1944 Press Photo New York Russell Laurenzane, Jerry Festa, Joseph Rizzo NYC

Three union officials accused of having threatened to close down a Brooklyn factory engaged in vital work were arrested on extortion charges yesterday just as they had accepted $1,800 in marked bills in a restaurant around the corner from Manhattan Police Headquarters, according to police. Shown in police headquarters the three are (left to right): Jerry Fest, 26; Russell Laurenzano, 39; and Joseph Rizzo, 23; Vice President, Committeeman and President, respectively of Local 844 of the CIO United Auto Workers. The union officials were booked on attempted extortion charges and will be arraigned in Brooklyn Felony Court Sunday morning. Photo measures 8 x 6.25 inches. Photo is dated 08-05-1944.

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