New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-08-08
Police Say They Have
Gondorf, Alleged Head
of Wire Tappers.
VICTIM is USED
TO MAKE CAPTURE
Adams, Who Lost $4,000, Re-
ceiveS Roll from One He Says
Lured Him TO "Poolroom."

A search that has lasted since July 2S
was rewarded last night, when the po-
lice arrested man whom they call
Charles Gondorf, chief of gang of
wiretappers, that has bothered them
for years
Five detectives were placed near
Broadway and 1OSd ST., when the pris-
oner kept an appointment TO meet
Eugene Adams, an Englishman, who
lost 81. 500 his second day in this coun-
try BY falling victim 20 the old WIRE
tapping swindle.
Two men are now in the Tombs
awaiting trial, and the police declare
that Gondorf offered 20 return Adams 5
money If he would go to Canada and
STAY until after the trials. IL was atter
the alleged return OF the money last
night that the arrest was made.
At Police Headquarters where the
n~isoner was taken, he described nm
ssf as John Jones, fifty years old,
clerk. He refused to give any address.
The police, however, are positive they
have the wiretappers' chief 49,.
The case was handled by Detective
Lieutenant Kerr, who was acting cap
tain ot the West 47th st. station when
tic swindle was perpetrated ~ a house
in West 49th 81.
Fell In with Stranger.
Adams arrived from Europe July p.
On the way he fell IN WITH smootn
tbe betting commissioner for several
New Work millionaires. The reason
they were millionaires, he explained,
was because they employed HIM and
cot the real, inside information.
Adams was overwhelmed with the
possibility of extending his little hoard
into a bankroll and permitted himset
he next day TO be taken 20 place IN
West 49th St that had been fitted up
as a noolroom. He won several small
bets and then was induced TO wager ms
All. 81 1000. on one horse that couldn L
Contrary 10 the usual turn Of luck
al this stage of the swindle. Adams
won. His $4,000, through the feetness
81 one horse, had become SlOO,OOO'
This sum should be his, II was eX-
plained. when he had shown good faith
and financial standing by producing
cash. He had used a check in making
his bet,
lie brought the money, but no soone-
had the pOolroom haDltueS seen ,.
than there was a cry, THE cops!' A
door was smashed in and man VINO
said he was a detective rushed Adams
ouf, minus his money. That had dis
appeared in the scuiiie.
Made Two Arrests.
Outside the disturbance attracted
the attention Of Detective Leonard.
The result of his investigation was
the arrest Of the alleged officer, who
gave Cohen as his name. Another
MAJ. who said he was Charles Car
bonen. Of Columbus Circle and b9tl
St. was arrested a day or two later
ADAMS identified him as a man who
he'd participated in the operations
hat had caused his loss.
Tneu Lieutenant Kerr, who at that
time was acting captain Of the west
4Ith 81 citation. at a loss for q fur
tier clew, decided 10 watch Adam,
feenng that the leader would try TO
aid his men in jail. Finally Adams
was approached and told TO be at
Broadway and 103d st. to get his
money.
Adams is convinced that the $4,000
he got back last night is negotiable,
and he is positive that Jones is The
betting commissioner he met on ship
board. The police are certain Jones
is Gondorf.