Charity Solicitor Gets 50-Day Term

Judge Pancoast Sentences Man Holding License Issued in Philadelphia

A “permit,” which he declared was his authorization to solicit funds in Camden for “charity,” failed to save William W. Jones, 42, of 131 Kaighn Avenue, from being given 50 days in jail by Police Judge Pancoast.

Charged, with receiving money under false pretense, Jones was arrested Friday by Motorcycle Policeman Earl Wright after several complaints were received at headquarters.

Wright testified Saturday that he followed Jones at Sixth Street and Kaighn Avenue. Two other men solicitors escaped, Wright said. Jones had a tambourine, partly filled with money and wore a uniform cap similar to those of the Salvation Army, the policeman said. While they were waiting for the patrol, Jones bought cigarettes out of the money from the tambourine, Wright stated. The policeman said Jones told him he earned from six to seven dollars a day.

Jones pleaded guilty to accepting money under false pretense. He produced the permit which was signed by Nicholas Cavalucci, whose “charity” activities in Philadelphia have been thoroughly investigated by the police. The pamphlet authorizing Jones to solicit funds was made out on a letterhead of the Missionary Relief Workers Association, with headquarters at 2019 Germantown Avenue. It read:

This credential authorizes William W. Jones to solicit funds for the support of religious activities to give out Frock, Testaments and Bibles and do Home Missionary work. All donations are used for the uplift of humanity.

The “permit” named Cavalucci as “founder and superintendent,” and instructed all police and constables to examine the collector’s credentials to determine together or not he was a fraud. Attached to it was a photograph of Jones.

Jones told Judge Pancoast he received 50 percent of all collections. When Judge Pancoast imposed the jail sentence he said he could not pay $50 fine. Throwing down his uniform cap and tambourine, Jones promised to quit and never return to Camden, but the sentence was enforced.