to recall the sale of liquor drew the judge’s ire and a jail sentence.

3 Men Are Jailed for Street Begging

Camden Courier-Post —

3 Men Are Jailed for Street Begging - Camden Courier-Post, June 7, 1932

Three men who police said begged money from persons leaving Centenary-Tabernacle M. E. church, Fifth and Cooper streets, were sent to jail today.

They are Carl Low, 36, of 520 South Second street; Ned Galvin, 39, of 909 South Fourth street, and Evan Moore, 39, of 707 Linden street. The trio, arrested yesterday were given 30 days each in jail by Police Judge Pancoast.

Former Cop Released on $10 Larceny Charge

Camden Courier-Post —

Former Cop Released on $10 Larceny Charge - Camden Courier-Post, June 9, 1932

John Serock, 37, of 1124 Sheridan street, a former Camden policeman, who was arrested, charged with stealing $10 from his brother, Joseph, with whom he lives, appeared yesterday before Police Judge Garfield Pancoast. His brother, however, was not in court and when Serock said that the money had been found Judge Pancoast released him in his own recognizance.

Youths Dazed by Rum; Police Probe Ordered

Camden Courier-Post —

Youths Dazed by Rum; Police Probe Ordered - Camden Courier-Post, June 9, 1932

Two youths who were found in a semi-conscious condition as the result of drinking liquor, were held in $500 bail each yesterday by Judge Garfield Pancoast pending a police investigation.

They are George Burrell, 20, of 1208 Thurman street, and Dominick Ravieri, 17, of 325 Division street. They were arrested at Fourth and Chestnut streets by Police Lieut. Bakley. Bakley testified they were in such a stupor that it was necessary to take them to West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital where their stomachs were pumped.

The youths first declared they found the liquor, but after questioning by Judge Pancoast, admitted buying it in a South Camden speakeasy. They were held in bail for a further hearing next week. Pancoast ordered the police to learn where the youths obtained the liquor.

Relief ‘Chiseler’ Given Sixty Days

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, June 11, 1932 (part 1) Camden Courier-Post, June 11, 1932 (part 2)

Philadelphia Man Is Charged With Getting Camden ‘Poor’ Orders

A Philadelphian who obtained food in Camden in violation of the state relief law yesterday was sentenced to 60 days in the county jail.

Following the conviction, Emil Dethlefs, of the Camden county state relief committee, threatened wholesale arrests to all persons found receiving food in violation of the law.

The convicted man was William Mozitis, 25. He gave a fictitious Camden address as his own. Sentence was pronounced by Judge Pancoast.

Dethlefs, who also heads the Camden office of the state labor bureau, testified Mozitis represented himself as a Camden resident in attempting to obtain orders for food from one of the relief stations in the fire house at 1813 Broadway. Dethlefs charged Mozitis had actually obtained previous orders after giving addresses of 238 Boathouse row, foot of Jasper street, and 1805 Mulford street. Mozitis really lives in Queen street, Philadelphia, Dethlefs said his investigation showed.

After the hearing, Dethlefs made a statement in which he said he and William J. Strandwitz, Camden county deputy director of state relief, are beginning a drive today to arrest “these pretenders who are receiving state aid and don’t need it.”

Dethlefs, in charge of the city’s 14 relief stations, stated that from now on all applicants for emergency relief will be even more carefully investigated than heretofore.

Strandwitz stated he was awaiting a report from Harry J. Belz, Collingswood relief director, concerning an employed Collingswood man, the owner of a home and automobile, reported to have received state emergency aid. The report from Belz, Strandwitz said, would determine whether he would make a complaint and order the arrest of the man.

21 Stolen Coats Found; Man Is Held for Jury

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, June 11, 1932 (part 3) Camden Courier-Post, June 11, 1932 (part 4)

Tony Cecero, 44, of Main street, West Collingswood, yesterday was held in $500 bail for the grand jury by Police Judge Pancoast, charged with possession of stolen goods.

Cecero was arrested by Detective Joseph Carpani on complaint of Jack Zwick, 219 North Tenth street, an official of the Camden Cloak Co., which was robbed of 57 coats April 26.

Zwick identified 21 coats found in Cecero’s possession. They were valued at $10.75 apiece, he said. Cecero said he had been parking at a West Collingswood roadhouse when a stranger sold him the coats for $10.

Woman Driving Auto Costs Owner $50 Fine

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, June 15, 1932 (part 1) Camden Courier-Post, June 15, 1932 (part 3) Camden Courier-Post, June 15, 1932 (part 4) Camden Courier-Post, June 15, 1932 (part 10) Camden Courier-Post, June 15, 1932 (part 11) Camden Courier-Post, June 15, 1932 (part 12) Camden Courier-Post, June 15, 1932 (part 13) Camden Courier-Post, June 15, 1932 (part 14)

Woman Driving Auto Costs Owner $50 Fine

Admitting he permitted a young woman companion to drive his car although she has no operator’s permit, Louis W. Drew, 32, of 202 North Monroe avenue, Margate City, was fined $50 yesterday in Camden Police Court.

Judge Garfield Pancoast suspended sentence on Drew’s companion, Mrs. Anna Collins, 23, who said she lived at 1642 Broadway, when she pleaded Drew had been drinking and she only took the wheel to prevent an accident. The law made the fine against Drew mandatory, Pancoast pointed out.

Policeman Louis Prucella said he arrested the couple at 3:20 a. m. yesterday at Mt. Ephraim and Lansdowne avenues when he became suspicious of their actions.

Robbery Suspect Wins Cut in Bail

An effort to have bail lowered for three men held on charges of robbery although the complainant repudiated his identification of them, was only partly successful yesterday when Judge Samuel M. Shay reduced the bond of one prisoner.

Bail was reduced from $5000 to $500 for George Rumble, 19, of 1832 Fillmore street. However, Judge Shay allowed the $5000 bail set for Albert Dubowski, 22, of 1819 Fillmore street, and Frank Marcone, of Woodbury Heights, to remain.

The three were arrested June 5 on complaint of Benjamin Franz, 26, of 131 North Sixteenth street, Philadelphia, who alleged they stole $5 from him and a friend on the pretense of showing them where to obtain beer. On the following day in police court, Franz said he did not believe they were the men who held him up. Detectives Joseph Carpani and Walter Smith told Judge Pancoast that Franz said he would not appear against the men if he were held as a witness. Judge Pancoast fixed bail at $5000 not only for the three men but also for Franz as a material witness.

J. Lewis Kollin, attorney for the three defendants, who have been in the county jail in default of bail, asked that bail be lowered because the charge involved only $5 and Franz would not identify them. Six detectives testified Franz had identified Marcone and Dubowski, while Rumble was not identified.

