BUT HERNIUS' SUSPENSION RULED INVALID
Submitted by Julie Campbell Hernandez
Source:  Times-Picayune, New Orleans, LA

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The firing of former policy Ptn. John M. Bernius on grounds that he took graft 
has been upheld by the city civil service commission, William W. Shaw, 
director, announced Friday.

At the same time the commission directed that Bernius receive pay for the 
period of his suspension from May 9, 1957, until he was dismissed by police 
Supt. Provosty A. Dayries on September 5, 1957.

Bernius was indicted by a federal grand jury for making false statements to a 
revenue agent during an investigation of the incomes of various high-ranking 
police officers.

The commision held that Supt. Dayries' dismissal of Bernius on grounds that he 
received graft was proper, but held that his suspension, merely because of his 
indictment, was invalid.

It was stated in the decision of the commission that an indictment, being only 
an accusation, is not sufficient reason for dismissal.  They held that the 
dismissal was proper, however, because Bernius did not take the stand to deny 
the charge by Dayries that he had taken graft money.