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{{short description|American politician}}
{{Infobox Politician (general)

|image =
{{Infobox officeholder
|image = File:1894 Daniel H Coakley Massachusetts House of Representatives.png
|imagesize =
|imagesize =
| name = Daniel H. Coakley
| name = Daniel H. Coakley
| caption = Coakley, circa 1894
| birth_date = December 10, 1865
| birth_date = December 10, 1865
| birth_place = [[South Boston]]
| birth_place = [[South Boston]]
Line 18: Line 21:
| term_start = 1933
| term_start = 1933
| term_end = 1941
| term_end = 1941
| predecessor = [[James H. Brennan]]
| predecessor = James H. Brennan
| successor = [[John M. Cunningham]]
| successor = [[John M. Cunningham]]
| title1 = Member of the<br>[[Massachusetts House of Representatives]]
| term_start1 = 1893
| term_end1 = 1897
| children = [[Daniel H. Coakley Jr.]]
| children = [[Daniel H. Coakley Jr.]]
}}
}}


'''Daniel Henry Coakley'''<ref name="Federal Disbar" /> (December 10, 1865 – September 18, 1952) was an American political figure and lawyer. As an attorney, he took part in numerous [[badger game]] extortion schemes.<ref name="Toodles" /> He was disbarred in 1922 for deceit, malpractice, and gross misconduct.<ref name="Federal Disbar" /> He later was elected to the [[Massachusetts Governor's Council]], where he secured a pardon for mobster [[Raymond L. S. Patriarca]].<ref name="Rogues" /> He was impeached in 1941 for using his position and influence to secure pardons in exchange for financial gain.<ref name="Impeach" />
'''Daniel Henry Coakley'''<ref name="Federal Disbar">{{cite news|date=May 17, 1922|title=Moves to Disbar in Federal Court|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref> (December 10, 1865 – September 18, 1952) was an American [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] politician and attorney from [[Massachusetts]]. He was a key figure in early 20th century Boston politics, as an ally to District Attorney [[Joseph C. Pelletier]] and as an on-again-off-again ally to Mayor [[James Michael Curley]]. As an attorney, Coakley took part in numerous [[badger game]] extortion schemes and was disbarred in 1922 for deceit, malpractice, and gross misconduct.<ref name="Federal Disbar" /><ref name="Toodles">{{cite book|last1=Nelson|first1=Garrison|title=John William McCormack: A Political Biography|date=2012|publisher=Crown/Archetype|pages=88–91}}</ref>


Coakley later was elected to the [[Massachusetts Governor's Council]], where he secured a pardon for mobster [[Raymond L. S. Patriarca]].<ref name="Rogues" /> He was [[Impeachment by state and territorial governments of the United States|impeached]] and removed from office in 1941 for using his position and influence to secure pardons in exchange for financial gain.<ref name="Impeach" />
==Early life==

Coakley was born on December 10, 1865 in [[South Boston]]. He attended [[Boston College]], but did not graduate due to illness. Once he recovered he went to work for his father as a [[teamster]]. He left this job to work as a conductor for the Cambridge Street Railway. Coakley was fired in 1886 when he led a strike for higher wages. He then went to work for ''[[The New York Sun]]'' as a shorthand reporter. In 1888, he returned to Boston as sports writer for the ''[[Boston Herald]]''. He was later promoted to sports editor. In addition to sports writing, Coakley also worked as a boxing referee. In 1892, Coakley left the ''Herald'' to attend [[Boston University Law School]] and launch his first campaign for public office.<ref name="Obituary">{{cite news|title=Daniel H. Coakley Dead at 87; Long Political Figure|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=September 19, 1952}}</ref><ref name="Striking">{{cite news|title=Coakley Has Had A Striking Career|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=September 30, 1921}}</ref>
==Early life and education==
Coakley was born on December 10, 1865, in [[South Boston]]. He attended [[Boston College]] but did not graduate due to illness. Once he recovered, he went to work for his father as a [[teamster]]. He left this job to work as a conductor for the [[Cambridge Street Railway]]. He was fired in 1886 when he led a strike for higher wages and went to work for ''[[The New York Sun]]'' as a shorthand reporter.

In 1888, he returned to Boston as sports writer for the ''[[Boston Herald]]''. He was later promoted to sports editor. In addition to sports writing, Coakley also worked as a boxing referee. In 1892, Coakley left the ''Herald'' to attend [[Boston University Law School]] and launch his first campaign for public office.<ref name="Obituary">{{cite news|date=September 19, 1952|title=Daniel H. Coakley Dead at 87; Long Political Figure|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref><ref name="Striking">{{cite news|date=September 30, 1921|title=Coakley Has Had A Striking Career|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref>

Coakley read law at his brother Timothy's law firm. He failed his first three attempts at the bar exam but was finally admitted to the Massachusetts bar on July 9, 1897, and the federal bar on January 25, 1911.<ref name="Federal Disbar" /><ref name="Rogues" />


==Early political career==
==Early political career==
In 1892, Coakley was elected to the [[Massachusetts House of Representatives]] from [[Cambridge, Massachusetts|Cambridge]]'s Ward 2. He was unseated in 1896 and moved to Boston, where he worked on the reelection campaign of Boston mayor [[John F. Fitzgerald]]. Fitzgerald later appointed Coakley to the Boston Park Commission.<ref name="Obituary" /> In 1909, Coakley managed the election campaign Suffolk County District Attorney [[Joseph C. Pelletier]].<ref name="Rogues" />


=== Massachusetts House of Representatives ===
==Legal career==
In 1892, Coakley was elected to the [[Massachusetts House of Representatives]] from Ward 2 in [[Cambridge, Massachusetts|Cambridge]]. He was unseated in 1896 and moved across the Charles River to Boston, where he worked on the reelection campaign of U.S. Representative [[John F. Fitzgerald]]. As Mayor of Boston, Fitzgerald later appointed Coakley to the Boston Park Commission.<ref name="Obituary" />{{When|date=September 2020}}
Coakley read law at his brother Timothy's law firm. He failed his first three attempts at the bar exam.<ref name="Rogues" /> Coakley was admitted to the Massachusetts bar on July 9, 1897 and the federal bar on January 25, 1911.<ref name="Federal Disbar" />


In 1909, Coakley managed the election campaign [[Suffolk County, Massachusetts|Suffolk County]] District Attorney [[Joseph C. Pelletier]].<ref name="Rogues" />
In 1909, Coakley served as the defense attorney for [[George H. Battis]], a former Boston Alderman who was charged with larceny from the city of Boston.<ref>{{cite news|title=Delay Asked for Battis|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=May 19, 1909}}</ref> Battis was found guilty on two charges of larceny.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jury Declares Battis Guilty|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=May 29, 1909}}</ref> That same year Coakley served as defense counsel for Michael J. Mitchell, the former head of Boston's supply department, who was found guilty of conspiracy to defraud the city and conspiracy to commit larceny.<ref>{{cite news|title=Conspiracy the Charge|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=June 22, 1909}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Mitchell and Maher Guilty|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=July 1, 1909}}</ref> Coakley also served as counsel for William J. "Big Bill" Keliher. Keliher was convicted of aiding in the looting of the National City Bank of Cambridge. He and Coakley later had a disagreement, leading to an incident which the police were called to remove Keliher from Coakley's office.<ref>{{cite news|title=Coakley's Men Oust Keliher|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=October 9, 1910}}</ref> Keliher accused Coakley of taking money from Keliher to bribe United States Attorney [[Asa P. French]], one French's assistants, and the jury. French did not believe Keliher's accusations and chose not to investigate.<ref>{{cite news|title=Why Keliher is Hostile|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=February 12, 1913}}</ref>


== Legal career ==
In 1915, Coakley was hired to represent the Tylose Contracting Company before the Boston Finance Commission, which was investigating the usefulness and cost of the company's floor preservative.<ref>{{cite news|title=Coakley Hints at Politics|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=December 8, 1915}}</ref> The commission's public hearings lasted over 30 days and more than 65 witnesses were called. The commission found that tylose was a suitable floor preservative, and although it criticized the price the city paid for it, found no graft.<ref>{{cite news|title=Flays Finance Commission|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=March 22, 1916}}</ref>
In 1909, Coakley served as the defense attorney for [[George H. Battis]], a former Boston Alderman who was charged with larceny.<ref>{{cite news|date=May 19, 1909|title=Delay Asked for Battis|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref> Battis was found guilty on two charges of larceny.<ref>{{cite news|date=May 29, 1909|title=Jury Declares Battis Guilty|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref>


