Political ' boss ' arrested in Chicago , suspected ally of John McLaughlin . One of the most sensational developments in the war on John Dillinger , America ' s public enemy number 1 , was the arrest in Chicago of John J , ( Boss ) McLaughlin , old time political boss and suspected ally of Dillinger . He is charged with conspiracy in the kidnapping of Edward G Bremer , wealthy St Paul brewer , who was ransomed for ?40 , 000 . ' You are dreaming ' McLaughlin told the police when they arrested him and his 17 year old son John . The police believe that behind McLaughlin is Dillinger and his gang . Photo shows ' Boss ' McLaughlin . 30 April 1934