In October 1872 Creely was sued for legal malpractice, accused of misappropriating a client's stock certificates and using them as security for a loan which he did not repay. He was subsequently accused of additional financial misdeeds, which could have played a part in his disappearance. After his disappearance was noticed, creditors attempted unsuccessfully to claim his Congressional pay, which continued to be held by the Sergeant at Arms.