Mechantville [sic] Girl to Become Sky Bride in Flight Over Camden Today

Pancoast Will Tie Air Wedding Knot

Cabin Plane Ceremony Sponsored by Lyric Theatre; Trip Will Be First Flight for All of Participants

A South Jersey couple will become man and wife as they soar over Camden in an airplane this afternoon.

They are Miss Louise DeNezio, 19, of 127 Monroe avenue, Merchantville, and Frederick Mozzachio, 27, of 2977 North Atlanta road, Camden.

The ceremony will be performed by Police Judge Garfield Pancoast in a tri-motored cabin plane which will take off from Central Airport at 3 p. m.

Included in the wedding party will be two witnesses, who are necessary to make a marriage legal. Neither Judge Pancoast, the prospective newlyweds nor the witnesses have ever flown before.

The air wedding is being sponsored by the Stanley-Warner Company’s Camden theatres in connection with the feature picture, “Sky Bride,” which will open at the Lyric Theatre tomorrow.

A number of Camden business men are co-operating in the wedding, and after their marriage the couple will be presented with gifts donated by the merchants from the stage of the theatre tonight.

The plane will fly over Camden for 15 minutes. After a wedding reception at their homes tonight, the couple will leave on their honeymoon by air.

The matrimonial career of Miss Louise Denezio, 19, and Frederick Mozzachio, 27, will start “up in the air” as they are married by Police Judge Pancoast while flying over Camden today. Neither the bride-to-be nor her fiancé have ever flown before, but they consider both flying and matrimony “a chance.” Judge Pancoast, likewise, has never flown before.

Relief ‘Racketeers’ Must Repay Funds

Camden Courier-Post —

Relief ‘Racketeers’ Must Repay Funds - Camden Courier-Post, June 15, 1932 Relief ‘Racketeers’ Must Repay Funds - Camden Courier-Post, June 15, 1932 Relief ‘Racketeers’ Must Repay Funds - Camden Courier-Post, June 15, 1932 Relief ‘Racketeers’ Must Repay Funds - Camden Courier-Post, June 15, 1932

Jail Terms Loom If Two Men Fail to Return $116 to Board

Two violators of the state relief law escaped jail sentences in Camden police court yesterday on their promise to make restitution for emergency food orders they were charged with “snatching from the mouths of the worthy hungry.”

Arraigned before Police Judge Pancoast were Hezetiah Thomas, 49, of 1725 Master street, and his step-son, Frank Thomas, 29, of 663 Central avenue. Judge Pancoast deferred the case until Tuesday, June 28, to give them a chance to pay back to Emil Dethlefs, of the relief committee, a total of $116 they received in food orders.

Simultaneously, the war against “relief racketeers” turned to Collingswood where a man, the owner of his home, an automobile, and who has a telephone, was reported receiving relief on the pretense he and his family were needy.

Dunn Reports Case

A report on an investigation of the case was received by William J. Strandwitz, county deputy relief director, from William H. Dunn, Collingswood relief director.

The investigation, Strandwitz announced, disclosed the man was not at fault, but that his wife had confessed to obtaining emergency food orders without her husband’s knowledge. She needed the telephone, the report said, because she suffers a serious heart ailment and fears remaining alone in the house without it for fear of a sudden attack.

Disposing of the case, Strandwitz said he would permit the Collingswood man to make restitution for the $19.65 in food orders and fuel. He further stated he would intercede for the man in an attempt to have him reinstated with a Camden concern which dropped him from the payroll due to reports of relief law violations.

Strandwitz, however, issued a warning to other violators of the law should they be arrested. He was disposed to be lenient in this case, he explained, because of the reported illness of the wife and due to the extenuating circumstances under which the husband was involved without his apparent knowledge.

Restitution or Jail

In the police court case, Frank Thomas was charged by Dethlefs with obtaining $36 worth of food in $2 orders for 18 weeks while employed. Thomas denied in police court he had accepted orders while employed, but finally admitted his guilt under the questioning of Pancoast. He was threatened with six months in jail if he failed to make some payment for the food in two weeks.

Dethlefs and Pancoast agreed it was wiser to permit Thomas, who has a wife and child, to make restitution rather than send him to jail and throw the burden of his family’s support on the county.

Hezetiah Thomas, the father of three children, was charged with accepting $80 in food orders over a period of 28 weeks. Similar disposition was made of his case. He has been employed five years, Dethlefs charged.

Dethlefs announced that from now on all complaints concerning “relief racketeers” will be investigated whether they are anonymous or not. “I’ll stop this practice,” he said, “or break a leg trying. These racketeers are snatching from the worthy hungry.”

Woman Held for Jury After Fatal Stabbing

Camden Courier-Post —

Woman Held for Jury After Fatal Stabbing - Camden Courier-Post, June 15, 1932

Declaring she was “just playing with a knife” when Rudolph Spicer, 28, colored, of 146 Walnut street, was stabbed to death Sunday night in her home, Mrs. Emma Pollard, 32, of 1065 Ivins street, was held without bail for the grand jury yesterday on a murder charge.

Police Judge Garfield Pancoast also held without bail, as a material witness, William Epps, 44, colored, of 203 Pine street, at the request of Detective Edward Mills. Mills said Epps was present when Spicer was stabbed in the chest.

Junk Shop Yields Rum So Owner Pays $50

Camden Courier-Post —

Junk Shop Yields Rum So Owner Pays $50 - Camden Courier-Post, June 16, 1932

Arrested after the police raided his junk shop at 513 Liberty street, Nathan Katz, 35, was fined $50 by Police Judge Pancoast yesterday.

Lieutenant Ralph Bakley, commander of the Second District, testified that he found two pints of liquor in the office of the junk shop when he entered the place on a search warrant.

Katz pleaded guilty to violating city ordinance 422.

Blair Indicted by Grand Jury for Threat to Blow Up Home

Camden Courier-Post —

Blair Indicted by Grand Jury for Threat to Blow Up Home - Camden Courier-Post, June 16, 1932 Blair Indicted by Grand Jury for Threat to Blow Up Home - Camden Courier-Post, June 16, 1932

Boxer Must Stand Trial With Pal on Pennsauken Man’s Charge

DRY RAIDERS CLEARED IN COOK’S GRILL CASE

Two Agents and 4 Truckmen Absolved of Mischief in Bar-Wrecking Episode

The April grand jury yesterday returned a true bill against Mickey Blair, Camden pugilist, on a charge of threatening to kill a Pennsauken man by bombing his home.

It was the first time Blair has ever been indicted, although his police record shows he has been arrested 10 times for various offenses.

In addition the grand jury “no billed” a malicious mischief charge made by Basil Cook, owner of Cook’s Grill, 939 South Fifth street, against two prohibition agents and four employes of a trucking firm who tore out the bar and fixtures of the cafe in a raid several weeks ago.

