William P. Lawson
William P. Lawson | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1879 or 1880 |
| Died | July 2, 1946 (aged 67) Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Investment banker, police commissioner, political figure |
| Years active | 1937–1938 (police commissioner) |
| Known for | Commissioner of the Baltimore Police Department; appointed first African-American officer Violet Hill Whyte; involved in liquor and fraud investigations |
William P. Lawson (born in either 1879 or 1880, died July 2, 1946) was an American investment banker and political figure who led the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) as commissioner from 1937 until 1938. Prior to his selection by Maryland Governor Harry Nice to succeed Charles D. Gaither, Lawson served as chairman of the Central Committee for the Maryland Republican Party. His administration is noted for appointing Violet Hill Whyte, the first African-American officer in the BPD, followed by the addition of four more African-American officers.
In June 1938, a credit report disclosed that Lawson owned no fewer than 1,000 shares in Consolidated Distillers Corporation, a company engaged in the whisky industry. Initially refraining from comment, he later asserted that his role was limited to that of a stockbroker for the corporation, denying any direct involvement with its liquor operations—statements that conflicted with both the credit report and company disclosures. Despite mounting demands for his resignation due to his connections with the liquor business and escalating crime rates, Governor Nice declined to remove him. On July 30, 1938, the Securities and Exchange Commission charged Lawson’s brokerage firm, William P. Lawson and Co., with fraudulent activities. Lawson stepped down temporarily the following day, maintaining that his commercial ventures were separate from his police responsibilities. He was ultimately convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment; part of this sentence was later commuted by Governor Herbert O'Conor. Lawson passed away from a heart attack in Baltimore at age 66 on July 2, 1946.
Biography
Born in either 1879 or 1880, Lawson pursued a career as an investment banker before assuming leadership of the Central Committee within the Maryland Republican Party. He married a woman previously affiliated with the Republican National Committee in Maryland. Lawson died at age 66 from a heart attack in Baltimore on July 2, 1946.
Commissioner of the Baltimore Police Department
On May 17, 1937, Governor Harry Nice appointed Lawson as commissioner of the Baltimore Police Department, succeeding Charles D. Gaither.
During his time in office, Lawson is recognized for appointing African-American officer Violet Hill Whyte, marking the first such appointment in BPD history, and subsequently adding four more African-American officers within seven months.
Liquor and fraud investigations
In June 1938, a credit report revealed Lawson’s connection to Consolidated Distillers Corporation, a whisky enterprise where he held at least 1,000 shares and served as spokesperson. Lawson denied ongoing participation in the company’s liquor business, claiming his involvement was limited to acting as a stockbroker earning commissions; Governor Nice accepted this explanation despite conflicting evidence. Calls for Lawson’s resignation intensified due to concerns over his liquor affiliations amid rising crime rates.
On July 30, 1938, the Securities and Exchange Commission filed charges against Lawson’s brokerage firm, William P. Lawson and Co., alleging multiple violations including unauthorized use of client securities as collateral for personal loans and maintaining debt levels exceeding 2,000% of net capital. The firm reportedly owed customers approximately $162,913 while holding only around $1,733 in bank funds. A court order required Lawson to respond by August 15.
Subsequently, Lawson tendered a temporary resignation on July 31, 1938; Chief Inspector Stephen G. Nelson was appointed acting commissioner. Governor Nice characterized this decision as prudent but withheld further comment due to ongoing legal matters.
Lawson retained defense counsel from Weinburg, Sweeten, and Green law firm; his attorney J. Purdon Wright also held a leadership position within the Republican Party. Baltimore State's Attorney J. Bernard Wells assigned Deputy William H. Maynard to lead prosecution efforts. Following conviction and sentencing to three years imprisonment, Lawson received a partial pardon from Governor Herbert O'Conor.