The Thief in Blue: Police Chief Exposes Captain’s Theft of Prisoners’ Belongings

At a special meeting of the police commission last evening, evidence of a most sensational character was given in support of the charge that Captain Henry Sheahan, now under suspension, purloined articles and money from prisoners.

The most damaging testimony against Captain Sheahan was given by Officer Fayban, who has been detailed to clerical work at police headquarters. It is his duty to book all prisoners and take care of all money and property they may have. It was this clerk who preferred the charges of theft, and as Captain Sheahan has denied all the allegations made by him, the commissioners have to decide that one or the other has perjured himself.

The lobby of the hall of the house of delegates was crowded with spectators by 7:30 o'clock, but the commissioners were not all in their seats until nearly 8 o'clock. Captain Sheahan and Ben Stretch occupied seats on each side of their counsel, A. H. Piles, and Evans sat behind his attorneys, John Wiley and W. T. Scott. Chief Monroe sat with the commissioners in an arm chair, under the president's desk, which was occupied by Mayor White.

Deputy Clerk Brown read the specific charges against Captain Sheahan, signed by Chief Monroe. The charges included neglect of duty regarding the escape of prisoner John Connors, misrepresenting facts to the Chief, and unlawfully taking items such as silk handkerchiefs and a necktie from the property room. Furthermore, he was accused of taking money belonging to prisoners John McKay and Thomas Buckley while they were being searched.

Chief Monroe testified that Officer Fayban had approached him four days prior, stating there was "crooked work going on" and that he wanted to get out of office. Fayban reported seeing Sheahan open a valise in the property room, take two handkerchiefs home, later take a necktie, and subsequently steal money from prisoners.

When questioned by the accused's attorney about why Monroe would want to keep such a man on the force if he believed Fayban's story, Monroe was "plainly muddled" and made long statements with no bearing on the question. Attorney Lyon had to come to his rescue.

Officer Fayban took the stand again, detailing how he saw Sheahan take money from John McKay by reaching over the desk and dropping a dollar to pick up more coins, and later stealing over $1 from Thomas Buckley. "The severest cross-questioning failed to shake Fayban's story."

Captain Sheahan then testified, denying all theft charges. He claimed Fayban had taken a watch chain at headquarters and appropriated it to his own use, which is why Fayban accused him of theft in retaliation. Regarding the escape of John Connors, Sheahan admitted he was not in the headquarters at the time but claimed he had told the clerk to put Connors in a safe place.

Judge Osborn was called to testify to Captain Sheahan's good character but was stopped by Commissioner Samuel Crawford, who noted that while Sheahan’s reputation for honesty was generally good, the matter of the charges needed resolution. The board adjourned until Monday evening.