In 1909, Coakley also served as defense counsel for Michael J. Mitchell, former head of Boston's supply department, who was found guilty of conspiracy to defraud the city and conspiracy to commit larceny.<ref name="Dynasty">{{cite news|date=June 22, 1909|title=Conspiracy the Charge|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=July 1, 1909|title=Mitchell and Maher Guilty|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref> Coakley also served as counsel for William J. "Big Bill" Keliher, who was convicted of aiding in the looting of the National City Bank of Cambridge. He and Coakley later had a disagreement, and the police were called to remove Keliher from Coakley's office.<ref>{{cite news|date=October 9, 1910|title=Coakley's Men Oust Keliher|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref> Keliher accused Coakley of taking money from him to bribe United States Attorney [[Asa P. French]], one French's assistants, and the jury. French did not believe Keliher's accusations and chose not to investigate.<ref>{{cite news|date=February 12, 1913|title=Why Keliher is Hostile|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref>
===Toodles affair===
Coakley developed a strong dislike for Boston Mayor John F. Fitzgerald after Fitzgerald demanded the resignation of and testified in court against one of Coakley's clients, Michael J. Mitchell.<ref name="Toodles" /> In 1913, Elizabeth "Toodles" Ryan, a [[Cigarette girl (person)|cigarette girl]] at an illegal gambling establishment, hired Coakley to represent her in lawsuit against her employer, Henry Mansfield, who she said had reneged on his promise to marry her. Ryan revealed to Coakley that she had kissed Fitzgerald and Coakley turned over this information to one of Fitzgerald's political rivals, [[James Michael Curley]]. Coakley and Curley sent a letter revealing the affair to Fitzgerald's wife.<ref name="Toodles" /><ref name="Dapper Dan" /> Curley then announced a series a public lectures, including one entitled "Great Lovers in History; From Cleopatra to Toodles."<ref name="Dapper Dan">{{cite news|last=Cunningham|first=Maurice|title=Boston's Own Dapper Dan: America's Most Corrupt Politician|work=WGBH News|date=June 2, 2015|url=http://blogs.wgbh.org/masspoliticsprofs/2015/6/2/bostons-own-dapper-dan-americas-most-corrupt-politician/|accessdate=August 6, 2017}}</ref><ref name="Toodles">{{cite book|last1=Nelson|first1=Garrison|title=John William McCormack: A Political Biography|date=2012|publisher=Crown/Archetype|pages=88–91}}</ref><ref name="Dynasty">{{cite news|title=Conspiracy the Charge|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=June 22, 1909}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Higgins|first=Jack|title=The Making of a Political Dynasty|work=The Washington Post|date=February 1, 1987|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/entertainment/books/1987/02/01/the-making-of-a-political-dynasty/eaaf830e-5eff-45a3-aa59-e87e3d6346d7/|accessdate=August 10, 2017}}</ref> Fitzgerald soon dropped out of the 1913 mayoral race (which Curley went on to win) and Curley never delivered the lecture.<ref name="Dapper Dan" /><ref name="Toodles" /> During Ryan's trial, Coakley elicited testimony from another man who had been involved with Ryan that he had witnessed Fitzgerald kiss Ryan. The incident was now a matter of official court record and made front page headlines, which started the decline of Fitzgerald's political career.<ref name="Toodles" />


In 1914, Coakley was sued by the widower of one of his clients, to recover the full amount of the $15,952 awarded to her in a suit against the [[Boston Elevated Railway]]. Coakley, who defended himself, received a favorable verdict.<ref>{{cite news|date=January 21, 1914|title=Brings Charge of Blackmail|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref>
===Alliance with Curley===
During Curley's first term, Coakley represented the Mayor during the [[Boston Finance Commission]]'s investigation into Curley's finances. Coakley was able to have the investigation dropped by having the case transferred to one of his allies, Suffolk County District Attorney Joseph Pelletier.<ref name="Rogues" /> In 1917, Curley made Coakley a trustee of the [[Boston Public Library]].<ref name="Obituary" /> Coakley and Curley later had a falling out after Curley attacked Pelletier, who was considering running against Curley for Mayor.<ref name="Rogues" />


In 1915, Coakley was hired to represent the Tylose Contracting Company before the Boston Finance Commission, which was investigating the usefulness and cost of the company's floor preservative.<ref>{{cite news|date=December 8, 1915|title=Coakley Hints at Politics|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref> The Commission's public hearings lasted over 30 days and more than 65 witnesses were called. The commission found that [[tylose]] was a suitable floor preservative, and found no graft, though it criticized its price.<ref>{{cite news|date=March 22, 1916|title=Flays Finance Commission|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref>
===Ponzi===
Coakley served as an attorney for financier [[Charles Ponzi]]. Coakley received $25,000 a year from Ponzi in legal fees.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ponzi Shows Hazy Memory of his Financial Transactions|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=August 22, 1920}}</ref> Coakley turned in the money he had received from Ponzi to the receivers in Ponzi's bankruptcy case.<ref>{{cite news|title=Coakley Hurls "Liar" at Receiver Thurston|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=August 25, 1920}}</ref> Coakley, along with fellow attorney Daniel V. McIsaac, advised Ponzi not to fight the case, which, along with the urging of his wife, convinced Ponzi to plead guilty to federal charges in hopes of receiving a lighter sentence. Coakley was later called as a witness in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' case against Ponzi.<ref>{{cite news|title=Coakley on Stand|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=November 28, 1922}}</ref>


In 1920, Coakley served as an attorney for financier [[Charles Ponzi]]. Along with fellow attorney Daniel V. McIsaac, he advised Ponzi not to fight the case, which, along with the urging of his wife, convinced Ponzi to plead guilty to federal charges in hopes of receiving a lighter sentence. Coakley was later called as a witness in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' case against Ponzi.<ref>{{cite news|date=November 28, 1922|title=Coakley on Stand|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref> As Ponzi's attorney, he received $25,000 a year from Ponzi in legal fees.<ref>{{cite news|date=August 22, 1920|title=Ponzi Shows Hazy Memory of his Financial Transactions|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref> Coakley turned in the money he had received from Ponzi to the receivers in Ponzi's bankruptcy case.<ref>{{cite news|date=August 25, 1920|title=Coakley Hurls "Liar" at Receiver Thurston|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref>
===Disbarment===
On December 16, 1918, the council of the Boston Bar Association voted to investigate the conduct of Pelletier, Coakley, and Francis Carroll in connection with a case involving [[Emerson Motors Company]]. Robert D. Weston was appointed to present evidence to the bar association's subcommittee investing the charges.<ref>{{cite news|title=Investigation Begun in 1918|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=September 30, 1921}}</ref>


== Alliance with James Michael Curley ==
In July 1919, Michael J. Hayes, an investigator who had taken a job in Coakley's office at the behest of Weston in order to gather evidence for the bar association's investigation into Coakley, stole papers from Coakley's office and turned them over to [[Godfrey Lowell Cabot]] of the [[Watch and Ward Society]].<ref name="Mass Papers" />


=== "Toodles" affair ===
In 1920, Coakley was a figure in the disbarment case of Alvah G. Sleeper. According to two members of the Massachusetts District Police, Sleeper told them that a client, whom they deduced to be Hollis H. Hunnewell, was being blackmailed by a woman over an alleged affair. Hunnewell had already paid a total of $150,000 over three occasions and was being asked for another $50,000. Sleeper advised Hunnewell to go to the [[Parker House]] as he had been requested to do and he would follow him. There, Sleeper observed Hunnewell meeting with Coakley, Pelletier, and another lawyer, John P. Feeney. Shortly thereafter a woman came to Sleeper's office and asked how much Coakley had received from Hunnewell. Sleeper told her that the amount was $150,000 and she stated that Coakley had not given her a fair share.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hunnewell's Agent Denies $150,00 Paid|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=November 9, 1920}}</ref>
Coakley turned against Mayor John F. Fitzgerald after Fitzgerald testified in court against one of Coakley's clients, Michael J. Mitchell, as part of an investigation into corruption during Fitzgerald's first term as mayor.<ref name="Toodles" />


