TRUE CRIME: Bootleggers, betrayal, and a fallen police chief: The scandal that shook St. Boniface

Article content

The halls of law enforcement in early 20th-century Canada were not without their shadows, and the story of the St. Boniface Police Department provides a fascinating glimpse into a dark chapter of corruption, intrigue, and betrayal.

Article content

Article content

Recommended Videos

Article content

At the heart of this tale is Thomas Gagnon, a man who rose to power amidst the turbulent reorganization of the St. Boniface Police Department in 1921. His ascent to Chief Constable promised stability in the wake of the departmental upheaval, but instead, it unravelled into a saga of alleged corruption that gripped the city and ultimately shattered his career.

In 1921, nearly the entire St. Boniface Police Department was dismissed under the guise of a “re-organization.” One of the few officers to retain his position was Thomas Gagnon, a seven-year veteran of the force. Shortly thereafter, Gagnon was promoted to Chief Constable. Whispers of questionable practices surrounded his appointment, yet no formal action was taken against him. These murmurs became a persistent undercurrent throughout his tenure, ultimately crescendoing into accusations that would see his name dragged through the mud and his authority put on trial.

Article content

The first major blow to Gagnon’s reputation came shortly after his promotion. In late 1921, one of his own detectives, Maurice Emmons, accused him of giving false evidence in a liquor raid case. The matter went to trial, where Gagnon faced Justice C.P. Fullerton. Despite months of proceedings and public scrutiny, Gagnon was acquitted in March 1922. It was a victory that bolstered his position but left a lingering sense of doubt about his integrity.

Years later, the accusations against Gagnon escalated. On January 18, 1929, his brother-in-law, Constable Jules Drapeau, appeared before the St. Boniface Police Commission with explosive allegations. Drapeau claimed that Gagnon ordered him to deliver 50 gallons of confiscated liquor to a convent in St. Norbert. However, en route, he was intercepted by a known bootlegger, Jules Mourant, who demanded half the shipment on Gagnon’s purported orders. Suspicious but compliant, Drapeau handed over 25 gallons. Upon returning to the station, he observed Mourant in a private meeting with Gagnon and later received a stern warning from the Chief to “keep [his] mouth shut.”

Article content

Article content

When confronted, Gagnon denied the allegations, producing a signed receipt from Sister Eugenie of the St. Norbert convent, confirming the delivery of 50 gallons. However, Sister Eugenie revealed that she had pre-signed the receipt at Gagnon’s request, expecting the delivery to be completed later. Ultimately, she received only 24 gallons. Gagnon deflected responsibility, blaming Drapeau for the discrepancy and insisting he had trusted the receipt’s authenticity.

Under cross-examination, Drapeau admitted that personal fears drove his decision to come forward. A recent argument with his wife and Gagnon’s wife — his sister-in-law — had left him concerned about his job security. Accusations that he had damaged a patrol car engine due to negligence were being held over him, and he believed Gagnon’s influence was the only thing protecting him from dismissal.

Article content

The scandal deepened when additional allegations surfaced. Since 1924, Gagnon had been accused of defrauding the city by inflating relief meal claims. Homeless men seeking overnight shelter at the police station were served one meal, yet Gagnon billed the city for two or three meals per individual. Over the years, this scheme allegedly netted him an extra $600 — an enormous sum compared to his $185 monthly salary.

The Police Commission launched hearings to investigate these charges. The proceedings quickly became a battleground of conflicting testimonies. A handwriting expert testified that Drapeau himself wrote the incriminating receipt for the liquor, but Gagnon’s defence strategy leaned heavily on character witnesses, including former city council members who vouched for his integrity. Curiously, neither Gagnon nor Mourant testified, leaving many questions unanswered.

Article content

The investigation into the fraudulent meal claims proved even more damning. Three officers — Sergeant Verne, Constable McDougall, and Constable Baudry — testified that no more than one meal was ever served to the destitute men, directly contradicting Gagnon’s billing records. The evidence painted a clear picture of systemic abuse of city funds, but Gagnon’s lawyer dismissed the allegations as part of a conspiracy orchestrated by disgruntled officers, with Drapeau at the helm.

On March 8, 1929, the Police Commission delivered its verdict. They found that Gagnon’s actions, whether through direct involvement or negligent oversight, were unbecoming of a police officer. The Commission cited his failure to report the diversion of liquor and the fraudulent meal claims as evidence of his unsuitability for the role. Gagnon was summarily dismissed without pay and ordered to vacate his living quarters above the station by the end of the month.

Article content

The fallout from the inquiry extended beyond Gagnon. Acting Chief Victor Audette, who had temporarily filled Gagnon’s role during the investigation, was appointed as the new Chief of Police. The promotion of key witnesses like Constable McDougall to Detective Sergeant and Constable Baudry to Acting Sergeant hinted at a department eager to turn the page on its troubled past. Meanwhile, Drapeau, whose testimony had been pivotal, resigned shortly thereafter.

The scandal left an indelible mark on the St. Boniface Police Department. For a community already grappling with the challenges of Prohibition-era law enforcement, the revelations of corruption at the highest level were both shocking and disheartening. The incident underscored the fragile nature of public trust and the corrosive effects of unchecked power.

Article content

Today, the story of Thomas Gagnon serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that even those entrusted with upholding the law are not immune to its consequences. It is a sobering reflection on a turbulent era in Canadian history, where ambition and deception often collided with the principles of justice.

The story of Thomas Gagnon and the scandal that rocked the St. Boniface Police Department vividly reminds us of the complexities and challenges of maintaining integrity in law enforcement. Special acknowledgment goes to the Winnipeg Police Museum and Historical Society and Detective Sergeant John Burchill for their dedication and tireless work in preserving these important stories. Their efforts ensure that the lessons and history of these events remain alive for future generations.

Article content