On Thursday, November 14, 2024, InDepthNH reported that the New Hampshire Attorney General has filed a formal complaint against state Supreme Court Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi with the Judicial Conduct Committee (JCC). This action comes in light of pending criminal indictments against Hantz Marconi, who has also publicly maintained her innocence regarding the charges.
The complaint was submitted following allegations that Hantz Marconi attempted to interfere with a criminal investigation involving her husband, Geno Marconi, who serves as the director of the Division of Ports and Harbors. The indictments against her were made public on October 16, 2024, and include multiple serious charges, such as Attempt to Commit Improper Influence and Obstructing Government Administration.
According to the JCC’s statement, Hantz Marconi self-reported the allegations through her legal representatives, although she disputes the claims made against her. The JCC is responsible for overseeing judicial discipline, and they confirmed that an investigation into Hantz Marconi is underway. However, the details surrounding the investigation remain confidential at this early stage, with certain exceptions for public interest.
The allegations assert that Hantz Marconi engaged in discussions with Governor Chris Sununu and Steve Duprey, the chairman of the Pease Development Authority, regarding Attorney General John Formella’s investigation into her husband. The complaint indicates that Hantz Marconi suggested the investigation was politically motivated and disruptive to her role at the Supreme Court, where she is currently on paid leave.
As a result of the ongoing legal issues, Hantz Marconi has agreed not to practice law until the charges are resolved. The JCC emphasized that confidentiality is a crucial aspect of initial investigations to protect both the integrity of the judicial process and the reputations of those involved.
The indictments against Hantz Marconi include several counts related to misconduct, specifically focusing on her alleged attempts to influence the investigation into her husband. The charges listed against her also address issues of official oppression and solicitation related to her position as a judge.
In its statement, the JCC highlighted that the Code of Judicial Conduct not only prohibits actual violations of the law but also addresses the appearance of impropriety. The committee’s goal is to uphold public confidence in the judicial system and to address any conduct that might undermine that trust.
Geno Marconi, who has also been indicted, faces accusations of witness tampering and retaliating against a witness by disclosing confidential information. The situation has drawn significant attention, not only due to the serious nature of the allegations but also because of Hantz Marconi’s prominent position within the state’s judicial system.
In response to the situation, Attorney General Formella has rejected motions filed by Hantz Marconi seeking to dismiss the indictments on grounds of alleged conflict of interest. Formella’s objection to these motions argues that they lack legal foundation and that the Attorney General’s office is obligated to uphold the law impartially.
Hantz Marconi’s legal counsel contends that there is a conflict of interest due to Formella’s previous work with Governor Sununu and the potential for Sununu to be a witness in the case. However, Formella’s office has stated that the Attorney General’s duties to enforce the law remain unaffected by these claims.
The JCC’s public statement confirmed the ongoing disciplinary investigation, which is intended to maintain transparency while also safeguarding the judicial process. The committee noted that public confidence in justice administration can be compromised when such serious matters are not adequately addressed.
A bail hearing and arraignment for Hantz Marconi have been scheduled for December 2, 2024, in Merrimack County Superior Court. This hearing will be a critical step in addressing the charges against her and determining the next course of action in the judicial proceedings.
Source: InDepthNH