In 1913, Elizabeth "Toodles" Ryan, a [[Cigarette girl (person)|cigarette girl]] at an illegal gambling establishment, hired Coakley to represent her in lawsuit against her employer, Henry Mansfield, who she said had reneged on his promise to marry her. Ryan revealed to Coakley that she had kissed Fitzgerald at a gambling club and Coakley turned over this information to one of Fitzgerald's political rivals, [[James Michael Curley]]. Coakley and Curley sent a letter revealing the affair to Fitzgerald's wife.<ref name="Toodles" /><ref name="Dapper Dan">{{cite news|last=Cunningham|first=Maurice|date=June 2, 2015|title=Boston's Own Dapper Dan: America's Most Corrupt Politician|work=WGBH News|url=http://blogs.wgbh.org/masspoliticsprofs/2015/6/2/bostons-own-dapper-dan-americas-most-corrupt-politician/|accessdate=August 6, 2017}}</ref> Curley announced he would deliver a series a public lectures, including one entitled "Great Lovers in History: From [[Cleopatra]] to Toodles."<ref name="Toodles" /><ref name="Dynasty" /><ref name="Dapper Dan" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Higgins|first=Jack|date=February 1, 1987|title=The Making of a Political Dynasty|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/entertainment/books/1987/02/01/the-making-of-a-political-dynasty/eaaf830e-5eff-45a3-aa59-e87e3d6346d7/|accessdate=August 10, 2017}}</ref> Fitzgerald dropped out of the 1913 mayoral race (which Curley went on to win) and Curley never delivered the lecture.<ref name="Dapper Dan" /><ref name="Toodles" /> During Ryan's trial, Coakley elicited testimony from another man who had been involved with Ryan that he had witnessed Fitzgerald kiss Ryan. The incident was now a matter of official court record and made front-page headlines, which started the decline of Fitzgerald's political career.<ref name="Toodles" />
Following the publicity he received during Sleeper's disbarment hearing, Coakley decided to press matter of the stolen papers.<ref name="Papers">{{cite news|title=Grand Jury to Probe Coakley Papers Case|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=November 7, 1920}}</ref> On November 18, 1920, Cabot, Weston, Hector M. Holmes, and Oswin T. Bourdon were incited on charges of conspiracy to steal the property of Daniel H. Coakley. Two days later, Weston, Holmes, and Hayes were indicted on six counts with larceny of property owned by Coakley. Bourdon and Hayes plead guilty, but Cabot, Weston, and Holmes chose to go to trial. All three were found not guilty.<ref name="Mass Papers">{{cite web|url=http://masscases.com/cases/sjc/241/241mass131.html|title=CABOT, COMMONWEALTH vs., 241 Mass. 131|website=masscases.com}}</ref>


=== Boston Finance Commission ===
On September 29, 1921, the Boston Bar Association filed petitions for disbarment against Coakley, McIssac, and William J. Corcoran, along with a recommendation to [[Massachusetts Attorney General]] [[J. Weston Allen]] that Pelletier be removed from office, alleging that the four were guilty of deceit, malpractice, and gross misconduct. The allegations against Coakley included:
During Curley's first term, Coakley represented the Mayor during the [[Boston Finance Commission]]'s investigation into Curley's finances. Coakley got the investigation dropped by having the case transferred to District Attorney Joseph Pelletier, whom he had helped elect.<ref name="Rogues" />
*In 1915, he convinced William De Ford Bigelow to pay him $50,000 in exchange for Coakley using his influence with Pelletier to prevent indictment.<ref name="Disbar" />
*That between 1916 and 1917, he and McIssac conspired to extort $116,000 from a client by fomenting a contest of her deceased husband's will.<ref name="Disbar" />
*In October 1916, he extorted $20,500 from the Emerson Motors Company in exchange for using his personal influence with Pelletier to save the company from indictment.<ref name="Disbar" />
*In November 1916, he attempted to extort $10,000 in legal fees from Warren C. Daniel of the Metropolitan Motors Company in exchange for convincing Pelletier not to indict the company.<ref name="Disbar" />
*In 1917, he, James Curley, Corcoran, and District Attorney of the Northern District of Massachusetts [[Nathan A. Tufts]] extorted large sums of money from [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount Studio]] executives (including [[Adolph Zukor]], [[Jesse L. Lasky]], and [[Hiram Abrams]]) who attended a party at Mishawum Manor, a [[Woburn, Massachusetts]] brothel.<ref name="Rogues" /><ref name="Dapper Dan" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Accused in Woburn Case.|work=The New York Times|date=November 8, 1921}}</ref>
*In 1918, Coakley, while defending a client in a [[replevin]] suit brought by Dorothy Cote, threatened Cote with indictment and used the district attorney's office to summon witnesses to testify before the Grand Jury, which led her to drop the suit.<ref name="Disbar" />
*In 1918, he, Tufts, and others conspired to extort a significant amount of money from a diver's pension.<ref name="Disbar">{{cite news|title=Removal of Pelletier Now Asked by Bar Association; Petitions for Disbarment of Coakley, McIsaac and Corcoran Filed With Supreme Court—Deceit, Malpractice and Gross Misconduct Alleged|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=September 30, 1921}}</ref>
*Beginning in 1918, Coakley extorted $300,000 from Edmund Barbour in exchange for keeping secret a non-sexual relationship with a woman 49 years his junior.<ref name="Rogues" />


In 1917, Curley made Coakley a trustee of the [[Boston Public Library]].<ref name="Obituary" />
On April 17, 1922, Coakley walked out of a hearing and dropped his defense, stating that he felt he could not get an impartial trial in that court.<ref>{{cite news|title=Coakley Walks Out and Drops Defense|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=April 18, 1922}}</ref>


=== Falling out ===
On April 21, 1922, the [[Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court]] found that Coakley was guilty of deceit, malpractice, and gross misconduct. On May 12, 1922 he was disbarred.<ref name="Federal Disbar">{{cite news|title=Moves to Disbar in Federal Court|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=May 17, 1922}}</ref>
Coakley and Curley had a falling out after Curley attacked Pelletier, who was considering running against Curley for mayor.<ref name="Rogues" />{{When|date=September 2020}}


== Disbarment and legal troubles ==
On May 16, 1922, United States Attorney [[Robert O. Harris]] filed a petition to disbar Coakley from practicing law in the [[United States Circuit Court of Appeals]].<ref name="Federal Disbar" /> Coakley failed to appear in court and was disbarred on July 3, 1922.<ref>{{cite news|title=U. S. Court Disbars Daniel H. Coakley|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=July 4, 1922}}</ref>
On December 16, 1918, the council of the [[Boston Bar Association]] voted to investigate the conduct of Pelletier, Coakley, and Francis Carroll in connection with a case involving [[Emerson Motors Company]].<ref>{{cite news|date=September 30, 1921|title=Investigation Begun in 1918|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref> Pursuant to that investigation, Michael J. Hayes stole papers from Coakley's office and turned them over to [[Godfrey Lowell Cabot]] of the [[Watch and Ward Society]].<ref name="Mass Papers">{{cite web|title=CABOT, COMMONWEALTH vs., 241 Mass. 131|url=http://masscases.com/cases/sjc/241/241mass131.html|website=masscases.com}}</ref>


In 1920, attorney Alvah G. Sleeper accused Coakley and Pelletier of extorting his client. Sleeper alleged that his client was being blackmailed by a mistress, and that Sleeper had followed his client to the payment point at the [[Omni Parker House|Parker House]] where he saw Coakley, Joseph Pelletier, and another attorney accept the payment. Shortly after witnessing this meeting, Sleeper was visited by the alleged blackmailer, who asked how much Coakley had received. Sleeper told her that the amount was $150,000, and she replied that Coakley had not given her a fair share.<ref>{{cite news|date=November 9, 1920|title=Hunnewell's Agent Denies $150,00 Paid|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref>
===Legal problems===
In 1914, Coakley was sued by the widower of one of his clients, to recover the full amount of the $15,952 awarded to her in a suit against the [[Boston Elevated Railway]]. Coakley, who defended himself, received a favorable verdict.<ref>{{cite news|title=Brings Charge of Blackmail|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=January 21, 1914}}</ref>