Dismissal of the charges against the federal men and their collaborators had been forecast by Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin. The agents are Nelson Snedecor, 38, of 138 North Tenth street, Allentown, N. J.; and John J. Stokes, 41, of 6100 North Seventeenth street, Philadelphia, both of the Philadelphia prohibition office.

Controversy Ends

The Grand Jury’s action, taken in a first partial presentment made to Justice Frank T. Lloyd while Judge Samuel M. Shay was busy in Criminal Court, officially concludes a case that attracted wide attention and brought stormy conferences between Prohibition Administrator John D. Pennington, Mayor Roy R. Stewart and United States Attorney Philip Forman.

Police Judge Garfield Pancoast, who issued the warrant for the agents’ arrest, freed them on their own recognizance at the request of federal authorities. Cook contended the agents unlawfully destroyed his property after leaving the place following a raid, and entering it again without a warrant. The agents said they stayed in the hotel all night following the raid, excepting for the time they were forcefully taken out by police.

The workman [sic] are Floyd E. Slamp, 20, of 148 Marne avenue, Haddonfield, son of the secretary and treasurer of the Troth Warehouse and Trucking Company, Fifth and Byron streets; Robert McKee, 45, of 4837 Duffield street, Philadelphia; John Shrom, 19, of Moorisville, Pa., and John Adams, 20, of 542 Erie street.

Pal Accused With Blair

Blair, whose true name is Michael Tenerelli, was indicted on charges made by Calvin Bell, 45, of 7349 Remington avenue, Pennsauken. Thomas Bonelli was indicted with Tenerelli on the same charge. Tenerelli is 23 and lives at 833 South Fourth street. Bonelli is also 23 and lives at 270 Walnut street. Bell, who is colored, had them held in $2500 bail each by Police Recorder George W. Yost, of Pennsauken, last May 6. Bell charged they threatened to bomb his home unless he paid them $100 to make good for 100 gallons of liquor they allegedly purchased from one of his sons and found it worthless. The defendants were arrested in Bell’s home.

Tenerelli and Bonelli were released on bail a week ago in connection with the alleged holdup of Mrs. Barbara Lehman in her cigar store at 1209 Arctic avenue, Atlantic City. Although Tenerelli has figured in police records since he was 12 this is the first indictment to be returned against him, police say.

Other indictments returned yesterday are:

Desertion and non-support: John Councellor, John Morgan, Joseph Casini, Raymond Sykes, August Remler, Thomas Early, Isadore Kramer, Martin O’Toole, Harry Gallagher, William Johnson, Charles Krown, Curtis Myers, Clarence Brinning, George Price, William Slaughter, Grover C. Bennett.

Breaking, entering and larceny: Elisha and Anna Coleman, Theodore Ruteski and Anton Zakrewski, Patrick Williams and Louis Thomas, Henry Parzewicz, Tony Renczykowski and Stanley Kidzierski.

Robbery—John Duboski, John H. Linicky; assault and battery—John Barr, Louigi Celeni, Fred D. Coleman, Benjamin Wallace, Zack McGriff, John Collins, Max Platkin, Joseph Panacola, Albert Pickering, Adolph Smith, Millard Wallace.

Larceny and receiving stolen goods—Warren Cormulewicz, Harold Wolf, William Mitchell, Stanley Kramer and Frank Gymuszuk.

Possession of liquor—Herman Fleisher, Gene Geffner, David Gold.

Statutory charge—Robert J. Sutters.

Dr. Neulen Appointed to New Welfare Unit

Camden Courier-Post —

Dr. Neulen Appointed to New Welfare Unit - Camden Courier-Post, June 16, 1932

Mayor Roy R. Stewart yesterday appointed Dr. Leon N. Neulen, superintendent of schools, and Miss Lillie T. Osler, retired school principal, to the newly-established Juvenile Delinquency and Welfare Committee.

Previous appointments by the mayor to the committee included Police Judge Garfield Pancoast, C. Paul Nay, school attendance officer, and Police Captain Arthur Colsey.

The committee of five will meet at an early date at the call of the mayor, it was announced.

Alumni Reception Hostess

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, June 18, 1932 (part 1) Camden Courier-Post, June 18, 1932 (part 2)

Miss Pancoast, daughter of Judge and Mrs. Garfield Pancoast, 234 Morse street, this city, is a member of the hostess committee for the alumni reception to the June graduating class of Camden High School, to be held at the school on Saturday, June 25.

Camden Man Arrested for ‘Crashing’ Party

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Man Arrested for ‘Crashing’ Party - Camden Courier-Post, May 1, 1933

Ejected from a party which he tried to “crash” Saturday night, Edward Stone, 21, of 1024 Federal street, was arrested when he struck at the host.

Policeman Clarence Phifer testified in police court today that he was called by the owner of a house at Louis and Lansdowne avenues after Stone started a fight after he was put out of the party.

Stone admitted he caused a disturbance but said he was intoxicated. Judge Pancoast suspended sentence and told Stone to go to parties only when he was invited.

Man, Robbed, Left in Road By Kidnappers

Camden Courier-Post —

Byron P. Cobb Beaten by Autoists; Roll of $4700 Taken

Byron P. Cobb, 62, the “Sun Doctor,” was kidnapped by three men early yesterday, beaten and robbed of $4700 before being tossed from a moving automobile in Farnham Park.

Detectives found him in a sub-conscious condition laying in the middle of River Drive, after a motorist had heard his moans and notified police.

Three South Camden youths, arrested for a motor violation at about the time Cobb was found, later were identified by the awning manufacturer as the ones who kidnapped and robbed him. They are Primo Fioravanti, 20, of 435 Division Street; Anthony Scanalvilli, 20, of 326 Division Street, and John Piliere, 19, of 1130 South 3rd Street.

All are being held on charges of kidnapping, atrocious assault and battery and highway robbery. They will be given a hearing today in police court. Later a charge of larceny of an automobile was placed against them.

Cobb, who for many years operated an awning manufacturing shop at Fifth and Royden Streets, told police he met the three who robbed him in a restaurant near Broadway and Kaighn Avenue. He said he bought them food and in return they offered to take him to his home in their automobile. This was shortly before 2 a.m.

He said two of the men were dressed in brown suits and the third wore a “greenish blue suit.” All wore light hats.

As soon as he entered the machine, Cobb told Detectives George Zeitz and Leon Branch, who found him in the park, someone hit him over the head.

Two of the men then went through his clothing and took the $4700 from his pockets. He told police that he drew the money from his bank yesterday and intended to pay off a mortgage on a property today.

The men held Cobb, he told police, until they reached Farnham Park, where he was tossed out of the machine as the driver slowed up.

