Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1951-02-13
Crime Probers Hear
Frank Costello and
Saratoga Politicians
BY the Assceioted Press

dVC &I11lC 4llfCStlSdtlIlS SOklIlIllt-
tee began a two-day closed hear
ing here today with Gambler
Frank Costello as its first witness.
Costello had no comment as he
entered the Federal Courthouse
where the hearing is being held.
Chairman Kefauver said eight
other witnesses had been sub
poenaed six from Saratoga
County. N. Y. and two from New
Jersey.
The Saratoga witnesses include
James A. Leary. prominent in
Saratoga County Republican cir
cles; Arthur Leonard, a county
Democratic leader: Sheriff Frank
Hathorn, Policeman Walter Ahearn
and Philip and Rose Weis.
New Jersey Witnesses.
Prospective New Jersey wit
nesses are Gerard Catena of
South Orange and James Rutkin
of Newark.
Rudolph HALEY, the commit
tees chief counsel, said Mr.. and
Mrs. Weiss were concerned in a
law suit in recent years involving
gambling losses.
Senator Kefauver emphasized at
a press conference before the
hearing began that the calling of
a witness did not necessarily mean
that he is guilty of wrong doing
or that we have any allegations
against that person"
I'VE want facts they may have
in their possession which may not
involve them" the Senator said.
Seeking Background.
The hearing sessions today and
tomorrow have as their primary
purpose the securing of back
ground information. books. records
and data of exploratory nature,
Senator Kefauver said. Open hear
angs are scheduled later.
Senator Tobey. Republican. of
New Hampshire also attended the
committee session today. Senator
O'Conor. Democrat, Of Maryland
was expected to join them later
today or tomorrow
Rutkin. nicknamed "Niggy," was
tried recently in Newark on a
charge of evading $685.. 900 in Fed
eral income taxes. He is appeal
ing his sentence of five years in
prison and a fine of $4,000. He
identified himself at the trial as a
gambler who had been associated
with Joe Adonis and Catena in a
J Passaic crap game in 1945.
O'Dwyer Interviewed.
Former Mayor William O'Dwyer,
now Ambassador to Mexico, is
expected to testify when the in
vestigation is resumed here in
March.
Ambassador O'Dwyer said yes
terday in Mexico City that he
plans to present the committee
with some constructive recon-
mendations for improving law en-
forcement."
Louis E. Yavner, a special coun-
sci to the committee, is in Mex
leo City discussing the crime
investigation with him. The Am
bassador said Mr.. Yayner came to
Mexico City at his invitation.
Mr.. HALEY said Ambassador
IO'Dwyer asked to appear before
fhe committee and the Senators
still must decide whether to call
him.
Erickson Fights Subpoena.
The counsel added that the
former Mayor has continually
offered aid and assistance" to the
committee and definitely is not
under suspicion.
Frank Erickson, big time book
maker, has been subpoenaed but
seeks court action to avoid being
questioned. Erickson, admitted
Nationwide bookie, is serving
two-year term at Rikers Island |
Penitentiary.
In a petition scheduled for
argument in the State Supreme
Court today, Erickson contends
that State law permits the tenn
,porary release of prisoners only
when a close relative is critically
Ill or when the convict is wanted
by a State court.
Reluctant to Talk.
Erickson always has been re-
luctant to talk about his reputed
$12.5 million-a-year bookmaking
business. He pleaded guilty to
gambling charges last June to
avoid the spotlight of a trial.
Erickson lis unwilling volun-
tarily to appear" his petition
said, and there is no authority to
deliver him to Senate or any juris-
diction other than the State.
His attorney, Harold Corbin,
said the bookie would much pre-
fer to serve out his sentence
quietly on an isolated island fart