Facing increased scrutiny, Coakley decided to press the matter of his stolen papers in response. On November 18, 1920, a grand jury indicted on Hayes, Cabot, and three other men on charges of conspiracy to steal Coakley's papers and larceny of property. Hayes and other defendant, Oswin T. Bourdon, pleaded guilty, but Cabot chose to go to trial, where he was found not guilty.<ref name="Mass Papers" /><ref name="Papers">{{cite news|date=November 7, 1920|title=Grand Jury to Probe Coakley Papers Case|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref>
In 1923, Coakley was sued by Meyer Berman, a former client who sought to recover $50,000 which he alleged Coakley had obtained from him through fraud. The charges were dismissed on January 8, 1924.<ref>{{cite news|title=Court Finds for Coakley|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=January 9, 1924}}</ref> Coakley was indicted for perjury in connection with his testimony in the Berman case, however the charges were dropped in February 1924.<ref>{{cite news|title=Discharge in Perjury Case|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=February 26, 1924}}</ref> In 1933, [[Thomas C. O'Brien]], who was district attorney at the time Coakley was charged with perjury, stated that subsequent evidence had shown that Coakley had not committed perjury and that no indictment should have been raised.<ref name="Reinstatement" />


On September 29, 1921, the Boston Bar Association filed disbarment petitions against Coakley, Daniel V. McIssac, and former Middlesex District Attorney [[William J. Corcoran (attorney)|William J. Corcoran]], along with a recommendation that Pelletier be removed from office, alleging that all four were guilty of deceit, malpractice, and gross misconduct. The allegations included:<ref name="Disbar">{{cite news|date=September 30, 1921|title=Removal of Pelletier Now Asked by Bar Association; Petitions for Disbarment of Coakley, McIsaac and Corcoran Filed With Supreme Court—Deceit, Malpractice and Gross Misconduct Alleged|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref>
In 1924, Coakley and Corcoran were charged with extortion. On July 3, 1924, after nearly 27 hours of deliberation, the jury found Coakley and Corcoran not guilty on all counts.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jury Frees Coakley and W.J. Corcoran|work=The New York Times|date=July 4, 1924}}</ref>
*In 1915, he convinced William De Ford Bigelow to pay him $50,000 in exchange for Coakley using his influence with Pelletier to prevent indictment.
*Between 1916 and 1917, he and McIssac conspired to extort $116,000 from a client by fomenting a contest of her deceased husband's will.
*In October 1916, he extorted $20,500 from the Emerson Motors Company in exchange for using his personal influence with Pelletier to save the company from indictment.
*In November 1916, he attempted to extort $10,000 in legal fees from Warren C. Daniel of the Metropolitan Motors Company in exchange for convincing Pelletier not to indict the company.
*In 1917, he, James Curley, Corcoran, and [[Nathan A. Tufts]] (Corcoran's successor) extorted large sums of money from [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount Studio]] executives who attended a party at a brothel.<ref name="Rogues" /><ref name="Dapper Dan" /><ref>{{cite news|date=November 8, 1921|title=Accused in Woburn Case.|work=The New York Times}}</ref>
*In 1918, while defending a client in a [[replevin]] suit brought by Dorothy Cote, he threatened Cote with indictment by the district attorney's office, which led her to drop the suit.<ref name="Disbar" />
*In 1918, he, Tufts, and others conspired to extort a significant amount of money from a diver's pension.<ref name="Disbar" />
*Beginning in 1918, Coakley extorted $300,000 from Edmund Barbour in exchange for keeping secret a non-sexual relationship with a woman 49 years his junior.<ref name="Rogues" />


On April 17, 1922, Coakley walked out of a hearing and dropped his defense, stating that he felt he could not get an impartial trial.<ref>{{cite news|date=April 18, 1922|title=Coakley Walks Out and Drops Defense|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref> On April 21, the [[Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court]] found that Coakley was guilty of deceit, malpractice, and gross misconduct. On May 12, he was disbarred.<ref name="Federal Disbar" /> On May 16, United States Attorney [[Robert O. Harris]] filed a petition to disbar Coakley from practicing law in the [[United States Circuit Court of Appeals]].<ref name="Federal Disbar" /> Coakley failed to appear in court and was disbarred on July 3, 1922.<ref>{{cite news|date=July 4, 1922|title=U. S. Court Disbars Daniel H. Coakley|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref>
In 1926, Coakley was sued by another former client, Oda Pappathanos, who sought to recover money from Coakley that she alleged Coakley had obtained by misrepresenting the amount of money that had been received in the settlement of her claim against a wealthy Maine man. Coakley was found not guilty on July 31, 1926.<ref>{{cite news|title=Coakley is Cleared of Fraud Charges|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=August 1, 1926}}</ref>


Pelletier was removed from office and died shortly thereafter.<ref name="Obituary" />
On November 14, 1934, a jury awarded $77,433.33 to Francis D. Reardon of Emerson & Co. for failure to pay a $50,000 note owed by Coakley and his son-in-law, Charles L. Murdock, to the company's deceased president, Bartholomew Crowley.<ref>{{cite news|title=$77,433 Verdict Against Coakley|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=November 15, 1934}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=High Court Sustains Verdict for Reardon|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=November 2, 1935}}</ref>

=== Fallout and lawsuits ===
In 1923, Coakley was sued by Meyer Berman, a former client who sought to recover $50,000 which he alleged Coakley had obtained through fraud. The charges were dismissed.<ref>{{cite news|date=January 9, 1924|title=Court Finds for Coakley|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref> Coakley was also indicted for perjury in connection with his testimony in the Berman case, but the charges were dropped in February 1924.<ref>{{cite news|date=February 26, 1924|title=Discharge in Perjury Case|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref> In 1933, [[Thomas C. O'Brien]], who was Suffolk District Attorney at the time Coakley was charged, stated that subsequent evidence had cleared Coakley.<ref name="Reinstatement" />

In 1924, Coakley and Corcoran were charged with extortion. On July 3, 1924, after nearly 27 hours of deliberation, the jury found Coakley and Corcoran not guilty on all counts.<ref>{{cite news|date=July 4, 1924|title=Jury Frees Coakley and W.J. Corcoran|work=The New York Times}}</ref>

In 1926, Coakley was sued by another former client, Oda Pappathanos, for recovery of money she alleged Coakley had obtained by misrepresenting the size of the settlement of her claim against a wealthy Maine man. Coakley was found not guilty on July 31, 1926.<ref>{{cite news|date=August 1, 1926|title=Coakley is Cleared of Fraud Charges|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref>

On November 14, 1934, a jury awarded $77,433.33 to Francis D. Reardon of Emerson & Co. for failure to pay a $50,000 note owed by Coakley and his son-in-law, Charles L. Murdock, to the company's deceased president, Bartholomew Crowley.<ref>{{cite news|date=November 15, 1934|title=$77,433 Verdict Against Coakley|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=November 2, 1935|title=High Court Sustains Verdict for Reardon|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref>


