The Day Book

BELIEVED PLAN TO REOPEN THE REDLIGHT IS UNCOVERED

With the arrest of Harry Cullett, a private detective, while he was alleged to have been trying to bribe Inspector of Morals Wm. C. Dannenberg, it is believed that an organized movement to reopen the redlight district has been uncovered.

Dannenberg met Cullett by appointment in an alley at Sheridan road and Wilson avenue. With him he brought detectives who kept in the background while he went to meet Cullett. Before leaving them he was searched to prove that he had no money. When he emerged from the alley after talking with Cullett he had a large sum of money. This he claimed was a bribe given him by Cullett.

"Cullett gave $500," said Dannenberg.

"I was promised $1,000 more by March 3. In due time I was to get $2,200 a month. For this money I was to permit the reopening of the redlight district."

Dannenberg said that to keep down public opinion he was to raid a list of "stall houses," which the divekeepers were to provide for him. From each of these stall houses he was to take two girls each night. In that way the real joints could go on.

Further arrests will probably follow the capture of Cullett.

Dannenberg said that Cullett gave the following names as those of the men behind the scheme:

"Polack Ben" Zellen; owner of The Vestibule, 6 W. 22d street; Johnny Turio, 2101 Armour avenue; Marshall Bros., 21st and State streets; and Beck & Moriarity, owners of "Dineen's," Harrison and State streets.

Cullett is a former city policeman, but recently has operated the American Secret Service Bureau in partnership with Bert J. Meyer, former federal agent.

Cullett would say nothing at the time of his arrest, but said he was going to spring a good story when the time came.