A few minutes after 2 a. m., William P. Tyler, of 1493 Greenwood Avenue, driving past the park, heard someone shout “murder” several times. He hurried to a telephone and called police headquarters.

Found In Roadway

Detectives Zeitz and Branch searched the section where Tyler had heard the shouts. Then they drove down through River Drive, where they discovered Cobb lying in the middle of the roadway.

The injured man was taken to Cooper Hospital where he was revived, and then to detective headquarters.

Meanwhile Motorcycle Patrolmen George Getley and Earl Stopfer stopped a car at Mt. Ephraim and Ferry Avenues, which had aroused their suspicions as it sped down Mt. Ephraim Avenue.

Piliere was driving the machine and could not produce either a registration card or driver’s license. He said he had borrowed the car from a man he knew as “Pete.”

The car was claimed yesterday by Pietro Tocco, 35, of 717 South Fourth Street. He told Zeitz and Branch the car had been stolen from in front of his home “sometime around 2 a. m.” yesterday.

Piliere and his pals were taken to police headquarters where the former was booked on a motor-vehicle charge. When police found two pieces of rubber hose in the rear of the machine, all three were taken to detective headquarters.

There Cobb identified them as the three who had robbed him. He pointed out Fioravanti, the only one with a previous police record, as the man who hit him on the head.

Police held all three without bail for the hearing before Judge Pancoast.

At the Cobb home yesterday, Mrs. Byron P. Cobb said she knew nothing about the holdup. She said Cobb “appeared to have a headache when he got up,” but failed to mention anything was wrong and left the house before her return from church.

All of the suspects deny the robbery. They said they took a friend to his home in Woodlynne and were en route to their homes in Camden when arrested.

Piliere told Detectives Zeitz and Branch that he “borrowed the car from his uncle,” whom he only knew as “Pete.”

Byron P. Cobb

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, June 9, 1933 — Byron P. Cobb

Byron P. Cobb

Beer Seller Is Fined for Lack of License

Camden Courier-Post —

Beer Seller Is Fined for Lack of License - Camden Courier-Post, July 12, 1933

One man was fined $25 and another was freed today when they were arraigned in police court before Judge Pancoast, charged with selling beer without a license.

Herbert Reuben, 30, of 1634 North Thirteenth street, Philadelphia, was the man fined. District Detective Vernon Jones testified Reuben sold beer in his restaurant at 925 Liberty street.

Frank Tomiczwicz, 49, of 1111 Louis street, was discharged with a warning after Jones testified the man was destitute and only sold a few bottles at his cigar store.

Elizabeth Parker

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, June 25, 1933 — Elizabeth Parker

Elizabeth Parker

Gennaro Mariano

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, June 27, 1933

Gennaro Mariano

Garfield Siebert Pancoast

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, June 9, 1933 Camden Courier-Post, June 9, 1933 — Garfield Siebert Pancoast

Edward J. Borden Sr. and Garfield Siebert Pancoast.

In Family Tragedy

Camden Evening Courier —

In Family Tragedy - Camden Evening Courier, September 18, 1933

JACOB SCHILLER WILLIAM SCHILLER

Jobless Son Kills Jake Schiller Who Saves Boy’s Wife From Gun

Camden Evening Courier —

SLAYER CRAZED BY SEPARATION, RELATIVES SAY

Dazedly Insists He Had No Intention of Shooting Sire

ESTRANGED WIFE SEEN IN SUICIDE TRY

Slain Man Long Was Prominent Figure in Camden Politics

Jacob Schiller, 72, for 45 years a political figure here, is dead, shot by his own son.

The slayer, William Schiller, 30, a former summer policeman now unemployed, was held over today to the grand jury on a charge of murder. He made no comment whatever during his police court hearing.

A few hours later, young Schiller’s wife, Augusta, whom he had also tried to shoot, was found wandering through the city street, in a hysterical condition.

She had written a note which police believed showed intent to commit suicide, and had staggered dazedly through the streets last night. Both in her note and in her incoherent statements to detectives she declared she was to blame for the tragedy.

She said her father-in-law had tried to save her and was killed in the attempt.

The slaying occurred Saturday night at the elder Schiller’s home, 2420 Carman Street. It climaxed an estrangement between young Schiller and his wife, with “Jake” Schiller attempting to reconcile the couple.

Mrs. William Schiller, who had had her husband arrested several months ago, said she believed he had become mentally deranged, but Police Judge Pancoast was informed that an alienist had examined young Schiller in July and pronounced him sane.

Couple Separated

Young Schiller had been living with his father at the Carman Street address, while Mrs. Schiller has been residing with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John I. Green, 409 North Thirty-seventh Street. The cause of the estrangement has not been revealed by police, but it is stated that young Schiller refused to consent to a reconciliation.

“Jake” Schiller was a Republican worker in the Twelfth ward for years, and was at the time of his death inspector of city street lights.

Were Alone at Home

The father and son were at home 9:00 p.m. Saturday night and apparently were quarreling when the young Mrs. Schiller, her brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. William Miller and another sister, Mrs. Lottie Bennehler, reached the house.

“Don’t come in here,” the older Schiller shouted as they started to enter the front sun parlor. But Miller did enter and said young Schiller was clutching a revolver in his right hand. He declared he closed in on his brother-in-law and tried to wrench the revolver from him. Two shots rang out and the father fell to the floor.

Patrolman Joseph Keefe was standing at Twenty-fifth and Federal Streets when two boys ran up and told him there was a shooting at Twenty-fifth and Carman Street. He ran to the scene and said he reached there in time to see young Schiller shooting up the street at his wife.

Keefe said Schiller ran into the house when he saw him. Aided by Miller, Keefe overpowered Schiller and placed an iron claw on his right hand after disarming him.

Jacob Schiller Jr., another son, learning of the shooting, went to his father’s home and took him to Cooper Hospital in a passing automobile. As he was being taken into the hospital he failed to recognize City Detective Robert Ashenfelter and died five minutes later.

Expresses No Regret

Police Sergeant John Potter joined Keefe and Miller and they took young Schiller to police headquarters.

Keefe said the son expressed no regret at shooting his father.

At about 5 a.m. today, Policeman Keefe was patrolling his “beat” when he passed the Schiller home on Carman Street. He noticed the front door was standing open, and he went inside to investigate.

The officer saw a note on a smoking stand. Picking it up, he read:

“Dear Everybody:

“Please forgive me … You have all been so wonderful … But I couldn’t go on to see you all suffer for what is my fault … Lottie was right … He killed his father because of insane love for me … But he didn’t. I killed Pop and now am sending Bibs to jail for my weakness.

“Tell him I love him and ask my poor mother and dad to forgive me. I should have done this long ago and saved everyone all this suffering … I love Billy and I know he loves me but I am afraid he has been turned against me. But I forgive him for all.