===Petition for reinstatement===
===Petition for reinstatement===
In 1933, with written support from a number of notable individuals including[[William Henry O'Connell| Cardinal O'Connell]], [[Thomas Francis Lillis]], [[Louis J. Gallagher]], [[Edwin Stark Thomas]], [[William Robinson Pattangall]], [[Eugene N. Foss]], Thomas C. O'Brien, [[Alfred E. Smith]], [[James Roosevelt]], 65 judges, and 3,470 attorneys, Coakley petitioned for reinstatement to the bar.<ref name="Rogues" /><ref name="Reinstatement">{{cite news|title=Coakley Asks Bar Reinstatement|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=August 1, 1933}}</ref> Governor [[Joseph B. Ely]] appeared in court on Coakley's behalf.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gov Ely to Appear in Coakley's Behalf|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=November 15, 1933}}</ref> His petition was denied by Judge Fred T. Field on March 28, 1934. Field wrote that Coakley's "deliberate misstatements" regarding his disbarment and his offer to admit guilt in exchange for readmission while also asserting his innocence showed a "lack of respect for the truth inconsistent with fitness for readmission to the bar".<ref>{{cite news|title=Readmission Plea is Denied|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=March 29, 1934}}</ref>
In 1933, with written support from a number of notable individuals including [[William Henry O'Connell|Cardinal O'Connell]], [[Thomas Francis Lillis]], [[Louis J. Gallagher]], [[Edwin Stark Thomas]], [[William Robinson Pattangall]], [[Eugene N. Foss]], Thomas C. O'Brien, [[Alfred E. Smith]], [[James Roosevelt]], 65 judges, and 3,470 attorneys, Coakley petitioned for reinstatement to the bar.<ref name="Rogues" /><ref name="Reinstatement">{{cite news|title=Coakley Asks Bar Reinstatement|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=August 1, 1933}}</ref> Governor [[Joseph B. Ely]] appeared in court on Coakley's behalf.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gov Ely to Appear in Coakley's Behalf|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=November 15, 1933}}</ref> His petition was denied by Judge Fred T. Field on March 28, 1934. Field wrote that Coakley's "deliberate misstatements" regarding his disbarment and his offer to admit guilt in exchange for readmission while also asserting his innocence showed a "lack of respect for the truth inconsistent with fitness for readmission to the bar".<ref>{{cite news|title=Readmission Plea is Denied|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=March 29, 1934}}</ref>


==Later political career==
==Mayoral campaigns==
===Mayoral campaigns===
In 1925, Coakley ran for Mayor of Boston on a platform of clearing the name of Joseph Pelletier, who died shortly after he was removed from office.<ref name="Obituary" /> Coakley finished fourth behind [[Malcolm E. Nichols]], Theodore A. Glynn, and [[Joseph H. O'Neil]], but ahead of Thomas C. O'Brien, [[John A. Keliher]], William T. A. Fitzgerald, [[Alonzo B. Cook]], [[Charles L. Burrill]], and Walter G. McGauley.<ref>{{cite news|last=Merrill|first=John D.|title=Nichols Wins Race by 22,307|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=November 4, 1925}}</ref> He ran again in 1929. He finished a distant third with 1% of the vote.<ref>{{cite news|title=19,517 Victory for Curley|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=November 6, 1929}}</ref> He ran a third time in 1933, but dropped out of the race, stating that he feared his "candidacy was likely to result in the election of an enemy of the plain people".<ref>{{cite news|title=Coakley Quits Mayoralty Race as Surprise Move in Campaign|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=October 25, 1933}}</ref> Coakley's purpose in all three campaigns was to siphon votes away from Curley or his proxy.<ref name="Rogues" />
In 1925, Coakley ran for Mayor of Boston on a platform of clearing the name of Joseph Pelletier.<ref name="Obituary" /> Coakley finished fourth behind [[Malcolm E. Nichols|Malcolm Nichols]], Theodore Glynn, and [[Joseph H. O'Neil|Joseph O'Neil]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Merrill|first=John D.|date=November 4, 1925|title=Nichols Wins Race by 22,307|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref> He ran again in 1929, but finished a distant third with 1% of the vote.<ref>{{cite news|date=November 6, 1929|title=19,517 Victory for Curley|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref> He ran a third time in 1933, but dropped out of the race, stating that he feared his "candidacy was likely to result in the election of an enemy of the plain people."<ref>{{cite news|date=October 25, 1933|title=Coakley Quits Mayoralty Race as Surprise Move in Campaign|work=The Boston Daily Globe}}</ref> Coakley's purpose in all three campaigns was to siphon votes away from Curley or his proxy.<ref name="Rogues" />


==Massachusetts Governor's Council==
=== Massachusetts Governor's Council ===
In 1932, Coakley was elected to the [[Massachusetts Governor's Council]].<ref name="Reinstatement" /> Following Curley's election as Governor in 1934, he and Coakley reconciled, as Curley needed his assistance to secure patronage jobs.<ref name="Rogues" /> During his tenure on the Council, Coakley acted as a prosecuting officer in many removal proceedings brought by Governor Joseph M. Curley against state officials. He was able to secure 2,000 patronage jobs for men from his district on the [[Quabbin Reservoir]] project. During the administration of Curley's successor, [[Charles F. Hurley]], he was not involved in strategy and procedure. Instead his main role was as a critic of Lieutenant Governor [[Francis E. Kelly]].<ref name="Obituary" />
In 1932, Coakley was elected to the [[Massachusetts Governor's Council]].<ref name="Reinstatement" /> Following Curley's election as governor in 1934, he and Coakley reconciled, as Curley needed his assistance to secure patronage jobs.<ref name="Rogues" /> During his tenure on the Council, Coakley acted as a prosecuting officer in many removal proceedings brought by Curley against state officials. Through his alliance with Governor Curley, Coakley was able to secure 2,000 patronage jobs for men from his district on the [[Quabbin Reservoir]] project. During the [[Charles F. Hurley]] administration, Coakley was not involved in strategy or procedure. Instead, his main role was as a critic of Lieutenant Governor [[Francis E. Kelly]].<ref name="Obituary" />


===Impeachment===
===Impeachment===
In 1938, Coakley wrote the petition for pardon for [[Raymond L. S. Patriarca]], a mobster who later became the reputed leader of organized crime in New England. The letter contained praise from three priests. One priest had been tricked into signing the letter, another had never been consulted, and the third, a "Father Fagin", did not exist.<ref name="Rogues">{{cite book|last1=O'Neill|first1=Gerald|title=Rogues and Redeemers: When Politics Was King in Irish Boston|date=2012|publisher=Crown/Archetype|pages=100–113}}</ref> The Governor's Council approved Patriarca's pardon and he was released after only 84 days in jail.<ref>{{cite news|title=Links Coakley to Pardon Note|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=December 23, 1938}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Raymond Patriarca Dies at 76; Reputedly Ruled N.E. Organized Crime|work=The Boston Globe|date=July 12, 1984}}</ref>
In 1938, Coakley wrote the petition for a pardon of [[Raymond L. S. Patriarca|Raymond Patriarca]], a young mobster who later became the boss of [[Patriarca crime family|New England organized crime]]. The petition contained praise from three priests. One had been tricked into signing the letter, another had never been consulted, and the third, a "Father Fagin," did not exist.<ref name="Rogues">{{cite book|last1=O'Neill|first1=Gerald|title=Rogues and Redeemers: When Politics Was King in Irish Boston|date=2012|publisher=Crown/Archetype|pages=100–113}}</ref> The Governor's Council approved Patriarca's pardon, and he was released after only 84 days in jail.<ref>{{cite news|title=Links Coakley to Pardon Note|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=December 23, 1938}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Raymond Patriarca Dies at 76; Reputedly Ruled N.E. Organized Crime|work=The Boston Globe|date=July 12, 1984}}</ref>


