Introduction
JOSEPH PETER KLOSTERMAN was born in New Jersey on November 8, 1898, the son of Frederick and Catherine Klostermann. His father was a cigar maker. By the time of the 1910 census and through at least 1929, the family lived at 1148 Kaighn Avenue. At some point prior to 1917 he stopped using the second “n” in his surname. He was working at New York Shipbuilding Corporation when he registered for the draft. Both he and his brother ostensibly worked as plumbers during the 1920s, according to the City Directories. Joseph Klosterman married around 1920. The couple lived at 1148 Kaighn Avenue through 1929.
Tragedy struck in late December of 1929 when his father, Fred Klosterman Sr., who had been running a bar called the Campus Inn in West Berlin, New Jersey was discovered to have committed suicide.
Along with his brother Fred Klosterman, Joe Klosterman became heavily involved in the illegal lottery, or “numbers” racket, in Whitman Park and South Camden in the 1930s and 1940s. The Klosterman brothers were very active in Camden in the early 1930s.
The 1930 Census shows Joe Klosterman had separated from his wife Annie. He was living at 1251 Mechanic Street, which was a bar operating on a “soft drink” license as the country was still enduring Prohibition. According to the census the premises was being rented and the bar operated by John Frenia. Joe Klosterman ostensibly was a helper at the bar.
Joe Klosterman was fined in December of 1931 on a disorderly persons charge. He arrested in June of 1933 and subsequently fined $200 by Judge Garfield Pancoast for running a numbers bank on Mt. Ephraim Avenue. Also in June of 1933 both he and his brother were convicted on numbers charges, but appealed and the city dropped the charges the following spring. In the wake of a police crackdown on gang activity that occurred in the aftermath of the 1934 murder of Detective William Feitz of the Camden Police Department, the Klosterman brothers were sentenced to three-to-five-year prison terms by Judge Frank F. Neutze in the spring of 1935. Fred and Joe Klosterman were released on July 9th of 1936. Joe Klosterman left Camden by 1947 and was living in Sewell, New Jersey when once again he was arrested on numbers charges in 1959.
Joseph Klosterman was last a resident of Pitman, New Jersey. He died in October of 1968.
CRASH VICTIM SEEKS $135,000 DAMAGES
Camden Courier-Post —
Philadelphia Sportsman Sued by Camden Trio In Circuit Court
Damages aggregating $135,000 are asked of a prominent Philadelphia sportsman in suits being heard by Judge Donges and a jury in Camden Circuit Court today.
The plaintiffs, who are represented by attorney Albert S. Woodruff, are Charles Klopp, 1152 Sycamore Street, brother of Henry Klopp, who died as a result of an accident last spring; Miss Helen Groczyk, 1079 Van Hook Street, who was injured in the same crash, and her father Josef Groczyk. Klopp asks $50,000 for compensation for his brother’s death; Miss Groczyk seeks $75,000 for her injuries and her father wants $10,000 for medical expenses incurred by his daughter’s hurt.
The suits were brought against William Poultney Smith, of Cynwyd PA, and are a result of an accident early on the morning of May 11, 1927 on Black Horse Pike at Bellmawr.
According to Miss Groczyk, who went on the witness stand yesterday afternoon, she went for an automobile ride with Henry Klopp, Joseph Klosterman, and Mrs. Esther Rieder. They had been to Chews Landing and were returning to Camden, she said, when she became ill in the smoke-filled sedan. She left the car, aided by Klopp, and was standing directly behind when another machine, driven by Smith, crashed into them, crushing them against their car. The plaintiffs contend that Smith had been playing golf at Pine Valley, had afterwards been drinking, and was in a stupor while driving his machine, thus causing the accident. Klopp was taken to the Went Jersey Homeopathic Hospital, where a leg was amputated, and where he died seven days later.
The girl, who is now 18 years old, had both legs broken and suffered other injuries. She appeared in court with a brace on her right leg and limped to the stand. She testified that their car was fully lighted when they stopped on the road.
The defense will contend that the Klopp car had no lights, and will deny all responsibility for the tragedy.
Klopp was a World War veteran, his brother testified and had been the only support for his mother, Mrs. Julia Klopp, his brother and a sister, Ida.
FLORIST SHOP RAID TRAPS NUMBERS MEN
Camden Courier-Post —
Police Believe Hunt for Racket Headquarters Ended; 4 Are Arrested
A three-month search for “number’s” headquarters in Camden was believed ended today when detectives raided a florist shop at 1409 Mt. Ephraim avenue, seized seven adding machines, thousands of dollars worth of sales slips and arrested four men.
Joseph Klosterman, 34, of 1413 Mt. Ephraim Avenue, whom the police believe operated the “bank,” was included in a quartet arrested by a squad under command of Sergeant of Detectives Louis Shaw.
Responding to an anonymous tip that the numbers men were gathered in a rear room of the store, Shaw, together with detectives Clarence Arthur, george zeitz and John Kaighn, surrounded the place.
The others arrested in the raid gave their names as Charles Selanski, 23, of 1286 Sheridan Street; Leon Babrowski, 22, of 1209 Lansdowne Avenue, and Frank Gromacki, 27, of 1411 Mt. Ephraim Avenue. Several “pickup men,” who have been arrested while carrying money and numbers slips, according to Shaw, were linked with the ring. The principals, however, had managed to escape detection.
The flower shop, Shaw said, is operated by joseph haleski, and was used as a “blind” for the lottery racket.
Klosterman was released last night in $1000 bail for a hearing today on a charge of operating a numbers lottery. The others were all released in $100 cash security as material witnesses.
Mysterious Piece of Paper Enlivens Numbers Trial Here
Camden Courier-Post —
Judge Shay Enjoys Verbal Tilt Between Gotshalk and Walter Keown, But It Fails to Enter Into Evidence
A mysterious piece of paper yesterday precipitated a verbal battle between Assistant Prosecutor William C. Gotshalk and Defense Attorney Walter S. Keown upon opening of the trial of Joseph and Fred Klosterman on charges of number writing. They were placed on trial before Judge Samuel M. Shay and a criminal court jury.
Acting Lieutenant Louis Shaw, of the city detective bureau, testified of a raid on the Klosterman saloon at Mechanic and Green streets and an adjacent house at 1321 Green street. The witness identified a brief-case containing numbers slips and also a postal card addressed to “F. Klosterman.”
When Shaw was turned over to Keown for cross-examination, the defense counsel reached into the case, pulled out a piece of paper and asked how it had gotten into the bar. When Shaw said he had put it there, Keown declared:
“Well, put it into your pocket. It has nothing to do with this case.”
Shaw refused, whereupon keown rolled it up into a ball and put it in his own pocket. at this, gotshalk angrily demanded to see the paper, but keown declared that “you can’t see this until after the jury has gone out.” When Gotshalk insisted, Keown said he would give it to Judge Shay. He threw it on the judge’s desk, but Judge Shay, who was smiling broadly, made no move to take it. Gotshalk then reached out to get the paper, but Keown was quicker retrieving it and placing it in his pocket again.
