New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-01-25
POLlCE-DEPARThENT FL1RE-JP.

4 POLICEMAN CHARGED WITH BRIBERY.
Net long since Officer Mssterson, attached to the
Chiefs bureau received information bearing sganst
policeman of this city and involving him in 4 criminal
prosecution of ieonious nature The facts OF the
case are that several months ago Officer Churchill of
the Thirteenth Ward arrested one James Moore, then
Keeping iunk.shop at No. 2a9 Third street, on
charge Of receiving stolen goods. Moore wastaken
before one of the Police Magistrates, and gave bonds
70 appear for trial when called upon by the District
Attorney
A. il alleged, Moore ailerwart forfeited his bail,
and leaving bis bondsman in the urch, proceeded TO
Ireland. He returned but short time since, soon
after which Officer Churchill, ~ is represented,
called on one of his (Moores friends, and said the
matter pending against him could be settled for $500.
Moore. we may state here, had been indicted by the
Grand Jury testimony given by the officer making
the arrest Moore and several interested in getting
him out of the trouble, took the officers proposition
under adys,ment and at length reported to him that
SO large an amount that named could not be raised
but at the same time said they could procure 5000 for
him provided ne succeeded in settling the affair to
Moore's entire satisfaction. Churchill remained quiet
for some days making effort, 81 Is charged, to oh
tain $500 but that proving failure, he finally agreed
TO accept the $500, having An understanding with NJ.
Moore that lie should his influence tOwdrl getting
out Of the way two important witnesses against her
husband. This part of the job being DONE Churchill
was TO receive 800 on account The time named for
the payment was on Wednesday evening at o'clock
and place corner of Columbia and Broome streets.
Churchill eager for the money, was ahead
Of time but he had not long to wait,
ms Mrs Moore soon made her appearance. An interview
immediately followed in sight and hearing Of Officer
H. ,o1 at.l he Mrs
Moore passed something 10 Churchill and they sepa-
rated, each proceeding in different direction. Mas
ter.on followed his man to the corner of Sheriff and
Broome streets where he sted and took him to the
Thirteenth Ward Station-Ilouse.
On searching Churchill roll cf SEQ In baik bs
found in his possession; this money he, is charged
having received from Mrs. Moore. The prisoner was
then taken 10 the Office Of the Chief of Police, where
he was detained to await an examination before the
Mayor on Thursday afternoon. The accused denies
receiving the money for the purpose Of conpounding
felony ard thereby defeating the ends Of Justice.
The offar has created great sensation in the Po-
lice Department, nearly much az that caused BY
tie arrest of two Policemen years ago lor bur
zlaYy. Mr. Churchill up to this transaction has been
regarded a. an homes, man aud efficient officer. lie
has family. and his wife, who sought interview
with him on Thursday morning, is in great distress on
account of her husband difficulties.
Churchill, it il soid active in getting Moore in-
dictcd for receiving the stolen goods with guilty
knowledge and also in securing the attendance of wit
zses when the case should be brought to trial That
he has been offered large amount to have the case
settled without coming to trial. there is no doubt in
fact he has often been heard TO say that he could get
$500 for accomplishing that purpose. Some are 50
urcharitnbo to nsnuate that it trap set for
his officer to not only procure his dismissal from the
Police Department, but 10 place him on trial in a
criminal Court.
II il stated on good authority that Mr.. Churchill has
been acting ia concert with Alderman Briggs aud
Stepl on II. Branch in procuring testimony 10 prove
Chief Matsell 20 De an alien, and it j. possible that the
coroulent Chief has had something to do toward Gu
tripping Churchill and placing him in his present pre-
dcament, but again is said the District Attorney
sprang the net which caught Churchill.
Other facts connected with the case will probably
soon be developed. Mr.. Churchill hes been On the
Police for many YEAR,, and was recently reaPponted
from HE own qualifications lor tLe position aud through
tho influence Of Alderman Briggs.