On December 4, 1940, state representative [[Roland D. Sawyer]] called for Coakley's impeachment, alleging that Coakley had attempted to "thwart" the Special Legislative Pardon-Probe Commission by contacting witnesses, threatening them, and advising them to commit perjury.<ref>{{cite news|last=Harris|first=John G.|title=Coakley Impeachment Asked|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=December 5, 1940}}</ref> On June 9, 1941, a special House committee found that Coakley had used his position and influence to secure pardons in exchange for financial gain and recommended his impeachment. The findings were based on the pardons of Patriarca, Maurice Limon, and Frank W. Porter.<ref>{{cite news|title=House Committee for Impeachment of Daniel Coakley|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=June 10, 1941}}</ref> On June 13, 1941, the House voted 144 to 75 in favor of impeachment.<ref name="Impeach">{{cite news|last=Harris|first=John G.|title=Coakley Is Impeached by House, 144–75; Sure Senate Will Clear Him|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=June 14, 1941}}</ref>
On December 4, 1940, State Representative [[Roland D. Sawyer]] called for Coakley's [[Impeachment in the United States|impeachment]], alleging that Coakley had attempted to "thwart" the Special Legislative Pardon-Probe Commission by contacting witnesses, threatening them, and advising them to commit perjury.<ref>{{cite news|last=Harris|first=John G.|title=Coakley Impeachment Asked|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=December 5, 1940}}</ref> On June 9, 1941, a special House committee found that Coakley had used his position and influence to secure pardons for Patriarca, Maurice Limon, and Frank W. Porter in exchange for financial gain and recommended his impeachment.<ref>{{cite news|title=House Committee for Impeachment of Daniel Coakley|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=June 10, 1941}}</ref> On June 13, 1941, the Massachusetts House of Representatives voted 144 to 75 in favor of impeachment.<ref name="Impeach">{{cite news|last=Harris|first=John G.|title=Coakley Is Impeached by House, 144–75; Sure Senate Will Clear Him|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=June 14, 1941}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | publisher = Crown Publishers | date = 2012 | title = Rogues and Redeemers: When Politics was King in Irish Boston | author = Gerard O'Neill | isbn = 9780307405364 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=YcXSy296R9wC&q=%22Coakley+Is+Impeached+by+House&pg=PA112}}</ref>


Coakley's impeachment trial was the first in Massachusetts since 1821. Attorney General [[Robert T. Bushnell]] and state representative [[Benjamin Priest]] conducted the prosecution. Senator [[Joseph B. Harrington]] and attorney [[William H. Lewis]] served as defense counsel. The trial lasted six weeks. On October 2, 1941, the [[Massachusetts Senate]] found Coakley guilty on 10 of the 14 articles on impeachment. The Senate voted 28 to 10 to remove Coakley from office and 23 to 15 to bar him for life from holding a place of "profit or honor or trust" in the Commonwealth.<ref>{{cite news|last=Harris|first=John G.|title=Coakley Outsted: Guility on 10 Counts|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=June 14, 1941}}</ref>
Coakley's [[impeachment trial]] was the first in Massachusetts since 1821. Attorney General [[Robert T. Bushnell]] and state representative Benjamin Priest conducted the prosecution. Senator Joseph B. Harrington and attorney [[William H. Lewis]] served as defense counsel. The trial lasted six weeks. On October 2, 1941, the [[Massachusetts Senate]] found Coakley guilty on 10 of the 14 articles on impeachment. The Senate voted 28 to 10 to remove Coakley from office and 23 to 15 to bar him for life from holding a place of "profit or honor or trust" in the Commonwealth.<ref>{{cite news|last=Harris|first=John G.|title=Coakley Outsted: Guilty on 10 Counts|work=The Boston Daily Globe|date=June 14, 1941}}</ref>


==Later life==
==Later life==
Following his impeachment, Coakley ran for the [[United States Senate]]. In the Democratic primary he finished fourth out of four candidates with 7% of the vote.<ref name="ourcampaigns">{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=619835|title=Our Campaigns – MA US Senate – D Primary Race – Sep 15, 1942|website=ourcampaigns.com|accessdate=2017-08-06}}</ref>
Following his impeachment, Coakley ran for the [[United States Senate]]. In the Democratic primary, he finished fourth out of four candidates with 7% of the vote.<ref name="ourcampaigns">{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=619835|title=Our Campaigns – MA US Senate – D Primary Race – Sep 15, 1942|website=ourcampaigns.com|accessdate=2017-08-06}}</ref>


During his final years, Coakley appeared less frequently in the public eye. By 1946 he was complaining about his poor financial state; however, he was still able to keep a suite at the Parker House, a townhouse in [[Brighton, Boston|Brighton]], and a cottage in [[Cape Cod]]. He spent the final five years of his life in [[Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts]], where he died on September 18, 1952.<ref name="Obituary" /><ref name="Rogues" />
During his final years, Coakley appeared less frequently in the public eye. By 1946, he was complaining about his poor financial state. However, he was still able to keep a suite at the Parker House, a townhouse in [[Brighton, Boston|Brighton]], and a cottage in [[Cape Cod]]. He spent the final five years of his life in [[Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts]], where he died on September 18, 1952.<ref name="Obituary" /><ref name="Rogues" />

==Further reading==
* {{cite book |title=Dapper Dan: America's Most Corrupt Politician |first=Patrick S. |last=Halley |publisher=CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform |date=2015 |isbn=978-1511542463 }}


==References==
==References==

{{reflist}}
{{reflist|30em}}

{{authority control}}


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Latest revision as of 03:41, 13 September 2024

Daniel H. Coakley
Coakley, circa 1894
Member of the Massachusetts Governor's Council from the 4th district
In office
1933–1941
Preceded byJames H. Brennan
Succeeded byJohn M. Cunningham
Member of the
Massachusetts House of Representatives
In office
1893–1897
Personal details
BornDecember 10, 1865
South Boston
DiedSeptember 18, 1952 (aged 86)
Political partyDemocratic
ChildrenDaniel H. Coakley Jr.
OccupationHorse car conductor
Journalist
Lawyer
Politician

Daniel Henry Coakley[1] (December 10, 1865 – September 18, 1952) was an American Democratic politician and attorney from Massachusetts. He was a key figure in early 20th century Boston politics, as an ally to District Attorney Joseph C. Pelletier and as an on-again-off-again ally to Mayor James Michael Curley. As an attorney, Coakley took part in numerous badger game extortion schemes and was disbarred in 1922 for deceit, malpractice, and gross misconduct.[1][2]

Coakley later was elected to the Massachusetts Governor's Council, where he secured a pardon for mobster Raymond L. S. Patriarca.[3] He was impeached and removed from office in 1941 for using his position and influence to secure pardons in exchange for financial gain.[4]

Early life and education

[edit]

Coakley was born on December 10, 1865, in South Boston. He attended Boston College but did not graduate due to illness. Once he recovered, he went to work for his father as a teamster. He left this job to work as a conductor for the Cambridge Street Railway. He was fired in 1886 when he led a strike for higher wages and went to work for The New York Sun as a shorthand reporter.

In 1888, he returned to Boston as sports writer for the Boston Herald. He was later promoted to sports editor. In addition to sports writing, Coakley also worked as a boxing referee. In 1892, Coakley left the Herald to attend Boston University Law School and launch his first campaign for public office.[5][6]

Coakley read law at his brother Timothy's law firm. He failed his first three attempts at the bar exam but was finally admitted to the Massachusetts bar on July 9, 1897, and the federal bar on January 25, 1911.[1][3]

Early political career

[edit]

Massachusetts House of Representatives

[edit]

In 1892, Coakley was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives from Ward 2 in Cambridge. He was unseated in 1896 and moved across the Charles River to Boston, where he worked on the reelection campaign of U.S. Representative John F. Fitzgerald. As Mayor of Boston, Fitzgerald later appointed Coakley to the Boston Park Commission.[5][when?]

In 1909, Coakley managed the election campaign Suffolk County District Attorney Joseph C. Pelletier.[3]

[edit]

In 1909, Coakley served as the defense attorney for George H. Battis, a former Boston Alderman who was charged with larceny.[7] Battis was found guilty on two charges of larceny.[8]

In 1909, Coakley also served as defense counsel for Michael J. Mitchell, former head of Boston's supply department, who was found guilty of conspiracy to defraud the city and conspiracy to commit larceny.[9][10] Coakley also served as counsel for William J. "Big Bill" Keliher, who was convicted of aiding in the looting of the National City Bank of Cambridge. He and Coakley later had a disagreement, and the police were called to remove Keliher from Coakley's office.[11] Keliher accused Coakley of taking money from him to bribe United States Attorney Asa P. French, one French's assistants, and the jury. French did not believe Keliher's accusations and chose not to investigate.[12]

In 1914, Coakley was sued by the widower of one of his clients, to recover the full amount of the $15,952 awarded to her in a suit against the Boston Elevated Railway. Coakley, who defended himself, received a favorable verdict.[13]

In 1915, Coakley was hired to represent the Tylose Contracting Company before the Boston Finance Commission, which was investigating the usefulness and cost of the company's floor preservative.[14] The Commission's public hearings lasted over 30 days and more than 65 witnesses were called. The commission found that tylose was a suitable floor preservative, and found no graft, though it criticized its price.[15]