“What right have you to take a state exhibit and place it in your pocket?” Gotshalk queried heatedly. “I want that paper.”
“I’ll show it to Judge Shay,” parried Keown.
“I don’t want to see it,” laughed Judge Shay, as Keown paced around the courtroom, followed by Gotshalk.
“It has nothing to do with this case,” repeated Keown.
And there the matter stood.
Shaw testified that he, Detective Clarence Arthur and Patrolman John Kaighn entered the saloon December 10, and went out the back door. They followed a path to the Green street house, broke down the door and found Henry Bagroewski, 17, and his mother burning numbers slips in a stove. Shaw said he recovered a half basket of slips.
Shaw and Arthur also declared that they found a bell in the house and that it was connected to a push button in the saloon, allegedly for an alarm.
Mary King, deputy city clerk, testified that at the time of the raid the license for the saloon was in Joseph Klosterman’s name.
Shaw’s testimony was corroborated by Arthur and Kaighn. Shaw was then recalled to the stand and related that as the three detectives went from the saloon to the other house, the klosterman brothers followed them and demanded to know “why the dicks are always picking on us.”
The case will be resumed this morning.
KLOSTERMAN BOYS FOUND GUILTY IN NUMBERS CASE
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Brothers Released in Bail Awaiting Sentence — ‘THEY ARE BIG SHOTS,’ PROSECUTOR DECLARES
Both Defendants Deny Connection With Raided Saloon
Joseph and Fred Klosterman were convicted in Camden Criminal Court yesterday of operating a numbers racket.
A jury returned a guilty verdict against the two South Camden sportsmen-brothers at 6:25 p. m., after deliberating only a short while.
Both were in the courtroom when the verdict was announced, but were allowed to depart under bail pending sentence later by Judge Samuel M. Shay.
Judge Shay delivered his charge to the jury after denying motions by Walter S. Keown, defense counsel, first to quash the indictment on grounds that its language was faulty, and second, to direct a verdict of not guilty for lack of evidence.
Called ‘Big Shots’
The two brothers were characterized as “big shot numbers barons” by Assistant Prosecutor William C. Gotshalk in his closing argument to the jury.
Referring to a woman and her son, who were burning numbers slips when raiders entered the establishment, Gotshalk said:
“They might ask us why we don’t have that woman and her 17-year-old son on trial here. When the police make an arrest the public wants to know why we don’t get the big shots. Well, here they are,” pointing at the Klostermans. “Here are the big shots,”
The Klosterman saloon, Mechanic and Green Streets, was raided December 10 by city detectives who testified Tuesday they followed a footpath to an adjacent house at 1312 Green Street. They broke down the door and found a woman and her son burning numbers slips. Acting Lieutenant Louis Shaw, of the city detective bureau, testified he recovered some of the slips and also found a brief case containing numbers slips and a post card addressed to “F. Klosterman.” Detective Clarence Arthur and Patrolman John Kaighn corroborated Shaw’s testimony.
Says He Was Visitor
The defense opened with Joseph Klosterman on the stand. He testified he had nothing to do with the saloon when it was raided, but merely happened to be in there for a drink when the raiders entered. He said he had owned the saloon for three and a half years but sold it last July for $100. He never had any connection with the Green Street house, he declared. He is now a plumber, Klosterman averred.
When Assistant Prosecutor Gotshalk asked him if he had ever been convicted of crime, Keown asked that the jury be withdrawn as he wanted to make another motion. Court then recessed.
When court resumed Mrs. Anna Pogroszewski, of the Green street address, took the stand. She testified the Klostermans were not connected with her home in any manner. She testified she had rented a room to a man named “Tommy” and all the numbers apparatus was his. When he moved out, he left the slips and adding machines there, she said, and she had cleaned out his room and was burning the papers when the raiders arrived.
Fred Klosterman, who resides at 1255 Decatur Street, denied he was a “numbers baron” and said he merely “happened” to be there on the day of the raid. Under cross-examination he admitted having pleaded guilty to slot machine charges in June of last year.
FEITZ’S KILLER KNOWN TO BLAIR, COLSEY SAYS; 3 HELD IN NUMBERS DRIVE
Camden Courier-Post, Evening Courier —
1 ADMITS GUILT AND POLICE SAY LINKS OTHERS
Klosterman Named by Man Found With Slips On Him After Arrest
3 ‘BIG BANKS’ INVOLVED IN MOVE TO CLEAN UP
Others Must Face Trial; More Arraigned and Bonds Fixed by Court
While Camden County authorities were collecting evidence to present to the new Grand Jury when it convenes next Thursday afternoon to open its extraordinary probe into vice and crime, Camden today pressed their drive on gambling in this city.
Three men, one of whom police declare is a “numbers” bank operator here, were held under bail to await the action of the Grand Jury by Judge J. Harry Switzer when arraigned in Police Court.
The alleged “numbers” baron is Joseph Klosterman, who gave an address of 1400 Mechanic Street. He was held in $3000 bail for the Grand Jury on a charge of operating a “numbers” Lottery.
Held in $2000 Bail
Albert Young, 41, of 519 North 2nd Street, was held in $2000 bail and remanded to the Grand Jury action on a charge of possession of numbers slips. He entered a plea of guilty when arraigned before Judge Switzer.
Walter Hart, 25, of 1245 Thurman Street, who was taken into custody at 9:05 AM today by police after Young revealed he passed over his numbers slips between 2:00 PM and 2:30 PM daily, was held in $5000 bail on a charge of operating a “numbers” lottery. He pleaded not guilty to the complaint which was signed by City Detective George Zeitz.
After arraignment the three “numbers” suspects were taken from court to detective headquarters where they were photographed and fingerprinted.
At the hearing of Klosterman, Detective Zeitz testified that he and his brother Fred were each fined $500 on May 23 last in lieu of serving a six month jail sentence which had been imposed July 21, 1933 by Criminal Judge Shay after having been convicted of operating a “numbers” lottery.
The detective further testified that he had statements from five other persons, one of whom was Young, arrested in connection with the gambling drive, who stated that they worked for the “Klosterman brothers numbers bank.”
Besides Young, the others, all of whom are under $2000 bail each for grand jury action, include Frank Kulczynski 26, of 1100 Orchard Street, Charles Simonin, 35, of 709 Fairview Street; Mrs. Mary Angelio, 26, of 600 Line Street; Harry Koron, 42, of 1528 Mount Ephraim Avenue, and Leon Yaroch, 39, of 612 Kaighn Avenue.
Klosterman was taken into custody yesterday by Police Lieutenant Walter Welch, of the Second Police District, on a warrant signed by Zeitz. Young was picked up Sergeant Edward Hahn and Patrolman Ralph Cline.
The Klosterman brothers’ “numbers bank,” according to Detective Zeitz, was located at Mt. Ephraim Avenue and Mechanic Street.
A “number” bank fugitive, Joseph Cheak, 32, colored, who lives on 10th Street near Kaighn Avenue, is lodged in the Camden County jail awaiting court action. He was arrested in Philadelphia yesterday and brought here to face an indictment returned against him two weeks ago by the Camden County Grand Jury.
