Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1918-08-10
POLLOCK Is FINED OTHER
CHARGES NOT SUSTAINED

Mayor George Ainsilc yesterday af-
tcrnoon vindicatcd Chief of Police G..
A. Sherry OF all the charges pre-
grand jury of the Hastings Court
and ordered him to report back for
duty this morning. In the case of
Captain tCicorgc L. Pollock. Mayor
Ainslic tindc him $3.50 on the charge
OF having been intoxicated and guilty
Of conduct unbccoming an officer in
his home on November 25, 1917.
Completely cNonorating Detective
Sergeant l.. G. Bcrtucci. Mayor Aims
lie ordered him to report back for
duty this morning.
Thus has the last chapter OF the
police scandal as reported by the spe-
cial grand jury Of the Hastings Court
on June "a been read. Charges af-
fccting the Police Department have
been sustained in only one case
Former Policeman G. a. Strain. who
was permitted to resign under
charges because he had already CHI
listed in the aviation section of the
signal corps.
The report recommended the re
moval Of Chief Sherry for the good
OF the service since he is under the
influence of promoters and proprie-
tors Of illegal gambling houses. THE
removal of Captain Pollock was rec
commended because of habits of in
temperance and conduct unbccoming
an officer" The removal Of Sergeant
Bcrtucci Was recommended for fire
qucnting gambling houses and parti-
cipating in illegal gambling" Charg-
Ing that Strain was either boot
logger or pcriurCr the grand jury
recommended his removal.
REPORTS DUE TO JEALOUSIES
WITHIN POLICE DEPARTMENT.
The police scandal in Richmond
arose out Of peculiar conditions.
Subsequent facts prove that il was
a scandal stirred up within tho ranks
OF tho Police Department. Rumors
have flown thick and fast, discussion
as to Irregularities in the Police De-
partmcnt has been rife and interest
was aroused to fever heat, which con-
tinucd undated for three months.
When the grand jury made its re-
port On police matters in this city
eight policemen were indicted and
the dismissal Of Chief of Police Sher-
ry, Captain Pollock, Detective Ser
gcant Bertucci and Policemen Strain
recommended. All Of these indict-
mcnts and recommendations we're
made for alleged violations OF the
liquor and gambling laws.
Previous to the meeting OF the
grand jury Mayor Ainslic had taken
official cognizancc OF the grave stu
alton in the Police Department. and
removed, on May %, former Chief OF
Police j. r. b .Sowcll for "iniirmity
OF Judgment and discretion fatal to
one occupying the high and impor-
tant position Of Chief of Police Of
the city Of Richmond"
After much delay, custer proceed
ingS against Major Sherry, Captain
Pollock, Detective Sergeant Bcrtucci
and Policeman Strain were instituted
in the Hastings Court. During the
first week in July, at the specific
request Of commemorative Attorney
Wise, Mayor Ainslie suspended all
the police officers against whom GUS
ter proceedings had been begun. On
July Z, formal custer proceedings
were Instituted in the Hastings Court.
Judge ID. G. Richardson on July 27,
rendered his decision that tho IIust-
ngs Court had no jurisdiction over
the trial OF these cases, and that tho
Mayors power OF removal Of police
officers was original asd exclusive.
MAYOR AINSLIE RENDERS