Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-09-25
ARREST OF LETTER CARRIER
JAMES v. TIERNEY ACCUSED OF
RoBBING THE MAILS.
Prisoner Confessed Guilt-Disposedo f
Articles Of Jewelry to Second
Hand Dealers.

James V. Tierney, letter carrier, was
arrested last night on a charge of robbing
the mails Tierney. who Is twenty nine
years Of age, resides at 21O6 Ward place
with his mother and brother. His arrest
was surprise to his friends and a matter
OF relief to the inspectors, who had been
trying to solve the mystery of the disap-
pearance Of packages from the post Office.
During the past six months or more pack
ages of jewelry had disappeared from the
carriers room and the inspectors were
kept busy.
Suspicion was directed toward Tierney
several days ago, when Detectives Baur
and Cornwell saw him disposng of an ar
ticle of jewelry to a second hand dealer
They investigated and learned that he had
been selling articles of jewelry at different
stores since last March. The post office
inspectors were told of the conduct of the
carrier and they concluded that Tiernay
was responsible for the disappearance of a
number of packages of jewelry from the
mails.s
Tierney was placed under arrest Yesterday
afternoon as he was leaving the post office
At first he denied the charge saying a
coored employe of the post office was re-
sponsible for the disappearance of the
property
Who is the colored MANI" the detectives
asked
but l can point him out to you"
Admission of Guilt.
The detectives went with Tierney to the
post office and asked him to Indicate the
coored man who had been giving him the
jewelry to sell. The man. he told them
was not on duty yesterday. Later he ad-
mitted that he had taken the packages He
explained that the packages were put in
his bin by mistake and that he had kent
them
Tierney then broke down and told the
detectives his troubles. Five years ago, he
said, about the time he was appo nted to
his position, his stepfather died and he has
had to support his aged mother and a
younger brother. He found it a difficult
matter to make ends meet his salary.
His brother, who is fourteen years of age,
is attending school, and it was his desire
to give the boy an education.
What seemed to trouble Tierney most
was the thought that his arrest would af-
feet his mother. The defendant has many
office, and, it is stated the latter are willing
to make good the amount of his alleged
stealings if the pros acution is dropped.
Tierney was detained in a cell at the first
precinct police station last night and ar
rangements were made to give him a hear
ing today. When the prisoner was taken
to the office of Inspector Boardman this
morning he made further admission as to
his conduct telling the detectives and In
spector Barclay that they would find some
of the stolen jewelry at his home. More
than 800 worth of the jcwalry has been
recovered 1t is the opinion of the de-
tectives that about $500 worth of property
was taken by the prisoner.
Hearing This Afternoon.
The prisoner this afternoon went with
Inspector Barclay and Detective Baur to
his home to show them where they would
find the jeTelry he said he left there The
packages were found, but there was no
jewclry in them.
Arrangements We're made to have the case
heard before United States Commissioner
Arson S. Taylor this afternoon. Attorney
w. E. Ambrose, who represents the ac-
cuscd said he would waive an examination
and let the case go to the grand jury. The
question Of giving bond for his client will
be determined after the commissioner fixes
the amount.