This D.C. Vice-squad cop, in fact, was reputed to have had a most famous penis, one observed-- as it was waved about as a "come on" in public rest rooms--by more Washingtonian males than any other such organ known thereabouts for over a century.

Gay organizational planning that was to evolve late that year into The Mattachine Society of Washington was a threat, he knew, to his high calling as an upholder of the then unquestioned D.C. sodomy law.

What this dogged policeman did uphold most, reports indicated, was his own penis, desperately hoping to arrest any and all of its male admirers. It was later the D.C. Mattachine Society, under Kameny's leadership, that put a stop to Fouchette's aggressive "enticement and entrapment" practices aimed at gays, but affecting the general men's- rest-room-going public as well.

Fouchette, who became an historic police relic talked about is such books as Eric Marcus' Making History, became also the most hated D.C. policeman of all time.

But now it seems Lieutenant Jeffrey S. Stowe has become a contender for Washington's turn-of-the century "worst cop award" after pleading guilty Monday to extorting money from gay business patrons, as well as to stealing and to committing fraud.

This blackmailer, who apparently became a millstone around his roommate-Police Chief-boss's neck, enjoyed also an extra touch of luxury with his superior, sharing a $3,000 a-month apartment, pretending to use it—for only $650 a month-- in the conducting of a non-existent investigation. Chief of Police Larry Soulsby, once these tawdry revelations of crime in police headquarters surfaced, resigned from his top-level position.

The offender, ex-Lieutenant Stowe, 42, once headed his department's Special Investigations Section. He also admits to having stolen $55,000 in police money, including funds set aside for witness protection programs. Two counts of scheming to extort money from gay males seem to have become a part of his permanent record, one which could conceivably find him facing a possible 55 years in jail and as much as $1 million in fines when he is sentenced later this year.

Stowe's method of operation reportedly, was to check for signs of family life—like baby seats-- in autos surrounding a downtown X-rated theatre—the Follies-- frequented by closeted males. Taking note of their tags, he knew that such persons made ideal blackmail victims because their outings signaled a secret life unknown to their families at home.

Later he would call on his victims, demanding that money be sent to a post office box or that they would risk exposure. He'd required this extortion money, reportedly, to maintain a rich lifestyle to which he and his wife had become accustomed. Upon his estrangement from her, he moved in with the unfortunate former Chief of Police Soulsby, continuing illegally to seek out gay men for the fulfillment of his expensive and stylish fantasies.

While he awaits his pre-sentencing hearing April 24, U.S. District Judge Thomas Hogan has allowed Stowe to remain free on his own recognizance.