In 1920, Coakley served as an attorney for financier Charles Ponzi. Along with fellow attorney Daniel V. McIsaac, he advised Ponzi not to fight the case, which, along with the urging of his wife, convinced Ponzi to plead guilty to federal charges in hopes of receiving a lighter sentence. Coakley was later called as a witness in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' case against Ponzi.[16] As Ponzi's attorney, he received $25,000 a year from Ponzi in legal fees.[17] Coakley turned in the money he had received from Ponzi to the receivers in Ponzi's bankruptcy case.[18]

Alliance with James Michael Curley

[edit]

"Toodles" affair

[edit]

Coakley turned against Mayor John F. Fitzgerald after Fitzgerald testified in court against one of Coakley's clients, Michael J. Mitchell, as part of an investigation into corruption during Fitzgerald's first term as mayor.[2]

In 1913, Elizabeth "Toodles" Ryan, a cigarette girl at an illegal gambling establishment, hired Coakley to represent her in lawsuit against her employer, Henry Mansfield, who she said had reneged on his promise to marry her. Ryan revealed to Coakley that she had kissed Fitzgerald at a gambling club and Coakley turned over this information to one of Fitzgerald's political rivals, James Michael Curley. Coakley and Curley sent a letter revealing the affair to Fitzgerald's wife.[2][19] Curley announced he would deliver a series a public lectures, including one entitled "Great Lovers in History: From Cleopatra to Toodles."[2][9][19][20] Fitzgerald dropped out of the 1913 mayoral race (which Curley went on to win) and Curley never delivered the lecture.[19][2] During Ryan's trial, Coakley elicited testimony from another man who had been involved with Ryan that he had witnessed Fitzgerald kiss Ryan. The incident was now a matter of official court record and made front-page headlines, which started the decline of Fitzgerald's political career.[2]

Boston Finance Commission

[edit]

During Curley's first term, Coakley represented the Mayor during the Boston Finance Commission's investigation into Curley's finances. Coakley got the investigation dropped by having the case transferred to District Attorney Joseph Pelletier, whom he had helped elect.[3]

In 1917, Curley made Coakley a trustee of the Boston Public Library.[5]

Falling out

[edit]

Coakley and Curley had a falling out after Curley attacked Pelletier, who was considering running against Curley for mayor.[3][when?]

[edit]

On December 16, 1918, the council of the Boston Bar Association voted to investigate the conduct of Pelletier, Coakley, and Francis Carroll in connection with a case involving Emerson Motors Company.[21] Pursuant to that investigation, Michael J. Hayes stole papers from Coakley's office and turned them over to Godfrey Lowell Cabot of the Watch and Ward Society.[22]

In 1920, attorney Alvah G. Sleeper accused Coakley and Pelletier of extorting his client. Sleeper alleged that his client was being blackmailed by a mistress, and that Sleeper had followed his client to the payment point at the Parker House where he saw Coakley, Joseph Pelletier, and another attorney accept the payment. Shortly after witnessing this meeting, Sleeper was visited by the alleged blackmailer, who asked how much Coakley had received. Sleeper told her that the amount was $150,000, and she replied that Coakley had not given her a fair share.[23]

Facing increased scrutiny, Coakley decided to press the matter of his stolen papers in response. On November 18, 1920, a grand jury indicted on Hayes, Cabot, and three other men on charges of conspiracy to steal Coakley's papers and larceny of property. Hayes and other defendant, Oswin T. Bourdon, pleaded guilty, but Cabot chose to go to trial, where he was found not guilty.[22][24]

On September 29, 1921, the Boston Bar Association filed disbarment petitions against Coakley, Daniel V. McIssac, and former Middlesex District Attorney William J. Corcoran, along with a recommendation that Pelletier be removed from office, alleging that all four were guilty of deceit, malpractice, and gross misconduct. The allegations included:[25]

  • In 1915, he convinced William De Ford Bigelow to pay him $50,000 in exchange for Coakley using his influence with Pelletier to prevent indictment.
  • Between 1916 and 1917, he and McIssac conspired to extort $116,000 from a client by fomenting a contest of her deceased husband's will.
  • In October 1916, he extorted $20,500 from the Emerson Motors Company in exchange for using his personal influence with Pelletier to save the company from indictment.
  • In November 1916, he attempted to extort $10,000 in legal fees from Warren C. Daniel of the Metropolitan Motors Company in exchange for convincing Pelletier not to indict the company.
  • In 1917, he, James Curley, Corcoran, and Nathan A. Tufts (Corcoran's successor) extorted large sums of money from Paramount Studio executives who attended a party at a brothel.[3][19][26]
  • In 1918, while defending a client in a replevin suit brought by Dorothy Cote, he threatened Cote with indictment by the district attorney's office, which led her to drop the suit.[25]
  • In 1918, he, Tufts, and others conspired to extort a significant amount of money from a diver's pension.[25]
  • Beginning in 1918, Coakley extorted $300,000 from Edmund Barbour in exchange for keeping secret a non-sexual relationship with a woman 49 years his junior.[3]

On April 17, 1922, Coakley walked out of a hearing and dropped his defense, stating that he felt he could not get an impartial trial.[27] On April 21, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court found that Coakley was guilty of deceit, malpractice, and gross misconduct. On May 12, he was disbarred.[1] On May 16, United States Attorney Robert O. Harris filed a petition to disbar Coakley from practicing law in the United States Circuit Court of Appeals.[1] Coakley failed to appear in court and was disbarred on July 3, 1922.[28]

Pelletier was removed from office and died shortly thereafter.[5]

Fallout and lawsuits

[edit]

In 1923, Coakley was sued by Meyer Berman, a former client who sought to recover $50,000 which he alleged Coakley had obtained through fraud. The charges were dismissed.[29] Coakley was also indicted for perjury in connection with his testimony in the Berman case, but the charges were dropped in February 1924.[30] In 1933, Thomas C. O'Brien, who was Suffolk District Attorney at the time Coakley was charged, stated that subsequent evidence had cleared Coakley.[31]

In 1924, Coakley and Corcoran were charged with extortion. On July 3, 1924, after nearly 27 hours of deliberation, the jury found Coakley and Corcoran not guilty on all counts.[32]

In 1926, Coakley was sued by another former client, Oda Pappathanos, for recovery of money she alleged Coakley had obtained by misrepresenting the size of the settlement of her claim against a wealthy Maine man. Coakley was found not guilty on July 31, 1926.[33]

On November 14, 1934, a jury awarded $77,433.33 to Francis D. Reardon of Emerson & Co. for failure to pay a $50,000 note owed by Coakley and his son-in-law, Charles L. Murdock, to the company's deceased president, Bartholomew Crowley.[34][35]

Petition for reinstatement

[edit]

In 1933, with written support from a number of notable individuals including Cardinal O'Connell, Thomas Francis Lillis, Louis J. Gallagher, Edwin Stark Thomas, William Robinson Pattangall, Eugene N. Foss, Thomas C. O'Brien, Alfred E. Smith, James Roosevelt, 65 judges, and 3,470 attorneys, Coakley petitioned for reinstatement to the bar.[3][31] Governor Joseph B. Ely appeared in court on Coakley's behalf.[36] His petition was denied by Judge Fred T. Field on March 28, 1934. Field wrote that Coakley's "deliberate misstatements" regarding his disbarment and his offer to admit guilt in exchange for readmission while also asserting his innocence showed a "lack of respect for the truth inconsistent with fitness for readmission to the bar".[37]

Later political career

[edit]

Mayoral campaigns

[edit]

In 1925, Coakley ran for Mayor of Boston on a platform of clearing the name of Joseph Pelletier.[5] Coakley finished fourth behind Malcolm Nichols, Theodore Glynn, and Joseph O'Neil.[38] He ran again in 1929, but finished a distant third with 1% of the vote.[39] He ran a third time in 1933, but dropped out of the race, stating that he feared his "candidacy was likely to result in the election of an enemy of the plain people."[40] Coakley's purpose in all three campaigns was to siphon votes away from Curley or his proxy.[3]

