In February 1929 the owner of the Hotel Ritz claimed that an associate of Garrett's had solicited a bribe from him in exchange for protection from raids. Six months later, Wilson transferred Garrett, stating that Garrett had been in the same position for too long. After finding out about the transfer, Garrett was quoted by several newspapers as saying that he would "blow the lid off the Boston Police Department". Garrett later denied making this statement and an investigation by commissioner Wilson cleared him.
