Evening star., 1948-06-13
Specific Action
Expected Soon
|nGaming Probe
Ground-Loyine Stage
Of Investigation
May Be Nearly Over
By Chris Mothisen


By Chris Mothisen
The case building phase Of the
special grand jury investigation of
Washington gambling may begin
this week.
In general, the investigation ap-
pears to have been concerned so far
largely with background informa-
tion--an exposition of the present
state Of the illegal b citing business
here as it appears to United States
Attorney George Morris Fay and to
police.
While it is doubtful that the %
grand jurors will be called on soon
to vote on possible indictments for
violations Of gambling laws, there
are indications their attention will
be directed shortly to evidence Of
specific offenses.
The special grand jury has been
meeting on an irregular schedule
since being impaneled May II. It
apparently held no sessions last
week. but Mr.. Fay and his chief
assistants in the inquiry, John w.
Fihelly and Charles B. Murray, con-
tinued to give most of their office
time to the gambling problem.
"No Comment"
The three prosecutors consistently
have had no comment" on all
questions related to progress of the
investigation. They have conferred
however. with several persons
known to have information con-
corning specific local gambling mat
tiers. This has given rise to specu-
latlon that individual cases are be-
ing prepared for the special grand
jury.
Last Thursday, Furthermore, a
woman who said she formerly
worked as writer for the numbers
game revealed she had been served
subpoena to appear at 10 am.
Tuesday before the special grand
jury.
The woman, Mrs Erma Elizabeth
Green. SO. colored. of 11O9 Sixth
street NE, previously had told re-
porters and police she had worked
for man she said operated a num-
bers collection point and after hours
liquor establishment in the 800 block
of l. street NE She also asserted
she had seen police enter the place
from time to time.
Police Supt. Robert J. Barrett said
her story was being investigated.
A man was arrested on the basis
Of Mrs. Green's statements and re-
leased after questioning, presumably
because enough evidence to make a
case was not developed.
Police Questioned.
Before its extended recess, the
special grand jury heard a success
sion of police witnesses who were
asked what they knew about the
extent of gambling in the Capital.
These witnesses included Mai. Bar
rett, who testified at length and
was thought to have given details of
police methods designed to control
gambling, including illustra tions of
the types of cases encountered.
Ten precinct captains. two in
spectors and 1t. Roy Blick, chief of
the vice squad, also were heard.
Previously, a restaurant proprietor
with many police acquaintance, a
former front man" for a gambling
casino and a woman known to police
as former numbers game figure
testified.
The calling of Mrs. Green NAV
mean the ground laying stage OF
the inquiry. with its procession of
police witnesses, may be almost
finished
In asking for a special grand
jury. in order not to burden the
regular grand jury unduly. Mr..
Fay stated information reaching
his office indicated gambling here
was an organized business crossing
in excess of sloO,O00,00o a year. His
request, granted by Chief Justice
Bolitha J. Laws of District Court.
had the approval of Attorney Gen
eral Clark.
Since grand juries here do not
make general recommendation but
indict or ignore on the basis
of evidence offered them. it has
been presumed Mr.. Fay hopes to
obtain some indictments as the fruit
of the investigation
1t is known numerous tipsters
have offered the prosecutor informa-
tion by mail. telephone call and per-
sonal visit. 1t is not know. however.
how many-if any-have been able
to contribute solid evidence, suscep-
tible of corroboration. which could
support an indictment.
No big Shots Called.
None of the reputed big shots"
Of the Washington area gambling
business are known to have been
summoned before the special grand
Jury.
1t is not certain that these figures
will be called, 1t may be decided
to attack their organizations
through the testimony of others.
The recess of last week gave the
% grand jurors opportunity to re-
sumo their individual business or
home tasks and permitted Mr.. Fay
to confer with his assistants on the
program for future sessions of the
inquiry.
1t is considered probable the in
vestigation will be spread over many
more weeks, with the special grand
jury being excused for periods of
varying length from time to time.
Fisherman Is Drowned