If you thought America’s justice system was corrupt, you’d be right: here’s a story about a New Hampshire Supreme Court justice who was caught out interfering with a probe into her husband.
At a glance:
- New Hampshire Supreme Court Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi was indicted on two felony and five misdemeanor charges related to interference in a criminal investigation into her husband.
- The charges include attempting to improperly influence an investigation and obstructing government administration.
- Hantz Marconi’s legal team asserts her innocence and plans to file motions to dismiss the charges.
New Hampshire Supreme Court Associate Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi faces two felony charges and five misdemeanors, accused of attempting to interfere in a criminal investigation involving her husband. The state’s attorney general, John Formella, announced the indictment on Wednesday, marking a rare case of a sitting state Supreme Court justice facing such serious charges.
The felony charges consist of one count of attempting to commit improper influence and one count of criminal solicitation of improper influence, both Class B felonies that could result in a prison sentence of up to seven years and a $4,000 fine. The misdemeanor charges include criminal solicitation of misuse of position, criminal solicitation of official oppression, official oppression, and obstructing government administration. Each misdemeanor could carry a penalty of up to 12 months in a correctional facility and a $2,000 fine.
Formella emphasized that the decision to indict a sitting justice was made after careful consideration. “No person is above the law,” he stated, affirming that the evidence presented required thorough investigation.
Justice Hantz Marconi’s attorneys maintain her innocence and plan to file motions to dismiss the case. “Justice Hantz Marconi is innocent. She did not violate any law or rule,” they stated, vowing to contest the charges in court rather than the media.
Hantz Marconi has been on administrative leave since July, pending the outcome of the case. Despite the indictment, the state’s investigation has concluded, with no further wrongdoing discovered during the probe.