Chief County Detective Lawrence T. Doran disclosed that Cheak is known as the operator of the “colored numbers bank” in South Camden.
While police and detectives were scouring the city to learn whether or not the warning issued 36 hours ago to all proprietors of gambling houses to close down and stay closed was being enforced, Mayor Stewart was continuing the questioning of police officials and detectives at his City Hall office.
Data on vice and crime conditions was sought by Mayor Stewart.
TENTH ARREST MADE HERE IN NUMBERS QUIZ
Camden Courier-Post, Evening Courier —
1 ADMITS GUILT AND POLICE SAY LINKS OTHERS
Klosterman Named by Man Found With Slips on Him After Arrest
3 ‘BIG BANKS INVOLVED IN MOVE TO CLEAN UP
Others Must Face Trial; More Arraigned and Bonds Fixed By Court — Campaign Against Writers Pushed With Feitz Probe
Arrests in the numbers racket in Camden continued today simultaneously with the continuation of the inquiry into the murder of City Detective William T. Feitz Jr.
With the Feitz slaying probe in its eleventh day— the detective was slain September 2 at 243 Sycamore Street, an alleged disorderly house— city and county authorities were still questioning witnesses in an endeavor to obtain sufficient evidence to name the murderer or murderers.
The arrest this morning of Crawford Smith, 51, of 702 Carman Street, as a numbers writer, brought the total of those apprehended this week in the numbers racket to 10.
At the same time Police Judge J. Harry Switzer held Fred Klosterman, 33, of 1050 Mechanic Street, in $5000 bail for the grand jury on a charge of operating a numbers game.
Klosterman’s brother, Joseph Klosterman, 35, of 1400 Mechanic Street, was released in $3000 bail yesterday by Judge Switzer on a charge of operating a numbers lottery.
The Klostermans, according to police, are among the topnotch numbers barons of the city. Both pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.
No Testimony Taken
Fred Klosterman surrendered voluntarily yesterday afternoon when he learned that police were seeking him as an alleged numbers operator.
He was arraigned in police court today on complaint of George Zeitz, a city detective, who charged him with operating a numbers game. Police did not reveal where Fred Klosterman allegedly operated.
There was no testimony taken at the hearing of Fred Klosterman. His bail bond was signed by John Zubien. Police say they do not know Zubien’s address. Mrs. Anna Bubnoski, of 1426 Mount Ephraim Avenue, posted the $3000 bail for Joseph Klosterman. Zeitz also had made complaint against him.
Fred Klosterman surrendered yesterday, according to police, after a defendant in police court testified that he was employed at an alleged numbers bank operated by Fred Klosterman. Zeitz swore to a warrant for Fred Klosterman’s arrest based on the police information, he said.
Hearing Tomorrow
Smith, who was arrested by George Clayton, a policeman, will be given a hearing in police court tomorrow as an alleged numbers writer.
Meanwhile no disposition was made in the case of Mrs. Mollie Schwartz, 42, who was arrested yesterday on a charge of operating a still at a double dwelling at 3404 Rosedale Avenue. Police Lieutenant John Potter said the woman admitted operating the still.
A man said to be a brother of Mrs. Schwartz fled in his undershirt at the time of the raid, as Sergeant Edward Hahn and Policeman Joseph Keefe were making the arrest and seizure. The seizure included 13 barrels of alleged mash, a stove, one cooler, three gallons of liquor, and a 75 gallon still. Police reported that one of two cars without license tags which had been parked in front of the house disappeared later.
Cops to Aid State
Strict cooperation with the State Alcoholic beverages Commission in the detection, closing up, and prosecution of speakeasies is being given by the Camden Police Department.
That statement was made today by Mayor Roy R. Stewart, who is the director of the department of public safety, and came as a result of an interview which Howard B. Dyer, an investigator with the state beverage commission had with the mayor. Dyer was formerly deputy city clerk.
“Dyer came in and asked for the cooperation of the police department,” said Mayor Stewart, “and I told him we would cooperate fully.”
The state alcoholic beverage commission, through its investigators, has been busy in running down speakeasies, stills and other illicit liquor practices.
Where Police Seized Still, After Year’s Operation — This double dwelling, at 3404 Rosedale Avenue, was the scene of a still seizure early yesterday, after it had been operating for one year, according to a neighbor. The occupant, Mrs. Mollie Schwartz, 48, was arrested and admitted she operated the plant, according to Acting Lieutenant of Police John Potter. A man said to be a brother of the woman fled in his undershirt, while Sergeant Edward Hahn, recently transferred to Third District duty from the traffic division, and Patrolman Joseph Keefe were making the arrest and seizure. Eleven barrels of mash, a stove, one cooler and three gallons of liquor were seized with the 25-gallon still in the house, police reported. One of two cars without license tags, which were parked in front of the house when raided, disappeared later.
Mickey Blair Admits Visit to Heisler Home on Fatal Night
Camden Courier-Post —
Mickey Blair Admits Visit to Heisler Home on Fatal Night
Boxer Tells of His Attempt to Borrow Money From Woman
STEWART LAUNCHES BANK ACCOUNT PROBE
Mickey Blair yesterday admitted to the Courier-Post that he was in Mrs. Emma Heisler’s house trying to borrow money a few hours before Detective William T. Feitz was shot to death.
Mayor Roy R. Stewart, at the same time, announced that he will launch an investigation of the bank accounts of “certain policemen” to determine their wealth.
The two statements summarized the day’s progress in the search for Feitz’s slayers and in the mayor’s investigation of police connections with vice graft.
Blair not only admitted to a newspaperman that he was in Mrs. Heisler’s house to negotiate a loan a few hours before the slaying but charged the police with manufacturing a fake alibi for him, for the purpose of tearing it down later.
Reports that patrolmen drawing from $25.50 to $36 a week were owners of expensive automobiles and spending money lavishly and still were amassing fortunes were believed to have stimulated the mayor to action in his bank account probe.
He would not amplify his statement other than to say that he will question those policemen whom he desires to question and are now on leave when they return.
In his broadside against the police, Blair said:
“Chief Colsey lies if he says police have broken down my alibi. I have no alibi, only that I know nothing about this murder.
“I told Lieutenant Ward, after I had voluntarily walked into detective bureau, where I had been from Saturday night until last Monday. At no time did I say that I was in New York at the time of the shooting.
“I told them I was at a roadhouse in Berlin at the time of the shooting, that I returned to Camden on Sunday and remained here for the funeral of my brother-in-law on Monday. I did not leave for New York until Tuesday afternoon, almost three days after the killing of Feitz, and I did not know they wanted to question me then, or I would not have gone away.
“Police have given out statements to the effect that I told them I was in New York at the time of the shooting. That is a lie. Many of my friends and acquaintances saw me Saturday night at Berlin and others saw me the following day and on Monday. I can prove everything I have told the police to be true.
“I knew Emma Heisler and have known her for several years. I wouldn’t say she was a close friend, but I did know her fairly well. Police have accused me of attempting to shake her down for money. That is not my racket.
“I did attempt to borrow from Emma on Saturday, but I can’t see anything wrong in that. I tried several friends, because I needed a little money at the time to purchase flowers for my brother-in-law’s funeral.