“Gussie”

“Gussie” is Mrs. Schiller.

Finds ‘Gussie’ Hysterical

Keefe ran to Federal Street, but could not see Mrs. Schiller.

Meanwhile, Constable Dugan of the Twelfth Ward, saw Mrs. Schiller walking on Federal Street near the Cooper River. She was mumbling to herself and was in a hysterical condition, Dugan said.

Dugan telephoned police headquarters. City Detectives Rox Saponare and Maurice DeNicoli went out Federal Street and took her back with them to detective headquarters. There they sought to quiet her, but she continually sobbed.

“I want to take the blame—if I hadn’t gone to Pop’s home he would be living now.”

“Pop wanted to save me,” she said. “and he was shot. I can’t eat or sleep. I think I’m going crazy.”

Later, she was permitted to return to the home.

Young Schiller had been held in the city jail over the weekend. Today he was taken into police court. He wore no necktie and carried a raincoat over his arm. He was represented by counsel, C. Lawrence Gregorio, who said he had been retained “by friends” to act as attorney for the accused man.

City detective Benjamin Simon had signed the complaint in which he charged “on information received” that Schiller did feloniously and with malice aforethought shoot and kill his father.

The complaint was read to him and Gregorio told him not to say anything, as Judge Pancoast would enter a plea of “not guilty” in his behalf. This was done by the court and Schiller was then held without bail pending grand jury action. He was taken to the county jail.

Declared Sane

After the hearing, Mrs. Etta C. Pfrommer, acting overseer of the poor, told Judge Pancoast that on July 26, Dr. Harry Jarrett, Broadway and Cherry Street, well known alienist, had examined young Schiller and declared him sane. The examination was made on the request of Mrs. Schiller in police court on the previous day. At that time young Schiller had been released by the court in the custody of his father.

County Detective Chief Lawrence T. Doran, who was among the first to question young Schiller Saturday night, said the man did not seem repentant over what he had done. He said Schiller did not give authorities much information. According to Doran, young Schiller declared he had objected frequently to his father that he did not want his wife to come to their home.

“It doesn’t seem possible,” said young Mrs. Schiller some hours after the tragedy. “It seems as though it was only a dream. I don’t seem to remember anything.

“Poor Bill. He must have been crazy. He idolized his father. You can blame this all on the depression. He has been without work since they eliminated summer policemen two years ago. He has been worried as a result of being unable to obtain work. Just recently he started to drink.

“Bill intended to shoot me but his father tried to get the gun away from him and I believe it went off accidentally. Nothing could convince me that Bill would shoot his father in cold blood.

“I went to his father’s home last night to try to effect a reconciliation with my husband. He had been drinking.”

Registered as Sober

The police docket at headquarters shows Schiller registered as sober. The entry was not made until 2:15 a.m., and the shooting occurred shortly after 9:30 p.m.

Relatives said the father had attempted for months to patch up the marital difficulties of the couple.

Young Schiller had been living lately with his sister, Mrs. Bennehler, 2530 Bank Street and his wife with her parents at 409 North Thirty-seventh Street. He formerly lived at that address with his wife. He was appointed a summer policeman in 1929 and served until they were all dismissed two years ago.

Coroner Holl and Dr. Edward B. Rogers, county physician, yesterday performed an autopsy on the senior Schiller’s body and ascertained that death was due to an internal hemorrhage caused by a bullet wound of the upper portion of the abdomen. They said a .32-calibre revolver had been used in the shooting.

Camden Lodge of Elks will hold services tomorrow night at the Schiller home, at which time the body will be on view. The funeral will be private on Wednesday with burial in Evergreen Cemetery.

Judge Pancoast last night recalled that young Schiller was arrested two months ago after he had kept his wife a prisoner on a lot all night. At that time “Jake,” as he was affectionately known to his friends, tried to act as a mediator between his son and daughter-in-law.

The young Mrs. Schiller at that time told Pancoast she believed her husband was deranged and asked permission to have him examined by physicians she would name. Pancoast released young Schiller in the custody of his father. The police judge said the examination had apparently not been made as no commitment papers had been sent through his office.

Few political workers were better known than “Jake” Schiller. He was born in Philadelphia and was brought to Camden in early life by his parents, who conducted a saloon near Twenty-third and Federal Streets. East Camden was then the town of Stockton and the scene of Saturday night’s shooting was a farm. Schiller recalled to friends that he drove cows through a pasture on which his house now stands.

He was originally a Democrat but became a Republican through persuasion of the late U. S. Senator David Baird and remained a friend of the former leader for 40 years.

Schiller had been melancholy over the death of his wife on February 13 last, friends said.

When his son was arrested he remarked to Pancoast: “What is next?”

Figured in Shaw Case

None was more in the public eye 35 years ago in South Jersey than Schiller. It was then that he figured prominently in one phase of the locally celebrated Shaw murder trial.

It was during the second trial of Eli Shaw for the murder of his mother and grandmother, Mrs. Anna Shaw and Mrs. Emma Zane. They were found shot to death in September, 1897, in their bedroom of their home on Line Street near Third. Detective John Painter had found a revolver hidden in the chimney, one of several points in the circumstantial evidence that resulted in the indictment of Shaw. He was then a widely known young man about town and his arrest caused a big sensation. As time drew near for the trial feeling was intense, for there were adherents for and against the son and grandson, those arguments often grew bitter.

Henry Sidney Scovel, then one of the prominent criminal lawyers of Camden county, was retained to defend Shaw. Scovel was son of James Matlack Scovel, himself one of the leading barristers of this section. When the trial of Shaw was under way the city was astounded when it was charged Scovel had tampered with the jury. It was Schiller who made the charge.

The trial stopped abruptly. Scovel emphatically denied the story of Schiller and demanded vindication. An indictment for embracery was returned and at a trial, which had Camden on the tip toe of expectancy for days, it developed there was absolutely nothing to verify the charge, and Scovel was acquitted. He acted in two subsequent trials of Shaw, the second being a disagreement and the third acquittal for the son and grandson of the slain women.

Schiller, strangely enough, in later years became friendly with Scovel and when the latter was prosecutor from 1905 to 1912, “Jake,” as he was familiarly known, was usually to be found in the office at the courthouse. Scovel was then a white haired man of flowery speech and impressive personality who let bygones be bygones.

Long Excise Inspector

For more than 20 years Schiller was inspector of the Excise Commission in Camden. It was during the days when the principal object of the inspector apparently was to keep the saloonmen in line. He was considered pretty good at that job, by no means an unimportant one from the organization viewpoint. It was also during that period the city had its troubles enforcing the Sunday liquor laws. There were those who considered they had enough pull to keep their back or side doors open on the Sabbath to let in their regular thirsty trade. Some succeeded in getting by, but “Jake” had his own troubles in keeping the boys straight and sometimes causing their arrest, although that was not frequent by any means.