Massachusetts Governor's Council

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In 1932, Coakley was elected to the Massachusetts Governor's Council.[31] Following Curley's election as governor in 1934, he and Coakley reconciled, as Curley needed his assistance to secure patronage jobs.[3] During his tenure on the Council, Coakley acted as a prosecuting officer in many removal proceedings brought by Curley against state officials. Through his alliance with Governor Curley, Coakley was able to secure 2,000 patronage jobs for men from his district on the Quabbin Reservoir project. During the Charles F. Hurley administration, Coakley was not involved in strategy or procedure. Instead, his main role was as a critic of Lieutenant Governor Francis E. Kelly.[5]

Impeachment

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In 1938, Coakley wrote the petition for a pardon of Raymond Patriarca, a young mobster who later became the boss of New England organized crime. The petition contained praise from three priests. One had been tricked into signing the letter, another had never been consulted, and the third, a "Father Fagin," did not exist.[3] The Governor's Council approved Patriarca's pardon, and he was released after only 84 days in jail.[41][42]

On December 4, 1940, State Representative Roland D. Sawyer called for Coakley's impeachment, alleging that Coakley had attempted to "thwart" the Special Legislative Pardon-Probe Commission by contacting witnesses, threatening them, and advising them to commit perjury.[43] On June 9, 1941, a special House committee found that Coakley had used his position and influence to secure pardons for Patriarca, Maurice Limon, and Frank W. Porter in exchange for financial gain and recommended his impeachment.[44] On June 13, 1941, the Massachusetts House of Representatives voted 144 to 75 in favor of impeachment.[4][45]

Coakley's impeachment trial was the first in Massachusetts since 1821. Attorney General Robert T. Bushnell and state representative Benjamin Priest conducted the prosecution. Senator Joseph B. Harrington and attorney William H. Lewis served as defense counsel. The trial lasted six weeks. On October 2, 1941, the Massachusetts Senate found Coakley guilty on 10 of the 14 articles on impeachment. The Senate voted 28 to 10 to remove Coakley from office and 23 to 15 to bar him for life from holding a place of "profit or honor or trust" in the Commonwealth.[46]

Later life

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Following his impeachment, Coakley ran for the United States Senate. In the Democratic primary, he finished fourth out of four candidates with 7% of the vote.[47]

During his final years, Coakley appeared less frequently in the public eye. By 1946, he was complaining about his poor financial state. However, he was still able to keep a suite at the Parker House, a townhouse in Brighton, and a cottage in Cape Cod. He spent the final five years of his life in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, where he died on September 18, 1952.[5][3]

Further reading

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  • Halley, Patrick S. (2015). Dapper Dan: America's Most Corrupt Politician. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. ISBN 978-1511542463.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Moves to Disbar in Federal Court". The Boston Daily Globe. May 17, 1922.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Nelson, Garrison (2012). John William McCormack: A Political Biography. Crown/Archetype. pp. 88–91.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l O'Neill, Gerald (2012). Rogues and Redeemers: When Politics Was King in Irish Boston. Crown/Archetype. pp. 100–113.
  4. ^ a b Harris, John G. (June 14, 1941). "Coakley Is Impeached by House, 144–75; Sure Senate Will Clear Him". The Boston Daily Globe.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g "Daniel H. Coakley Dead at 87; Long Political Figure". The Boston Daily Globe. September 19, 1952.
  6. ^ "Coakley Has Had A Striking Career". The Boston Daily Globe. September 30, 1921.
  7. ^ "Delay Asked for Battis". The Boston Daily Globe. May 19, 1909.
  8. ^ "Jury Declares Battis Guilty". The Boston Daily Globe. May 29, 1909.
  9. ^ a b "Conspiracy the Charge". The Boston Daily Globe. June 22, 1909.
  10. ^ "Mitchell and Maher Guilty". The Boston Daily Globe. July 1, 1909.
  11. ^ "Coakley's Men Oust Keliher". The Boston Daily Globe. October 9, 1910.
  12. ^ "Why Keliher is Hostile". The Boston Daily Globe. February 12, 1913.
  13. ^ "Brings Charge of Blackmail". The Boston Daily Globe. January 21, 1914.
  14. ^ "Coakley Hints at Politics". The Boston Daily Globe. December 8, 1915.
  15. ^ "Flays Finance Commission". The Boston Daily Globe. March 22, 1916.
  16. ^ "Coakley on Stand". The Boston Daily Globe. November 28, 1922.
  17. ^ "Ponzi Shows Hazy Memory of his Financial Transactions". The Boston Daily Globe. August 22, 1920.
  18. ^ "Coakley Hurls "Liar" at Receiver Thurston". The Boston Daily Globe. August 25, 1920.
  19. ^ a b c d Cunningham, Maurice (June 2, 2015). "Boston's Own Dapper Dan: America's Most Corrupt Politician". WGBH News. Retrieved August 6, 2017.
  20. ^ Higgins, Jack (February 1, 1987). "The Making of a Political Dynasty". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 10, 2017.
  21. ^ "Investigation Begun in 1918". The Boston Daily Globe. September 30, 1921.
  22. ^ a b "CABOT, COMMONWEALTH vs., 241 Mass. 131". masscases.com.
  23. ^ "Hunnewell's Agent Denies $150,00 Paid". The Boston Daily Globe. November 9, 1920.
  24. ^ "Grand Jury to Probe Coakley Papers Case". The Boston Daily Globe. November 7, 1920.
  25. ^ a b c "Removal of Pelletier Now Asked by Bar Association; Petitions for Disbarment of Coakley, McIsaac and Corcoran Filed With Supreme Court—Deceit, Malpractice and Gross Misconduct Alleged". The Boston Daily Globe. September 30, 1921.
  26. ^ "Accused in Woburn Case". The New York Times. November 8, 1921.
  27. ^ "Coakley Walks Out and Drops Defense". The Boston Daily Globe. April 18, 1922.
  28. ^ "U. S. Court Disbars Daniel H. Coakley". The Boston Daily Globe. July 4, 1922.
  29. ^ "Court Finds for Coakley". The Boston Daily Globe. January 9, 1924.
  30. ^ "Discharge in Perjury Case". The Boston Daily Globe. February 26, 1924.
  31. ^ a b c "Coakley Asks Bar Reinstatement". The Boston Daily Globe. August 1, 1933.
  32. ^ "Jury Frees Coakley and W.J. Corcoran". The New York Times. July 4, 1924.
  33. ^ "Coakley is Cleared of Fraud Charges". The Boston Daily Globe. August 1, 1926.
  34. ^ "$77,433 Verdict Against Coakley". The Boston Daily Globe. November 15, 1934.
  35. ^ "High Court Sustains Verdict for Reardon". The Boston Daily Globe. November 2, 1935.
  36. ^ "Gov Ely to Appear in Coakley's Behalf". The Boston Daily Globe. November 15, 1933.
  37. ^ "Readmission Plea is Denied". The Boston Daily Globe. March 29, 1934.
  38. ^ Merrill, John D. (November 4, 1925). "Nichols Wins Race by 22,307". The Boston Daily Globe.
  39. ^ "19,517 Victory for Curley". The Boston Daily Globe. November 6, 1929.
  40. ^ "Coakley Quits Mayoralty Race as Surprise Move in Campaign". The Boston Daily Globe. October 25, 1933.
  41. ^ "Links Coakley to Pardon Note". The Boston Daily Globe. December 23, 1938.
  42. ^ "Raymond Patriarca Dies at 76; Reputedly Ruled N.E. Organized Crime". The Boston Globe. July 12, 1984.
  43. ^ Harris, John G. (December 5, 1940). "Coakley Impeachment Asked". The Boston Daily Globe.
  44. ^ "House Committee for Impeachment of Daniel Coakley". The Boston Daily Globe. June 10, 1941.
  45. ^ Gerard O'Neill (2012). "Rogues and Redeemers: When Politics was King in Irish Boston". Crown Publishers. ISBN 9780307405364.
  46. ^ Harris, John G. (June 14, 1941). "Coakley Outsted: Guilty on 10 Counts". The Boston Daily Globe.
  47. ^ "Our Campaigns – MA US Senate – D Primary Race – Sep 15, 1942". ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved 2017-08-06.
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