She Promised Loan
“When I saw her early Saturday night, she told me to come back on Monday and she would lend me the money. I was thankful because of the favor, so why should I try to do the woman any harm?
“Police say I am the ‘finger-man’ in the shooting. That makes me laugh. They know they haven’t a shred of evidence to prove such a lie. They’ve got to hang it on somebody, so they blame it on me.
“It’s been the same in all big cases. Somebody has to get blamed. It was just unfortunate for me that I happened to be talking with Mrs. Heisler a short time before the slaying. I had nothing to hide when I went to her for a loan and I have nothing to hide now.
“Two or three persons were there when I asked to borrow the money. Do you think anyone who was attempting to frighten the woman would do it before all these witnesses? I knew this woman when she had a place down the street from where Feitz was shot. I knew her when she conducted many other places in the city, and she knew me. I would have been crazy to try anything wrong with her, even if I wanted to, which I didn’t, because everybody in Camden knows me and would recognize me.
Says He Attended Wake
“I told police that I left Fourth and Spruce streets about 1 a. m. Sunday, and arrived at the roadhouse in Berlin about a half hour later.”
Judge Neutze Decrees Prison Sentences to Replace Fines
Camden Courier-Post, Evening Courier —
Judge Neutze Decrees Prison Sentences to Replace Fines
GRAND JURY QUIZ OPENS TOMORROW
Alleged Writer Arrested Near City Hall; Held By Switzer
Long prison terms instead of fines will be given number barons and operators who are convicted in the Camden County Criminal Court.
That was the promise made today by Judge Frank F. Neutze to “lottery lords,” who may appear in his court as he sentenced Austin “Shamus” Maguire, former pugilist, to serve 30 days in the county jail and to pay a fine of $200.
“Yours is the last case in which a fine will be imposed,” Judge Neutze told Maguire. “In the future every numbers baron and operator convicted in this court will serve jail sentences and those who are second offenders will go to Trenton for long prison terms.”
Maguire, indicted for a year-old offense as a numbers bank operator, pleaded non vult to the charge before Judge Neutze, who seized upon the occasion to warn racketeers he “was going to do his part to rid the city of vice and crime.”
“In sentencing you, I am taking into consideration the fact that you are an intelligent youth, now willing to do what is right,” the judge said. “This charge, I am informed, is a year old and I am told you are now not in this business.
“I am also taking into consideration the fact that you were an honor student at Camden Catholic High School. However, I am serving notice that in the future I am going to step down and send number barons to prison. There will be no more fines. They tell me this number business cannot be broken up, however I will do my part to break it up. Fines do not seem to do a bit of good, so it will be jail sentences from now on.”
Judge Neutze “cracked down” on the number barons just one day before the Camden county grand jury is to consider indicting more than a half dozen alleged “barons.”
Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando, warning on vice and crime, will present the cases at the first session of the new September jury tomorrow.
Although unconfirmed, it is rumored several score Camden policemen have been subpoenaed to appear before the grand jury to give evidence in the numbers drive. The police have been served with subpoenas citing the “State versus John Doe, et al.” and not for any specific case.
Alleged Writer Held
One of those whose case will be heard by the grand jury tomorrow will be that of Samuel Kane, 51, of 211 Walnut street, Philadelphia, who was held in $2000 bail today in Camden by Police Judge J. Harry Switzer.
Detective Harry Kyler, who arrested Kane yesterday near the City Hall, testified that the defendant “did most of his writing right in the city hall and court house.”
“We never have been able to catch this man with a numbers book on him and we believe he has a place to secret it in the city hall. I personally have seen him writing numbers in the city hall and court house.”
Orlando said today he has 15 numbers cases listed to be heard by the Grand Jury tomorrow.
“It is time we drive this racket from the city and county,” he declared. “It is taking too much money from persons who are unemployed and others who can ill afford to gamble. I am sure the fine body of men and women comprising our present Grand Jury will return indictments in all of the cases.”
Orlando pointed out the maximum penalty for a numbers violation was five years in the state prison.
Others whose cases will be presented tomorrow include those of Fred and Joseph Klosterman, Marshall Howard and John Studinger. Orlando has classed all of these men as “Lottery Lords” or “big shots” in the racket.
2 More Arrested in Numbers War
Camden Courier-Post —
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 “highups.”
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 Schmid 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 “highup” 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 12 of the defendants hauled 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 Pointkowski, 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 business over four years, working for the Klostermans, and should go to the state prison.”
“Whenever 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.”
‘Santa’ Pays Fines of Numbers Pawns
Camden Courier-Post —
‘Santa’ Pays Fines of Numbers Pawns
Or Maybe His Brother Helped 2 Who Changed Testimony in Klosterman Case
There IS a Santa Claus—at least for numbers racketeers—and he pays off their fines in scrip.
Three convicted numbers writers have had their fines paid by unidentified persons. In two such cases, the same man paid both fines. And curiously enough, the fines this man paid were those on two recanting witnesses at the Klosterman trial. One of the fines was paid the day before the surprising trial and the other fine was paid a few hours after the trial. All of which may be a coincidence—
The payment of the fines was revealed yesterday afternoon by Frank Tyson, chief clerk of the county jail. Tyson stated that all fines were paid in scrip but that the donors’ names were not recorded.
“We don’t keep any record of the names of persons who pay fines for prisoners,” Tyson averred. “If someone wants to pay a fine, we take the money. I can’t even say whether the same person paid all the fines. I believe they were different persons.”
And so Santa Claus—and maybe a brother or two—went to the rescue of Arthur Woodridge, 7910 Park avenue, Pennsauken; Crawford Smith, 702 Carman street, and Thomas Kirk, 935 Carpenter street.
Smith and Woodridge were two of the “state witnesses” at the trial Thursday of Fred and Joe Klosterman who “thought” they had been employed as numbers men by the Klostermans but weren’t sure—resulting in acquittal for the Klostermans.
Previously, Woodridge had been sentenced to two months and fined $100 on numbers charges, while Smith had been fined $100 and sentenced to three months. Both are still serving time at the county jail.
But on Wednesday, Santa Claus paid Woodridge’s fine. An hour or two after Thursday’s trial concluded, Woodridge’s unknown benefactor also paid Smith’s fine. Kirk’s fine was paid on January 3 by Santa; he had been fined $100 and sentenced to three months.
Meanwhile, Miss Geneva Harden, beauty shop operator of Chapel avenue, Delair, Burlington township, was arraigned before Judge Frank F. Neutze yesterday afternoon following her conviction of numbers charges on Jan. 2. She was given a suspended jail sentence and then fined $200.
It was first reported that Miss Harden’s fine was also paid by “Santa Claus,” after Tyson had said no record was kept of the donor’s name. After this report was published, Joseph W. Cowgill, attorney, telephoned the Courier-Post and said:
“I’m the man who paid Miss Harden’s fine, but I’m not Santa Claus. I obtained cash from Miss Harden’s mother and took it to the sheriff’s office where they all know me. And I didn’t pay it to Tyson; I paid it to ‘Happy Glenn.’ Furthermore, I had cash, but someone in the sheriff’s office asked me to trade it for scrip as a favor to them.”