His reign as inspector, too, was in the halcyon days of free lunch and schooner beers. Saloonmen themselves were against the lunch idea eventually since it meant too much of a financial burden. Jake kept tabs on the recalcitrants so that the liquor dealers knew who was obeying the order and who was “cutting corners” to get some extra trade.

Schiller was virtually raised with the saloon trade since his father was one of the old time German beer garden owners here, having had a place at Fourth and Line Streets. That was in the days when that section was largely populated by the German, English and Irish families lately come from the motherlands. When he was a boy, Schiller entered the U. S. Navy and served several years. When he came out he went to the old Town of Stockton, now East Camden, where he opened a saloon on Federal Street near Twenty-fourth. At that period, some 45 years ago, Stockton seethed with politics and it was just as natural for a young man to get into the game as it was for a duck to swim. Jake at that period was a Democrat and during the battle in the middle 90’s when the West Jersey Traction and the Camden Horse Railway Company were fighting for the rail franchises in the town he was a candidate for council from the old Second Ward. The late Robert Lee was the Republican candidate and won out by the narrow margin of two votes. In later years Schiller became a Republican and was elected a constable.

Never Ran From Scrap

Throughout his career Schiller never quite forgot his training in the navy, particularly with reference to boxing or fighting at the drop of a hat. He was a scrapper in his early years and never ran from a fight. That was just as true in political battles, frequent then around the polls, as in purely personal matters. And Jake would battle for a friend just as readily as for any personal reason. He was usually in the thick of the political fracases of the years when it was the accepted thing to fight at the drop of a hat. But he also had lots of native wit which kept things interesting when he was a frequenter of the prosecutors’ office during the Scovel and Wolverton regimes. In late years, with the approach of age, he had tempered his propensity to get into an argument and liked nothing more than to tell of “the good old days” when he helped the elder Baird in his organization battles.

He made his last political stand for leadership of the Twelfth Ward in 1926 when he supported the candidacy of Sergeant Ray Smith against Commissioner Clay W. Reesman for ward committeeman. Schiller was supporting Congressman Charles A. Wolverton and the late Senator Joseph H. Forsyth in a campaign against former Congressman Francis F. Patterson and State Senator Albert S. Woodruff.

Reesman won and among the first to visit the hospital after learning of the shooting was the city commissioner. Reesman was his latest chief as lights inspector as he was attached to the highway department. Commissioner Frank B. Hanna also visited the hospital.

“In all the years I have known him he has always been an enthusiastic and loyal friend with a good heart for everybody in trouble,” Congressman Wolverton said when he learned of Schiller’s death.

Schiller was also a familiar figure at the Elks Club, where he was an ardent card player. But after the death of his wife he gave up this pastime, contenting himself with watching the games. He was also a frequent visitor among old friends at the courthouse.

Passed Bogus Bills In Stores Here, Boy Reveals To Police

Camden Morning Post —

Camden Morning Post, October 15, 1933 (part 1) Camden Morning Post, October 15, 1933 (part 2) Camden Morning Post, October 15, 1933 (part 3) Camden Morning Post, October 15, 1933 (part 4) Camden Morning Post, October 15, 1933 (part 5)

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

2 Camden Boys Held With Stolen Machine on Way to Hartford

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, October 15, 1933 (part 1) Camden Courier-Post, October 15, 1933 (part 2)

Sadder and presumably wiser, two Camden boys who started for Hartford, Conn., Saturday night in an automobile reported stolen were brought back yesterday in the same car with detectives accompanying them.

They are Alexander Slowey, 17, of 2454 South Seventh street, and Alexander Wasneuko, 18, of 818 Mechanic street, a cripple minus a leg.

At 10.30 p. m., Saturday, Frank Maloney, of Mt. Ephraim pike, Bellmawr, reported to Camden police that his sedan had been stolen from in front of 3044 Essex street, Camden. Maloney is a brother of Harry L. Maloney, mayor of Bellmawr and Democratic state committeeman.

Early yesterday morning the attendant at a gas station in Newark, N. J., caused the arrest of the boys. Detectives Joseph Carpani and John Kaign [sic] were sent to bring them back. They will have a hearing before Police Judge Pancoast this morning.

4 Held for Grand Jury on Auto Theft Charge

Camden Courier-Post —

4 Held for Grand Jury on Auto Theft Charge - Camden Courier-Post, May 7, 1934

Four youths charged with the larceny of an automobile were held for the grand jury Saturday by Police Judge Garfield Pancoast. The prisoners were caught by Motorcycle Policeman Gus Fortune after a chase.

The prisoners described themselves as Henry Garbacki, 17, of 1201 Lansdowne avenue; Walter Lewadowski, 17, of 1158 Atlantic avenue; Nicholas Boganik, 19, of 1305 Thurman street, and Wallace Slowski, 19, of 820 Cherry street.

Shortly after midnight William Wright, of 338 Benson street, reported to the police that his automobile had been stolen from in front of his home. An hour later Fortune saw the four youths in the car and captured them. The prisoners were unable to furnish the $1000 bail.

Shooting Suspect in 8th Ward Riot Held in $1000 Bail

Camden Courier-Post —

Shooting Suspect in 8th Ward Riot Held in $1000 Bail - Camden Courier-Post, May 18, 1934 Shooting Suspect in 8th Ward Riot Held in $1000 Bail - Camden Courier-Post, May 18, 1934 Shooting Suspect in 8th Ward Riot Held in $1000 Bail - Camden Courier-Post, May 18, 1934

John Hess Accused of Firing Two Shots; Denies Illegal Possession of Pistol

FACTION SPITE REVEALED

The man who allegedly fired two shots during Wednesday’s Eighth Ward rioting, John Hess, 34, of 1825 South Sixth street, is shown at the left in police court yesterday. To the right is his counsil [sic], Edward V. Martino. Hess pleaded not guilty to illegal possession of firearms and was held for the grand jury.

Alleged to have fired two shots in a riot at Sixth and Viola streets Wednesday night, staged by groups of political factions in the Eighth Ward, John Hess, 34, of 1825 South Sixth street, was held in $1000 bail for the grand jury yesterday by Police Judge Garfield Pancoast.

Hess pleaded not guilty to a charge of illegal possession of firearms. A 15-year-old boy was slightly wounded by a ricochetting bullet and several persons were badly beaten in factional melees.

It was learned yesterday that among the injured was a 14-year-old girl, Stella Wojiechowski [sic], of 1907 South Sixth street, who said that someone punched her on the mouth. She and the boy who was shot, Nicholas Sustich, of 1804 Hale street, were bystanders.

