Evening star., 1947-10-19
Arlington Court
Asked 10 Probe
Gambling Raid
Board Member Urges
Investigation After
Telephone Threat

Daniel A. Dugan, Arlington Coun-
ty Board member, yesterday called
for a Circuit Court investigation of
circumstances surrounding a gam
bling raid. after he said he received
an anonymous telephone call warn
ing him to clay off,"
The warning call came just before
he issued the statement asking an
investigation by Circuit Court Judge
Walter T. Mccarthy, Mr.. Dugan
said.
Someone called me - I never
heard the voice beforehand told me
l had better lay off if knew what
was good for me-" Mr.. Dugan said.
Fridays raid resulted in the arrest
of Russell Peanuts) Scheele, Al, on
charges of operating a lottery ard
taking bets on horses. He was re-
leased under s2,500 bond and trial
was set for Friday.
Dugan Issues Statement.
In the statement calling for TIE
investigation Mr.. Dugan declared:
Some very serious charges nave
been made in connection with the
failure or refusal of those in charge
of the police department of Airing
ton County to locate and arrest per-
sons conducting illegal gambling
operations.
"The fact that the raid on Pea
nuts Scheele was not originated by
police officials, if true, creates
situation which, in my opinion, re-
quires an immediate and detailed
investigation. Inasmuch as police
officers are appointed by the Circuit
Court judge, I am addressing let
ter to the Hon. Walter T. Mccarthy
requesting that he initiate an i'm
mediate investigation.
Suggests Probe by Judge.
"Since the general election in Ar
lington is near at hand, I am sug-
gesting that the judge direct the
investigation in order that it be
completely impartial and free from
POLITICAL considerations.
Il deem it my duty, in view of
my membership on the County Board
and consequent responsibility for
the salaries of all policemen, which
are paid by the taxpayers. to bring
this matter to head in the manner
stated"
The raid was prompted by a COM
plant of w. r. Smith, former Ar
lington policeman, whose newsstand
was raided about 10 days ago, Com
monwealth's Attorney Lawrence w.
Douglas said. The prosecutor stated
that Mr.. Smith told of gambling
operations in Scheele's home in the
2700 block of North Nineteenth
street in a formal complaint to
Judge Hugh D. Reid of Arlington
County Court.
Search Warrant Issued.
Judge Reid then issued q search
warrant on information furnished
by Mr.. Smith. Mr.. Douglas said
he accompanied police on the raid
at the request of Police Chief
Harry woodward. Mr.. Douglas en-
phasized that he had implicit
confidence in the chief of police"
Police quoted Mr.. Smith as saying
he was threatened several days ago
by Scheele.
"He told ME I'd better keep my
mouth shut because If
didn't nobody but me would suffer"
Mr.. Smith was reported to have
said.
Detective c. Burns Presley was
suspended for Is days after the
newsstand raid, in which no charges
were placed.
A tip on alleged gambling opera
tions at Scheeies house was re-
ceived from Manuel Lazo about a
year ago, Mr.. Douglas said.
At that time Mr.. Lazo was un-
willing to press his complaint so the
police could do nothing but watch
the suspected house, according to
Mr.. Douglas. Nothing that would
warrant a search was noticed by
1 - L.