Prison Terms for Reneging Witnesses in Number Case
Camden Courier-Post —
PRISON TERMS FOR RENEGING WITNESSES IN NUMBER CASE
5 Who Shifted Stories in Klosterman’s Trial Get 2 to 3 Years
NEUTZE IN BRIEF SESSION CANCELS OLD SENTENCES
Orlando, Aides in Court as Stiffer Penalties Are Handed Out
Five of the eight state witnesses who recanted at the trial of the Klosterman brothers, alleged “numbers barons,” were sentenced today to serve from two to three years in state’s prison.
The sentences were imposed by Judge Frank F. Neutze in Camden Criminal Court in the presence of only Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando and his assistants, Patrick H. Harding and Isaac W. Eason.
The five men, who were serving sentences in Camden County jail for “numbers” writing are Walter Hart, 28, of 1245 Thurman street, Andrew Pointkowski, 30, of 1475 South Ninth street, Thomas Kirk, 40, of 935 Carpenter street and Crawford Smith, 53, of 702 Carman street, Camden, and Arthur Woodridge, 40, colored, of 7910 Park avenue, Pennsauken township.
It required but five minutes to resentence the defendants, the court first voiding his earlier sentences of county jail terms and fines.
In court last Thursday when Joseph and Frederick Klosterman were acquitted on 30 indictments on the “numbers” lottery here, the five men were evasive in their testimony as to whether the Klostermans were the “numbers” bankers.
Today when lined up before Judge Neutze in Criminal Court they gaped in astonishment at the swiftness with which they were sent to prison for longer terms.
One of the five, Crawford Smith, nearly collapsed in a chair in which he was permitted to sit during sentencing. Smith has been suffering from a heart ailment.
Turning to Hart, Judge Neutze said:
“I sentenced you to six months in the county jail and ordered you to pay a fine of $250. That fine has been paid. Who paid it?”
“I don’t know,” Hart replied.
“Well, I am going to void my previous sentence,” the court declared. “There are five indictments against you on ‘numbers’ charges. I am going to sentence you to state prison to serve from two to three years on each indictment. The sentences will run concurrently.”
Pointkowski was next. The jurist turning to the defendant who had been given six months in the county jail and a $250 fine on Jan. 3, said:
“There are six indictments on ‘numbers’ charges against you. Your new sentence will be from two to three years in state prison, the terms to run concurrently.”
Woodridge was next. He had been found guilty Jan. 3 on one indictment charging “numbers” writing and sentenced to two months in jail and fined $100. “I am going to void your sentence and send you to state prison for two to three years.”
Lloyd Again Prods Orlando and Cops In Numbers Cases
Camden Courier-Post —
Lloyd Again Prods Orlando and Cops In Numbers Cases
Detectives Told to Produce or Quit by Jurist
FIVE GET ‘PEN’ IN ABOUT-FACE
Five state witnesses, who thought they got off “easy” in numbers cases, yesterday underwent reversal of county jail terms and found themselves sentenced to the penitentiary.
Judge Frank F. Neutze sentenced them in Criminal Court.
Terms ranged from two to three years, and they followed the witnesses’ sudden “about-face” in the Klosterman brothers’ case. The five all convicted numbers writers, recanted testimony last week at the brothers’ trial.
Censure of the prosecutor’s office by Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd followed. Justice Lloyd called Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando and his staff to his chambers on the fourth floor of the new courthouse. Attending the conference in addition to Orlando were: Assistant Prosecutors Harding and Eason, Chief County Detective Lawrence T. Doran, County Detectives James J. Mulligan, James Wren, Joseph Bennie, Casimir Wojtkowiak and Elmer Mathis, and Mrs. Daisy Rourke and Mrs. Ethel Michener, stenographers.
“Go out and do some work, or else be replaced,” is the ultimatum said to have been hurled at the detectives by Justice Lloyd. He is said to be aroused over apparent inactivity of county detectives and inaction in the numbers cases.
Klostermans Case Lands Five in ‘Pen’
(Continued from Page One)
“That there is ‘nothing to stop it’ is the contention of the Supreme Court Justice; that detectives should be ‘working on it.’”
A statement in the Courier-Post said he would not move for re-sentencing of the five remaining state witnesses. These five were not sentenced yesterday.
After asking Justice Lloyd about the sentences, and on his advice, Prosecutor Orlando, on Jan. 4, said the application would be made to Judge Neutze. As a result of that application, Judge Neutze on that date re-sentenced five of the reneging witnesses.
Klostermans Identified as Numbers Kings by 5 Witnesses
Camden Courier-Post —
Klostermans Identified as Numbers Kings by 5 Witnesses
Storekeeper Says His Place Was Used as ‘Drop’ for Gaming Slips
5 Convicts Recalled From State Prison
Five witnesses in Criminal Court yesterday placed their fingers on the Klosterman brothers, Joseph and Fred, as Camden numbers “barons,” as they went on trial on 12 counts charging them with operating a lottery.
Each of the witnesses admitted under direct examination by Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando they had been in the employ of the Klostermans at two of the three establishments they are alleged to have maintained.
John Frenia, 57, proprietor of a delicatessen store at 1413 Mt. Ephraim avenue, testified he worked for the Klostermans at the Young Republicans Seventh Ward Club, 1411 Mt. Ephraim avenue. He said the Klostermans used the club as a headquarters for their numbers bank. He further admitted his store was used as a numbers “drop” for the Klostermans and that packages of numbers were left at his store daily by “pick up” men and called for by either Fred or Joseph Klosterman—(Continued on Page Fourteen)
Named: Again on Trial, Left: Joseph Klosterman, and Right: Fred Klosterman.
5 WITNESSES NAME TWO KLOSTERMANS AS NUMBERS BARONS
Prosecution Details Five Convicts’ Jobs At Three Number ‘Banks’ — Klosterman trial testimony, March 20, 1935. Cross-examination of witnesses regarding pickup men, slips, and the Klosterman numbers operations.
Named: Chester “Gassy” Szalanski, Lawrence T. Doran, and Klosterman trial testimony continued..
GRAND JURY CLEARS NUMBER SUSPECTS
Camden Courier-Post —
Pair Suspected by Police as Having Succeeded Klosterman Brothers
Two men alleged by city and county authorities to have succeeded the Klosterman brothers in controlling the Camden numbers racket last Spring, were exonerated by the Camden county grand jury.
Those whose cases were “no billed” are Chester “Gassy” Szalinski, 30, of 1188 Chestnut Street, and Joseph Putek, 29, of 2955 Tuckahoe Road.
At the same time, the grand jury in its report to the County Clerk Charles S. Wise, failed to find an indictment against Robert Bloodworth, another suspect arrested in connection with the operation of lotteries in Camden.
After the trial of the Klosterman brothers, Fred and Joe, both of whom were convicted last spring of number charges, Szalinski was named by Police Chief Arthur Colsey as the “Sixty-ninth Street mobster who had taken over the Klosterman numbers play.” Every policeman in Camden was ordered to arrest Szalinski on sight.