The disorder was over the ward contest between Republicans in the primary contest, it was stated yesterday by Walter Sekula, defeated candidate for the freeholder nomination, who said he arrived at the scene of the riot at the time the police patrol appeared in response to a riot call.

Sekula asserted that candidates on both local tickets had worked on behalf of the Bard-Baker [sic] county slate, but that he had been accused of working for the Woodruff-Verga ticket, and that he had confronted his accuser with David Baird, Jr., and forced the admission that the accusation was without foundation.

During that conversation, Sekula revealed, William Tansky, defeated candidate for county committeeman, asserted there had been “cutting of the head of the Baird-Baker ticket.” It was in front of Tansky’s saloon, near Eighth and Viola streets, that the riot occurred when an impromptu parade in celebration of the victory of the opposing faction halted there.

Uninvited Picket Given Year Term for Having Gun

Camden Courier-Post —

Uninvited Picket Given Year Term for Having Gun - Camden Courier-Post, May 19, 1934 Uninvited Picket Given Year Term for Having Gun - Camden Courier-Post, May 19, 1934 Uninvited Picket Given Year Term for Having Gun - Camden Courier-Post, May 19, 1934 Uninvited Picket Given Year Term for Having Gun - Camden Courier-Post, May 19, 1934

Man Who ‘Muscled in’ N. Y. Ship Strike Refused to Leave Line

PALS ALREADY FINED

A former Philadelphia strikebreaker who “muscled” his way uninvited into the picket line outside the New York Shipbuilding Corporation and had a loaded pistol in his possession was sent to state’s prison yesterday for from one to three years.

He is Henry Parks, of 7073 West Chester pike, Upper Darby, Pa., who pleaded guilty in special sessions court before Judge Frank F. Neutze to carrying a concealed deadly weapon.

When Judge Neutze pronounced sentence Mrs. Mary Parks, mother of the prisoner, became hysterical in the courtroom, crying out that “my son is a good boy—he didn’t do anything.”

Parks and four companions were arrested outside the Camden shipyard on May 5 on the complaint of the strikers. The latter protested that Parks had joined the picket line unasked and when he was ordered to leave, declared he had a gun and no one could force him out of line.

Acting Motorcycle Sergeant James Wilson testified yesterday that a car containing five men had stopped opposite the shipyard’s main entrance and the occupants had been drinking. Wilson and Motorcycle Policemen Earl Wright and Joseph Black found eight bullets on the floor of the car, and then rounded up the men. Parks was in the picket line and had a loaded gun, Wilson testified.

At the time of the arrest, City Detective Benjamin Simon revealed that all five men were Philadelphia taxicab drivers and had taken those jobs as strikebreakers during the Philadelphia taxi lockout. The five men declared they had not come to Camden as strikebreakers, but that they had been drinking and were on their way to Gloucester for more beer when they saw the shipyard men picketing, and merely stopped to ascertain what progress had been made in strike settlement.

The five were “booked” at police headquarters “on suspicion of inciting a riot” but in police court it was changed to “loitering” against four and the gun-toting charge against Parks. The latter was held in $2500 bail by Judge Pancoast for the grand jury, but Parks did not wait for an indictment. He went into special sessions yesterday and pleaded guilty.

The other four, who were fined $25 by Judge Pancoast May 7, were Archie Oates, 5150 Ludlow street; Charles Merriken, 5423 Pine street, and Herbert Lennox, 258 South Fifty-fourth street, all of Philadelphia, and John Mason, 1126 Roosevelt boulevard, Llanerch, Pa.

On the day after the five men were arrested, Edward Baker, a member of the shipyard strikers’ grievance committee, reported to police that his car had been forced to the curb by another automobile containing four men. These men warned him to “lay off” the five prisoners, Baker said. Baker had rounded up the witnesses for the police in the case against the five defendants.

2 More Arrested in Numbers War

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, January 4, 1935 — 2 More Arrested in Numbers War (01a) Camden Courier-Post, January 4, 1935 — 2 More Arrested in Numbers War (02a) Camden Courier-Post, January 4, 1935 — 2 More Arrested in Numbers War (03a) Camden Courier-Post, January 4, 1935 — 2 More Arrested in Numbers War (04a) Camden Courier-Post, January 4, 1935 — 2 More Arrested in Numbers War (05a) Camden Courier-Post, January 4, 1935 — 2 More Arrested in Numbers War (06a) Camden Courier-Post, January 4, 1935 — 2 More Arrested in Numbers War (07a) Camden Courier-Post, January 4, 1935 — 2 More Arrested in Numbers War (08a)

2 More Arrested in Numbers War

Pair Seized Few Hours After Neutze Gives 12 Heavy Sentences

Action yesterday backed up the assertions of Camden county and city law officials that they are out to break the back of the numbers racket here.

Judge Frank F. Neutze, in criminal court, meted out sentences of from one to six months and fines of from $100 to $250 to 12 minions of the “higher ups.”

A few hours later two more alleged number writers fell into the police net. Both suspects were jailed in default of $2000 bail each for hearings in police court today.

Alleged to be carrying 120 numbers slips and $203.30, Dominick Mozzare, 25, of 6816 Highland avenue, was arrested at Twenty-seventh street and River road at 3 p. m. by Acting Sergeant Louis Schmidt and Patrolmen Paul Edwards and Elwood Humphreys. Questioned at the detective bureau in City Hall, Mozzare said he did not know the identity of the “higher-up” for whom he worked. He said he is an automobile trimmer. Police declared he had been in the racket about eight months and had been under suspicion several months.

An hour or so earlier, Horace Gunby, 27, colored, 1863 South Tenth street, was picked up at Seventh street and Ferry avenue by Sergeant John Garrity and Acting Sergeant Earl Cunningham. They said Gunby carried several numbers slips and a small amount of money. He gave his occupation as a bellhop.

Gives Heaviest Sentences

In cracking down on the 12 defendants haled before him in Camden County Criminal Court Judge Neutze adopted a policy of issuing the heaviest jail sentences possible and imposing the heaviest fines under the law to all convicted or confessed underlings of the numbers barons in the hope of eventually trapping the ring-leaders through informers, or forcing them out of business.

Those who received the heaviest sentences were Andrew Piontkowski, 1475 South Ninth street, alleged lieutenant of the Klosterman brothers, under indictment as gambling barons; Walter Hart, 1245 Thurman street, also an alleged Klosterman aide, and Frank Martz, 235 Erie street. Each was sentenced to six months and fined $250. Martz is a second offender.

Judge Neutze expressed agreement with the suggestion of Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando that the practice of numbers barons paying salaries to their henchmen while the henchmen are in jail can be broken up by placing so many “small fry” behind the bars that the “big shots” cannot afford to pay them, and thus the names of the “big shots” will eventually come out.

