New Britain herald., 1926-06-29
PONzI ARRESTED,
 WAS IN DISGUISE
Serving As Mess Attendant On
 Italian Steamer

New Orleans, June 29 LFl - Lu- ciana Andrea reached New Orleans last night as a captains messman on an Italian ship and Charles Pom zi sought as a fugitive by Massa- chusetts and Florida authorities will reach Houston. Texas, this morning.
 The Financial wizard" who is credited with making millions Of dollars, was arrested here yesterday afternoon by George Lacy, 8 Hous- ton deputy sheriff, and accompanied the Texas officer to Houston last night.
 Ponzi's appearance here was the first positive identification of the fugitive since he left Miami June f. He vigorously denied his identity but finally admitted that he was not An drea but Ponzi.
 Its just as well any way" he was quoted as saying, 'I wasn't ar all sure that I was doing the proper thing in fleeing the country but l saw that l couldn't save my bondsman any money by staying and ! had fairly reliable information that l was due to go right up if l went back to Boston, so I just de- cided to run. It was the only chance--but here I am."
 Ponzis apprehension date back to the docking at Galveston of the Sic fos Non Eobis on which he sailed from Tampa June 16. He went from Galveston to Houston and at tracted the attention of Deputy sheriff Lacey who was convinced the sailor fitted the description of Pom zi. The deputy was not able to catch another glimpse of "Andrea" he believed to be Ponzi, but follow ing a clue that he was aboard the Siv Vas Non Vobis he went to Gal veston, only to see the vessel steam away. New Orleans and Norfolk remained on the ships schedule be- fore she was due to proceed to Genoa and the Texan came here.
 He communicated only with GUS tom officials telling them that he sought "swindler aboard an Italian ship" It was explained that it would not be possible to arrest the man sought aboard the ship. but an inspector was assigned to aid them in an effort 10 identify the fugitive. Il nj TT-s1C prevailed upon to leave the vessel by his selection as member of the crew who could speak English to check some papers in the dock office.
 Virtually Kidnapped
 Reaching the dock he was es- rorted into a taXicab and driven to q hotel where questions were asked in an effort to establish his identity. professing but slight knowledge of English he retained the character Of Luciani Andrea for time but eventually admitted that Andrea and Ponzi were the same when he said Here l am." The prisoner agreed to q program that would lake him to Houston or one that would lead directly to Boston. The Texas officer proposed that he be taken to Houston and the journey was started in q few hours. His only request was that his clothing be brought to the hotel from the ship and his first action after ad- hitting his identity was to shave off his mustache. He welcomed cspe- ciaIy several suits of pajamas. These were not a part of, mesaman sIocping garb on shipbOard,
 ponzi was believed to entertain hope that he will be depOrted with out serving sentences placed against him in Massachusetts and Florida. He said deportation proceedings are pending against him. Ponzi landed here from Italy g years ago,
 Florida Is Willing
 Florida authorities will offer no objection if Ponzi is taken 10 MasSa- rhusetts to serve his prison term there, according to L. D. Howell, county solicitor at Jacksonville. When Massachusetts has punished the financial wizard' the state of Florida will take steps 10 enforce q