The suspected numbers operator was arrested and later released in $1500 bail to await the action of the grand jury.
Putek was arrested last April after police had engaged in a sensational chase of 15 blocks after a suspected numbers pickup automobile at which they fired a number of shots, one of which struck a bystander.
Police allege Putek joined Szalinski in control of the Klosterman numbers game. Arrests of both men climaxed orders to county police authorities by Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd and Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando to clean up the number racket in this area.
“No bills” were returned by the grand jury for Harry Hartman and John Burke charged with attempts and breaking and entry; J.G. Flynn, accused of being a fugitive from justice from Philadelphia; Ralph Latshaw, Anna Green, and Theodore Jones, statutory charges.
Hartman and Burke were held for the grand jury last month on charges they attempted to enter the saloon of Mrs. Mamie Piraine, Republican county committeewoman from the Eighth Ward, at 1944 Broadway.
NUMBERS SUSPECT BLAMES MOTHER, 67
Camden Courier-Post —
NUMBERS SUSPECT BLAMES MOTHER, 67
Nabbed as Alleged ‘Baron,’ Man Tells Raiders Parent Runs ‘Bank’
An alleged numbers baron who attempted to place the blame for his gambling activities on his 67-year-old mother, was arrested when county authorities raided a South Camden home.
County detectives, under Chief Lawrence T. Doran, also arrested Mrs. Constance Oslowski, the mother, after Frank Oslowski, 35, the son, had declared she was the operator of the bank, according to Doran.
The mother and son were arraigned before Justice of the Peace Charles Opperman, who held them each in $2500 bail for the Grand Jury.
Numbers slips totalling nearly $200, the day’s play, were seized by the raiders in addition to several books on a Canadian sweepstake.
According to Doran, Oslowski formerly was a numbers writer in the old Klosterman “bank,” and much of the play seized Tuesday formerly was backed by Fred and Joseph Klosterman, now serving sentences in Trenton state prison for their numbers activities.
Bail for the accused was furnished by John and Anna Bubien, of 1219 Mt. Ephraim avenue. Doran said Bubien also was the bondsman in the Klosterman arrest.
The raid was at Warsaw and Jackson streets, home of Mrs. Oslowski. Doran said he was about to arrest Oslowski when the latter told him he did not run the numbers, but that his “mother did.”
the raiders in addition to several books on a Canadian sweepstake. According to Doran, Oslowski formerly was a numbers writer in the old Klosterman “bank,” and much of the play seized Tuesday formerly was backed by Fred and Joseph Klosterman, now serving sentences in Trenton state prison for their numbers activities.
FRED KLOSTERMAN HIT BY PUMP GUN FIRE
Camden Courier-Post —
FRED KLOSTERMAN HIT BY PUMP GUN FIRE
Near Death in Hospital After Shooting Outside House Adjoining Cafe
‘WELCHING’ ON PAYOFF AMONG RUMORS PROBED
Four blasts from a pump gun last night felled Fred Klosterman, convicted South Camden numbers baron and cafe operator, outside his Club Cadix, Mt. Ephraim avenue and Mechanic street.
Klosterman, 39, was believed dying today in West Jersey Hospital. He was shot by one or more assailants in an automobile which blocked his parked car in which he was seated.
Before lapsing into semi-consciousness, Klosterman told police he could not understand why he was shot. He said he knew of no enemies. He could give no description of his assailant or of the car in which they escaped.
Detectives were investigating several possible motives for the murder attempt.
One was a report that Klosterman “welched” on paying off bets when the number “444” hit.
Arrested Many Times
Klosterman had been arrested many times for numbers activities during the past decade and was on parole from a three-to-five year State prison sentence, served with his brother, Joseph.
Two months ago, police said someone fired a shot through the window of Klosterman’s saloon and broke the mirror behind the bar. The shooting occurred after hours and no one was in the place. The shot was fired after Joseph Osinski, 21, was shot in the leg in the office of the R and M Amusement Company. Osinski, police said, was employed by a man formerly associated with Klosterman.
The mystery shooting occurred at 10:05 p. m. when Klosterman, who lives at 1048 Mechanic street, next door to the saloon, went to the street in front of his home to put his automobile in a garage for the night. An hour before, he and his wife had returned home from a motion picture theatre.
So far as police were able to learn, there were no witnesses to the shooting. Alfred Giffins, of 1111 Mechanic street, said he heard the firing of shots and ran outside to see what was the matter. He found Klosterman lying on the pavement, his face smeared with blood, and a red stream forming slowly on the sidewalk from the gaping wounds in his body.
Taken to Hospital In Car
Giffins commandeered the first car that came along Mt. Ephraim avenue. It contained a male driver and two girls. The girls took Klosterman to the hospital, two blocks away and left before nurses could obtain his name. According to Acting Det. Sergeant Benjamin Simon, he received a call from Klosterman’s wife, Victoria, that her husband had been shot in front of their home. Simon, with Detectives Edward Mills, Joseph Mardino and Gus Pfleiderer, went to the house, where they met Mrs. Klosterman. She said her husband had been removed to the hospital. They found Klosterman in the receiving ward, conscious but weak from loss of blood.
Simon reported Klosterman said he and his wife had returned from a motion picture show a short time before. He left his car in front of his home, parked against traffic and at an angle to the curb. After going inside with Mrs. Klosterman he went outside again to put his car in the garage.
Car Driven in Front of Him
As he took his seat behind the wheel, Klosterman told Simon, another car approached from the west. It halted in front of his car.
There was a blast from a shotgun. He was struck with the first blast, he said, and ducked down below the dashboard.
Three more blasts followed in quick succession. Three slugs entered his left shoulder a few inches above the heart. Another lodged in his chin and a fifth in his upper lip. Others struck the right side of the windshield and right front window.
The assailants’ car sped west on Mechanic street to Tenth and disappeared north on Tenth street.
Klosterman said he could not obtain the license number of the car, although police were investigating a report the car was a brown sedan with New Jersey plates.
Klosterman said he was able to open the door of his car and slumped to the sidewalk, where he was found by Giffins.
The shotgun slugs that struck Klosterman were about the diameter of a lead pencil.
Police Guard at Bedside
An emergency operation for removal of the pellets from his face was performed by Dr. H. Wesley Jack.
After questioning by Simon, Klosterman was questioned by County Detective Chief Lawrence T. Doran. He repeated his earlier story. William B. Macdonald, court stenographer, took down his entire statement.
Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, director of public safety, and Police Chief Ralph Bakley, also were present. They ordered a police guard posted at his bedside.
Klosterman, with his brother, was paroled from state prison July 9, 1936, after serving part of a three-to-five year sentence imposed by the then Judge Frank F. Neutze.
The brothers were convicted by a Criminal Court jury on two of four indictments charging them with numerous violations growing out of their numbers business, then said to have a “bank,” or headquarters, at the Young Men’s Seventh Ward Republican Club, 1411 Mt. Ephraim avenue.
Fined $3000 Each
When Judge Neutze passed sentence, and fined each defendant $3000 in addition to the jail terms, he lashed them for “paying politicians for protection.”
