Man jailed 14 years for divorce contempt freed

The former Main Line lawyer jailed for more than 14 years on a contempt-of-court charge was ordered released today.

H. Beatty Chadwick, who was jailed in April 1995, will walk out of the Delaware County Jail this afternoon.

"He's one happy guy," said his attorney, Michael J. Malloy.

Chadwick was incarcerated for failing to turn over $2.5 million for distribution in a divorce settlement. He contends the money was lost in a bad investment overseas. His ex-wife, Barbara Applegate, says Chadwick spirited the money out of the county.

Chadwick has set a U.S. record for time served on a contempt charge.

Earlier this week Chadwick testified he did not control the missing funds or have possession or knowledge concerning them.

Malloy, Chadwick's attorney, argued that the civil contempt order was not effective and had turned punitive. Albert Momjian, Applegate's lawyer, argued there was no constitutional limit on civil confinement. Malloy said he expected Judge Joseph P. Cronin to rule quickly.

Cronin issued his ruling today.

Contact staff writer Mari A. Schaefer at 610-892-9149 or mschaefer@phillynews.com.