New-York tribune., 1902-06-14
STOLE FROM A. D. 7. co.
ARREST OF THE SECRETARY AM
TREASURER-CHARG WITH
EMBEZZLEMENT.

After twenty-five years of service Charles >
sbiyIer fftv-seven years old secretary and
treasurer of the American District Telesraph
Company was yesterday morning arrested on a
charge of swindling the company out OF De
tween $4,000 and $4,000 his thefts extending
over a period Of several years. Later IN lhe
day the grand jury returned three indictments
against him. charging grand larceny in the
second degree. the specific charges pelhs the
larceny of $40 on October 1, 1901; $40 on Oc-
tober ! 1901. and 500 on September 1, 1901.
The recent change in the management or the
American District Telegraph Company, which
controls the district messenger service, was
made the occasion for investigation of the
hooks of the secretary and treasurer. The in
vestigation led to the discovery of shortage
which at first appeared be small and ShlVler
was retired from his offices May l, being sue
ceeded by J. c. Willever The investigation was
continued, however, and when the shortage "dS
found to be mounting up into the thousands 'he
District Attorney was informed Ihat was Oh
Thursday night, too late for the grand jury 10
take up the case and Mr. Jerome ordered De-
tective Sergeants Cuff and McNaught. of his
office to arrest Shivler without a warrant They
found him at his home, No. 5S1 Madison-st
Brooklyn. early yesterday morning. and, putting
him under arrest took him to the District At
by his son. The matter at once presented
to the grand jury, which, as already noted
found three indictments against Shtvler.
F r. Stark. of the office of George H. Fearons
general attorney for the American District Tele-
graph Company said that Shivler had made n
confession on Thursday in the office of the com
pany Shivler's salary $1,000 year. He
had charge of all moneys received by the mes
senger service department. checks and cash IN
cuded. He received all moneys from the col
lectors as well, and had charge of all deposits
Mr. Stark said that Shivler took good care to
deposit all checks and drafts received, but that
he kept the cash. The peculations. 1t is alleged,
have been going for seven years. and so
trusted was Shivler that he was never even
suspected of any wrongdoing.
Mr. Stark said that the confidence placed in
Shivler was remarkable If an apparent short
age of So 900 appeared on the books and Shivler
was asked about it. Mr.. Stark said. he would tell
the officials that the money was in the hands or
the collectors. They had undoubtedly collected
that sum- he would say, but it had not yet been
turned in him, and he would put II down
when he got it. This would be so satisfactory a
reply that no questions would be asked Of
Shivler. The company, Mr.. stark continued.
had not the slightest idea what had become of
the money Shivler had an invalid wife who re
quired much attention. and 1t was thought, Mr.
Stark said. that she might have needed more
money than her husbands salary. They lived
moderately however. Shivler has had the repu-
smoking and drinking and was continually
lecturing boys and young men about such
things.
George II. Fearons. general attorney of the
District Telegraph Company, said that during
all the years of service of Mr.. Shivler his books
had been examined only once Ihat was SIX OF
seven years ago. The expert accountants at
that time reported that his books were ali right
although, according to Mr. Fearons, a shortage
existed even then.
Shivler was taken before Judge Foster and
held in s. ooo bail. in default of which he was
committed to the Tonbs He declined to dis
cuss his case saving be was in the hands OF his
counsel Foster l.. Backus.