All of the defendants had previously pleaded guilty or non vult.

Thomas Kirk, 935 Carpenter street, drew a sentence of three months in jail and a $100 fine despite the plea of his attorney, former Police Judge Garfield Pancoast, that Kirk was “only an employe.”

“That makes no difference to me,” said the court. “He was in the numbers racket.”

Called Klostermans’ Aide

When Pointkowski came before the court, Orlando said:

“This is one of the lieutenants of the Klostermans, and he refused to talk to me. When first arrested, he told Camden police he worked for the Klostermans, but he turned a right-about-face when I talked to him and tried to make monkeys of us.”

“Well, I’ll send him upstairs for six months and fine him $250 and maybe he’ll talk then,” said Judge Neutze.

Orlando asked the court to send Hart to the state prison.

“This man,” said the prosecutor, “is very close to the big shots.”

“Whom do you mean—the Klostermans?” asked Neutze.

“I certainly do,” replied Orlando. “He is also a second offender. He’s been in this business over four years, working for the Klostermans, and should go to the state prison.”

“Whenever I hear that name Klosterman, I see red,” said Neutze as he pronounced sentence.

The Klosterman brothers, Fred and Joseph, of East Camden, have been indicted as number lottery operators but their trial has been postponed.

Martz was described by Orlando as having served 60 days in jail in 1932 for writing numbers, and he was sentenced to six months and a $250 fine, without further questioning.

Refuses Leniency

John Studinger, who formerly operated a store at 2504 Federal street, was sentenced to three months in jail and fined $100. His counsel, District Court Judge Joseph Varbalow, argued he was only a “small fry” and putting him in jail would not break up the lotteries.

“This racket is no worse than raffles, punchboards, slot machines and all the disorderly houses that are thriving in this county,” said Varbalow.

“I started in on these number writers with short jail terms,” answered Neutze, “and then I began adding fines. But I found that did not stop the lawbreakers, for when these fellows get out they start all over again. I understand the lottery racket is getting worse and worse here and I’m going to do something about it.”

Charles Simonin, who conducts a grocery store at 709 Fairview street, was given 30 days and fined $100. Father of two daughters, he pleaded he accepted a proposition from a stranger who asked him to sell numbers in his store, and then would come around daily and collect them, giving Simonin a small “cut.” He contended he did not know the name of the man with whom he dealt, much less the identity of the heads of the ring.

Mrs. Mary Angelo, grocer, 600 Line street, the mother of a 3-year-old baby, had pleaded guilty with a story similar to Simonin’s. She received a three-month suspended sentence but must pay a fine of $100. Judge Neutze said he was suspending the sentence not because of her sex, but because of her baby.

Student Given Month

Samuel Ford, 19, colored, 1124 South Ninth street, a high school student, was described by Orlando as “honest and sincere in telling his story and entitled to a break.” He was sent to jail for a month and fined $100.

Frank Terionova, 27, of 312 Beckett street, was “a fellow we couldn’t talk to,” Orlando said. “He told us he worked for Joe Brown, but maybe it was John Smith, and whoever it was he is shielding him,” Orlando continued.

Rocco Palese, former assistant prosecutor, called Orlando unfair, asserting some of the defendants “really do not know whom they are working for and therefor cannot make a statement.”

“If they don’t know who they’re working for, who does?” demanded Orlando.

“I feel,” said Judge Neutze, “that some of these fellows don’t know who they are working for, but I sentence him to three months in the county jail and to pay a fine of $100. Crawford Smith, 702 Carman street, was sentenced to three months in jail and fined $100; James Gant, 28, colored, of 8302 Park avenue, Pennsauken, three months and $100 fine; Walter Woodrich, 48, of 7910 Park avenue, Pennsauken, two months and $100 fine.

Orlando said Woodrich will be a witness against the Klostermans, for whom he worked.

Judge Pancoast Rites Set for Tomorrow

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, November 21, 1947 — Judge Pancoast Rites Set for Tomorrow

Services for former Judge Garfield Pancoast, 67, will be held tomorrow at 1:30 p. m. in a funeral home at 34 West Coulter street, Germantown, Philadelphia. There will be no viewing tonight. Burial will be in Siloam cemetery, Vineland.

Judge Pancoast, who lived at 5120 Greene street, Germantown, died yesterday in his home of heart attack.

Stool Pigeons Ordered Brought Into Court

Camden Courier-Post —

Stool Pigeons Ordered Brought Into Court - Camden Courier-Post, August 11, 1934

Three women defendants in illicit liquor cases were given a four-day respite when arraigned in police court yesterday.

Judge Garfield Pancoast ruled that police raided the three places at which the women were arrested must produce in court the stool pigeons who made the “buys,” and continued the cases until Tuesday, August 14.

The defendants were Mrs. Lillie Ball, 1040 Segal street; Mrs. Louise Weber, 922 North Front street, and Mrs. Sarah Dowling, 7 Wood street. All were arrested after raids yesterday afternoon by Police Lieutenant Herbert Anderson, and all pleaded not guilty in court.

Boy Stoning R.R. Train Is Jailed for 100 Days

Camden Courier-Post —

Boy Stoning R.R. Train Is Jailed for 100 Days - Camden Courier-Post, May 7, 1932

Charged with throwing stones through the windows of trains at Haddon avenue and Line street, Ernest Tinney, 17, colored, of 1012 Sycamore street, was sentenced to 100 days in jail yesterday by Police Judge Pancoast.

Three youths arrested with him, Thomas Howard, 18, of 815 Cherry street; Robert Morton, 20, of 457 Berkley street, and William Wallace, 19, of 1031 South Ninth street, all colored, were given suspended sentences when George Baitzel, a Pennsylvania Railroad policeman, testified he saw only Tinney throwing stones.

Edward Barnes, 29, colored, of 958 South Ninth street, alleged to have threatened Baitzel, also received a suspended sentence.

4 Men, Woman Jailed on Disorderly Charges

Camden Courier-Post —

4 Men, Woman Jailed on Disorderly Charges - Camden Courier-Post, August 29, 1933

Arraigned in police court yesterday four men and a woman received suspended sentences from Judge Garfield Pancoast, on charges of disorderly conduct.

The defendants, Marie Kleinglend, 32, of 919 Market street, her husband, Imgold, 32, of the same address; Edward Whitedead, 25, of 470 Carman street; Matthew Hess, 63, of 729 Carman street, and George Wagner, of 729 Carman street, all of Camden, were arrested by Patrolman Clifford Flennard, at Tenth and Market streets, late Saturday night.

According to Flennard, a call was received at police headquarters stating that a riot was in progress on Market street near Tenth street. Several policemen dispatched to the scene said they found Mrs. Kleinglend and Whitedead engaged in combat while her husband and the other two were fighting it out on the ground.

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