Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-23
CHARGED WITH GRAND LARCENY
WARRANT FOR ARREST OF
JAMES J. o'SHEA.
Accused Man Is Assistant Manager
Of Local Shoe Store-Alleged
Theft Of $e2e.so.

Without waiting to procure a warrant
for James J. O'Shea. assistant manager of
the Regal Shoe Company's store. 1908
Pennsylvania avenue. Detectives Parham
and O'Brien went to his home, 216 G street
northwest. this morning, to place him
under arrest on the charge Of theft from
his employer O'Shea, however. had gone
away before daybreak. 1t was said. and
was not to be found. Later in the morn
ing. L. w. Rinehart, manager of the local
business of the shoe firm, procured war
rant alleging the larceny of $500 .S0-a
grand larceny charge. Inspector Board,
man directed the two detectives mentioned
and other members Of the detective force
to make every effort to effect the arrest
of the alleged dafaulter.
The police were advised of the disap-
pearance early this morning. the manager
opened the safe to prepare for the holiday
trade. Detective O'Brien went at once to
the store and was shown the safe, and
told of what Rinehart knew of the alb
sence Of the money. There were several
checks in the safe for amounts aggregat-
ing more than $780, but they had evident
ly not been wanted by the man who alb
sorbed the cash.
Information given the police caused
them to believe that O'Shea was victim
that belief this morning, when she called
at police headquarters and saw Inspector
Boardman. She did not hesitate to say
that her husband was fond of cards, and
that he had told her of his recent losses.
He returned home this morning about
4 o'clock, the distressed woman told the
police inspector. HE said he had lost
money at cards and that he was going
out to win 1t back"
Alleged Visits to Gaming Table.
The police were told that O'Shea had
been visiting poker room at Rosslyn,
where gambling flourished several years
ago. but where, it Is stated. quiet games
only are being conducted at the present
time. One Of the detectives was sent
across the river to make an investiga-
ton. 1t had been reported that O'Shea
spent last night there in card game.
The detectives was also to ascertain
whether or not O'Shea had returned there
this morning. The other detective went
elsewhere to search for the missing man.
Mrs. O'Shea hurried to police headquar-
tives were on the track of her husband,
and had long talk with Inspector
Boardman and the detectives. She said
she was married in Tampa. Fla. her
home, seven years ago. and has one
child. daughter. five years of age. Her
husband. who is thirty-eight years of
age. formerly lived in Elmira. N. Y. His
business called him to Tampa about ten
years ago, she said. and while he was
employed there he became her husband.
wife and child came to this city to live.
The husband soon found employment
with the shoe firm and his strict atten-
ton to business won for him promo
ton. which carried with 1t an increase
In salary. 1t is stated that many Of his
friends knew Of his alleged fondness for
cards. but no suspicion of wrongdoing
ever entered their minds. O'Shea, 1t is
said. was the only employe Of the firm.
with the exception Of the manager who
knew the combination of the lock on
the safe. He is said to have visited the
store yesterday afternoon about 2 O'Clock
The manager had no occasion to go there
until this morning He found the door
and safe intact, but the money was not
where it had been placed Saturday night
after the store was closed.
Not at Home Yesterday.
The police were told that O'Shea did not
return home to dinner yesterday afternoon.
and that he was not there until this
as stated. about O'Clock. Then
he remained only long enough to change
his clothing and tell his wife that he was
going out to win what. he had lost the
nlSnt previous. where ne went d1ter ledV-
ing his home this morning the police were
unable to ascertain today. Saturday
night when he returned home from work
he gave his wife $40. but he gave her no
money this morning.
Detective OBrien, who made the inves-
tigation In Rosslyn this morning. reported
that O Shea was in a card game there last
night, but did not return. there this mora
ing. Inspector Boardman does not believe
that O'Shea lost as much money last
night as he Is alleged to have. taken from
the safe in the shoe store. He thinks 1t
likely the money was taken from the
safe this morning after. O'Shea told his
wife of his loss last night. Messages will
be sent to- the police depa ftments of other
cities asking that they assist in the search
for the man who is charged with the