A New Hampshire Supreme Court Justice is facing charges for allegedly attempting to obstruct a criminal investigation involving her husband, as announced by New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella. State Supreme Court Associate Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi has been indicted by a Merrimack County grand jury on two felonies and five misdemeanors. The charges include attempted improper influence, criminal solicitation of improper influence, misuse of position, official oppression, and obstructing government administration.
According to Formella, no one is above the law, and after a thorough investigation, the decision to charge a sitting Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court was made to ensure that all individuals, including public officials, are held accountable. Marconi’s attorneys, Richard Guerriero, Jonathan Kotlier, and Oliver Bloom, have stated that she is innocent and will contest the charges vigorously in court.
One of the indictments accuses Marconi of informing Governor Chris Sununu that the investigation into her husband was fueled by personal and political bias and urging the swift conclusion of the investigation due to her recusal from important pending cases. Marconi is also alleged to have solicited Sununu to influence members of the New Hampshire Department of Justice inappropriately.
Class B felonies carry a sentence of up to 3 1/2 to seven years in state prison and a fine of up to $4,000, while Class A misdemeanors can lead to a maximum sentence of 12 months in a house of corrections and a fine of up to $2,000. Formella confirmed that the investigation was thorough, targeting no other individuals, and did not reveal any misconduct by third parties.
The legal team of Marconi plans to file motions to dismiss the case and asserts that the accusations are baseless. They expressed their intent to combat the charges within the legal system rather than through the media. Governor Chris Sununu’s office has not responded immediately to requests for comment on the allegations. The case has drawn significant attention due to its impact on the judiciary and the legal system in New Hampshire.