“These politicians can be found in the Third and Fifth wards of Camden,” he said. “Some of them come from Philadelphia. You couldn’t have carried on this business for such a long time without help and consent of certain influential persons in your part of the city.”
A factor in the conviction was subpoenaing of the bank accounts of the accused brothers and testimony of bank officials their bank deposits averaged more than $200 a day.
Judge Neutze emphasized he would hand out stiff terms when he recalled the defendants were acquitted on one numbers charge in January, 1935, and had gone back into the racket immediately.
This referred to a case heard in Criminal Court before Judge Samuel F. Shay in June, 1933, when both men were convicted and the convictions appealed by their attorney. They were released in $2000 bail each pending the appeal.
Fined in Police Court
In May, 1934, Assistant Prosecutor Isaac Eason announced in court the county was unwilling to stand the expense of a new trial, and asked the sentences be revoked and the defendants made to pay fines of $500 each. Judge Neutze agreed.
On June 14, 1933, Joseph Klosterman was fined $200 by Police Judge Garfield Pancoast for operating a numbers bank in a florist shop on Mt. Ephraim avenue, not far from where his brother was shot last night.
In December, 1931, Joseph Klosterman pleaded guilty to allowing disorderly persons to congregate in his establishment and was fined $100, also by Pancoast.
After the Grand Jury returned the indictments that led to the 1935 trial, Fred Klosterman disappeared from the city. He finally surrendered in February, 1935, and with his brother was placed on trial two months later.
Neighbors said that since the brothers gained their parole in July, 1936, they parted company. Fred, they said, continued to rule the South Camden numbers racket but his brother dropped out.
GUNMEN IN PHILADELPHIA MURDER COLOZZI IN NUMBERS WAR
Camden Courier-Post —
Westmont Victim Reported to Have Been Aide of Klosterman
SCARDUZIO DEATH TIEUP ALSO SEEN
A reputed employee of Fred Klosterman, Camden numbers baron, was shot and killed in Philadelphia last night in what police there believed was an inter-city fight for control of the numbers racket.
The dead man was Joseph Colozzi, 49, of Westmont, known in the underworld and police circles as a “cheap thief.”
While Captain John Murphy, of the Philadelphia vice squad, expressed belief the slaying of Colozzi and shooting last Sunday of Klosterman were related, County Detective Chief Lawrence T. Doran was working on another angle.
Visited Colozzi’s Home
Doran said Colozzi had been closely associated during the last 10 days with John Lenkowski, 22, a fugitive wanted here in connection with the murder of Andrew Scarduzio.
“Both of them were convicted of similar offences—thievery, and they apparently were hooked up together lately. I could not say whether either of them ever was in the numbers racket.”
Philadelphia police, however, seemed certain Colozzi was shot as a result of a new “numbers war.” They said they had information that the dead man apparently was in the employ of a Camden numbers bank.
Credence was given the report that local numbers barons are attempting to “muscle in” on the “Philadelphia play” when Irving Bickel, 34, who admits being friendly with Klosterman, was arrested yesterday.
Though Captain Engle described the murdered man as a “cheap thief” he wouldn’t deny the possible link to the threatened outbreak in a numbers war between rival operators as evidenced by the Klosterman shooting.
“I won’t say there’s a tie up, and I won’t say there’s not” said Engle. “We can’t tell, right now.”
Syndicate Under Way
But the story told Captain Murphy, head of Philadelphia’s vice squad, by a Camden man known to be a pal of Klosterman, put further credence in the rumored attempts at revision along the numbers front.
The man is Bickel of a hotel at Delaware Avenue and Market street, who yesterday was held in $1000 bail for a hearing next Tuesday by Magistrate Thomas Connor in Philadelphia’s central police court on suspicion of being connected with the numbers racket. He was picked up in Germantown.
Captain Murphy said Bickel admitted to him he was contacting various numbers writers for the purpose of having them pool their resources.
“He admitted verbally he had the names of several Philadelphia writers and that he was trying to line up the boys,” Murphy said. “He is trying to coerce them with a new numbers set-up. That will cause a revival of gang warfare.”
Although the murdered man was never known to have had theatrical connections police said he often boasted he was an entertainer in a New York cabaret.
Brother of Philadelphia Cop
The body of Colozzi, brother of a Philadelphia policeman, was identified by the officers wife at the Pennsylvania Hospital, Eighth and Spruce Streets. Five bullets had penetrated his skull.
Police said Colozzi lived at 113 Westmont Avenue, Westmont, since his last release from prison, some time during September 1939.
He lived with his wife Rose and most of their eight children.
In Colozzi’s pocket, when a police ambulance arrived at the scene, was a card bearing his name and the Westmont address.
He was one of two brothers of John Colozzi, whose police record was said to be longer even than Joe’s, and is being sought.
Police of Haddon Township said Colozzi was known to them only as an “innocent” junk dealer, who plied his trade picking up old car parts in and around the section.
Colozzi’s last brush with the law according to the Philadelphia police records, was last Spring when he was implicated in a dress robbery. He was freed in September after serving part of his sentence.
Meanwhile Camden city and county detectives continued their investigations into the pump gun shooting of Klosterman, who remained in critical condition at West Jersey Hospital.
Klosterman was shot down in front of his saloon at Mount Ephraim Avenue and Mechanic Street at 10:00 PM Sunday as he went to the street to drive his car to a garage. The would-be killer sped away.
Seldom In Jail Long
Colozzi had run afoul of the law since early school days, but he often boasted that “with all the friends I got, I can’t stay in jail long.” He invariably managed to regain freedom, only to renew his jostles with police.
The stiffest sentence he ever got was on December 13, 1934 when Judge Frank F. Neutze sent him and an accomplice to state prison for robbing a coat factory at 7 South 3rd Street four months before.
In passing sentence on the much arrested “Manayunk Joe,” Judge Neutze put aside pleas the prisoner was the father of eight children and sent him “up the river” for a term of six to seven years.
“You’re a typical criminal and a menace to the public” Judge Neutze said in a searing rebuke. “A light sentence won’t do you any good. Your record is one of the longest shown to me since I have been on the bench. You represent a type that is better off behind bars, for outside of prison you are a menace to the public. I’ll go the limit with you”
Obtained Police Badge
But Colozzi merely nodded, apparently thinking of which “friend” he would call on this time to get him out.
Previously Joe had established a second-hand tire shop on the White Horse Pike at Lindenwold and escaped serious penalty as police held a continuous club over his head for suspected escapades.
On one occasion he diverted his talents to another “profession”—extortion. By some means he obtained a police badge in Clementon township. A few months later he and several other members of the police department were rounded up for wholesale extortion of money from motorists and truck drivers.
Those were the days of Prohibition, and the White Horse Pike was a frequently used highway for passage of beer trucks between Philadelphia and Camden and Atlantic City and other sea shore points.
The extortion continued among other motorists most of them guilty of petty violations. There were times when Colozzi took “anything they had,” police said.
35-Year Police Record
Colozzi’s police record dates back to 1904, when as a child of 12 he was committed to the Glen Mills, Pa. Home for Boys for petty larceny. He served 19 months.
