Posted on Wed, Jul. 8, 2009
The former Main Line lawyer jailed for more than 14 years on a contempt-of-court charge was back before a Delaware County judge yesterday to seek his release.
H. Beatty Chadwick was jailed in April 1995 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. Yesterday, Chadwick testified he did not control the missing funds or have possession or knowledge concerning them. Michael J. 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. - Mari A. Schaefer
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