Evening journal., 1903-09-17
ZONE STUNTS
OF DEC|LLIS
How He Got Sums of Money
From Italians in Phila-
delphia
TOLD SOME WONDERFUL STORIES

The arrest OF John Decillis, a former
Italian resident Of this city, in Phila-
delphia several days ago caused much
surprise among the friends of the pris-
oner I'm Wilmington, but since the de-
tails of the case are gradually becoming
known, the nature of his offense is as
suming a serious aspect. The Evening
Journal published an exclusive story Of
the arrest on Monday and printed as
much of the particulars as could be
learned al that time.
Since then. however. although the
authorities directly interested in the
matter refuse to talk. n reporter of the
journal has learned enough 10 show
that during the time of the trial of a
number Of Italians in the United States
Court in this city several months ago,
pecillis. who was then taking a hand
in oonvicting them. was at the same
time extorting money from their rela-
tives. This is said to be the nature or
the prisoners crimes.
He would, il is understood, go to the
relatives of an Italian before the lat
ter's trial, and for a certain sum OF
money agree TO obtain light sentence
.or the unfortunate prisoner. AS he
was associated with Secret Service
Agent Peake in the work Of running
down these conspiracy cases, he was
naturally looked upon by the friends
sf the Italians against whom indict-
ments had been found as an important
parsonage. He gave out the impress
sion that no was a detective in the en-
pioy Of the government, whereas he was
only employed as an interpreter for
Agent Peake. and as a result found an
easy road to the pocketbooks Of the
friends of unfortunate prisoners.
What led I'd to his arrest is not pos
itively known. but the following may
throw some light on the matter. Before
the trials Of several Italians charged
with fraudulent naturalization came up
( for hearing in the United States Court
/ several months ago. Decillis. it is said,
went to an Italian friend Of the Driso.
ners in Philadelphia, who by the way.
so TIE reporter was Informed was keep
ing The families Of the imprisoned men.
and said that for $500 he could induce
the court 20 impose sentences of ont
month upon the men. The man. how
ever. did not have the $500, and Decillfa.
+ IL Is alleged. then dropped down to
. Sf00 saying for that he could obtain
! tive months sentences. Still the man
. pleaded thar he had no money. Finally
It is said that for $500 DeciIlis agreed
10 obtain three months sentences.
This amount the Philadelnhian man
. aged TO get together, and it is said paid
IL over TO Decillis.
When the prisoners were arraigned
each was sentenced to one years i'm
rrisonment.
When three months had expired aftea
the men We're sent TO prison II is said
3 that the Philadelphian who had
"coughed up" $500 came to Wilmington
expecting TO meet his friends and re-
turn rejoicing with them to the Ouak.
or City. but his 10Y turned to sadness
fhen he found out how he had been
uped.
n It is said that he then went 10 the
attorney who represented the men be.
fore they were sent to Jail. and wher
he explained the manner IN which hs
\ Twas duped. the Wilmington authorize.
Iwere Immediately informed. The inves-
ltigation was then started and resulted
4in Decillis' arrest several days ago.
United States District Attorney Will
lliam Michael Byrne and Howell S. Eng
land, OF this city. have been summoned
las witnesses in the case. which
|strengthens the truth Of the above
+ story. Mr.. England was attorney foi
Some Of the Italians who are now in
prison.