In 1909 he was given a two-month sentence in the Montgomery county jail at Norristown PA, after another conviction for larceny.
Then followed a series of brushes with the law, with Colozzi landing behind bars a dozen times, but invariably obtaining freedom before the expiration of his term.
The record continues: 1914, committed to Philadelphia County Prison, larceny, three months;
In 1915, for receiving stolen goods, Eastern Penitentiary, four years and six months;
In 1919, at Newark, larceny, sentenced to two to seven months and pardoned in December, 1920.
A 10-year stretch followed during which his name failed to appear on police records.
Acquitted of Charge
In 1929, State Police of the Hammonton barracks arrested him for extortion, but he was acquitted in Camden County Criminal Court May 30, 1930.
In 1930 he was arrested in Trenton for breaking and entering and sentenced to a year and six months in Mercer County jail.
In 1933 he was taken in custody by the U.S. Marshal at Trenton. No disposition of the case is listed.
Later in 1933, he was arrested for larceny in Philadelphia, and no record is known further of the case.
Later the same year Camden police arrested him for attempted larceny. No disposition.
In October 1933, he was jailed by U. S. Marshals for violation of the Dyer Act, interstate transportation of a stolen auto, but was placed on five years’ probation.
In July, 1934 he was arrested in Camden for breaking and entering and in December of the same year was sentenced to six to seven years in State Prison.
The last time he appeared in local police records was less than a year ago, when he was arrested on a detainer for violation of federal parole and sent to Mercer County jail. A few days later he was freed.
SHOOTING LAID TO GANG RIVALS OF KLOSTERMAN
Camden Courier-Post, Morning Post —
SHOOTING LAID TO GANG RIVALS OF KLOSTERMAN
Police Suspect Effort by Camden Man to Invade Phila., Atlantic City
NUMBERS BARON’S LIFE STILL HANGS IN BALANCE
Possibility that the pump gun shooting of Fred Klosterman was motivated by his ambition to broaden the scope of his activities to neighboring cities was probed by police last night as the South Camden numbers baron hovered between life and death at West Jersey Hospital.
City and county detectives at the end of a day’s investigation concluded Klosterman was felled because he had attempted to poach on numbers territory in South Philadelphia and Atlantic City. The shooting took place in front of Klosterman’s home at Mt. Ephraim avenue and Mechanic street Saturday night.
He asked authorities in Philadelphia and at the shore to be on the lookout for suspects in the shooting.
Reports will be made by surgeons at 10.30 a. m. today to determine if the three pellets that are endangering Klosterman’s life, the most critical of which is one believed to be a pellet near his lung. A second slug fractured his left shoulder. The third lodged between the shoulder and his heart. Three blasts were fired by his would-be killer, who was whisked away in a fast-moving auto after mowing down Klosterman as he was about to put his machine in a garage for the night.
Phila. Racket Hit
The investigators pointed out that Klosterman’s reported ambition to branch out in the numbers business was prompted by recent months when police cracked down on all forms of gambling. Among Murphy’s manifold activities was a raid several months ago on a numbers bank in West Philadelphia in which Klosterman was known to have had an “interest.”
The police alluded to the fact that all eight of the Atlantic City numbers operators indicted by the government for income tax evasion either have pleaded guilty or been convicted in Federal court here, thereby rendering the shore resort a temporarily barren territory in which Klosterman may have tried to force an opening. A half dozen others allegedly connected with Atlantic City numbers are awaiting trial on the government charges.
Klosterman Shots Laid to Gang Rivals (Continued from Page One)
The detectives recalled that two months ago a mysterious shot crashed through a window of Klosterman’s saloon, the Club Cadix, at Mt. Ephraim avenue and Mechanic street, and broke a mirror behind the bar. This, they said, may have been intended as a warning to Klosterman from his enemies to “lay off” his reported ambitions, or else take the consequences against his own person as expressed Sunday night.
The show was still taking place after the cafe was closed and no one was in the place.
The police toyed yesterday with the theory that Klosterman “welched” on payoffs when the number “444” hit last Friday, but admitted the new motive was of more logical bearing.
A statement by Chief Lawrence T. Doran, of Camden county detectives, that the shooting was witnessed by a man walking along the intersection, yesterday failed to smoke out the man for questioning. Police said the man, whose identity is known to them, fell on his face on the pavement as the shots were fired.
Doran said he learned Klosterman was not found lying in the street by a neighbor, Alfred Giffins, as originally reported, but that the numbers operator jumped from his car and ran, bleeding, into his home at 1048 Mechanic street and cried to his wife, Victoria, that someone was trying to kill him. Mrs. Klosterman ran outside, the detective chief continued, and Giffins dashed to the house in answer to her screams.
The shooting climaxed a spectacular decade of numbers operation by Klosterman, who formerly was his brother’s numbers partner. Both were paroled from state prison July 9, 1936, after serving part of five-year sentences imposed by the then Judge Frank F. Neutze, who lashed them for “paying politicians for protection.” Besides the three slugs in Klosterman’s body, he also was struck on the chin and upper lip, probably by pieces of wadding from the pump gun blast, or splinters of flying glass from his automobile, as the gunman rained shots in his direction.
Betting Raid Sparked By Camden Mayor
Trenton Evening Times —
Betting Raid Sparked By Camden Mayor
CAMDEN — AP — Thirty-two persons were arrested by New Jersey State Police yesterday in raids on alleged gambling spots in Camden.
Asa Bushnell III special assistant to Attorney General David D. Furman, said most of the 17 locations raided yesterday were numbers establishments.
State police, acting simultaneously, moved in on candy stores, bars and other establishments.
Bushnell said pre-raid information was supplied by Mayor Alfred Pierce, who took office this year on a reform ticket.
Pierce, who helped plot the action and accompanied the raiders, said he by-passed his own Camden police “to prevent leaks.” He added he didn’t even advise the county prosecutor’s office.
“I can’t say what action I will take against anyone under my command,” Pierce declared. “But I strongly feel that where there is such widespread gambling activities, it has been permitted with some police knowledge.”
Among those arrested was Joseph Klosterman of Sewell, brother of Fred W. Klosterman, 57, who was cleared two years ago of a charge of attempting to bribe an Internal Revenue agent.
Klosterman and six others were ordered held on $5,000 bail each by Judge Julius Aklar of Camden Municipal Court. They face a hearing December 8 on charges of conspiracy.
The other six were Raymond Brown, William Greenly, Fithian Hill, John Leo, Dominick Padulia, all of Camden; and Joseph Pitzo of Philadelphia.
Ordered held on $2,000 bail for bookmaking and possession of numbers slips was Charles Darpino of Thorofare.
The remaining 24 persons either were released on $1,000 bail each for December 8 hearings or entered pleas of not guilty and were released on $1,000 bail for action by the Camden County Grand Jury.
Police said the alleged numbers’ bank in which Klosterman was picked up was in the basement of Brown’s residence. Officers added they confiscated thousands of numbers slips, several adding machines, a tape recorder and $4,000 in cash.