In a notable development within the state's legal community, Associate Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi of the New Hampshire Supreme Court has been indicted on seven counts, including two felonies and five misdemeanors. According to NBC Boston, the charges stem from allegations that Justice Hantz Marconi attempted to interfere in a criminal investigation involving her husband, Geno Marconi, who is on leave from his position as the head of the New Hampshire Port Authority.
The attorney general John Formella announced the indictment, outlining the severity of the accusations. As reported by NBC Boston, Hantz Marconi is charged with felony counts of attempting to commit improper influence and criminal solicitation of improper influence. The misdemeanors include official oppression, criminal solicitation of official oppression, obstructing government administration, and two counts of criminal solicitation of misuse of position. Formella emphasized that "no person is above the law," indicating that the charges against a sitting justice were brought forth with thorough deliberation.
WMUR reports that Justice Hantz Marconi allegedly contacted Governor Chris Sununu, claiming the investigation into her husband was guided by "personal or political biases" and that there was no merit to the accusations. She is accused of attempting to exert undue influence on the governor to affect the investigation's outcome.
Assistant Professor Daniel Pi from the University of New Hampshire's School of Law said in a statement obtained by WMUR, "Any time something like this happens, it's sort of a blow to the public confidence in the judiciary and our public institutions because you see someone who's abusing their power." Pi pointed towards the need for transparency in the proceedings, suggesting that the attorney general's office should make public what the justice is accused of attempting to do.
Hantz Marconi's legal representation has proclaimed her innocence and intends to contest the charges vigorously. "Justice Hantz Marconi is innocent. She did not violate any law or rule. We will fight the charges to the fullest extent permitted by the law," Hantz Marconi's attorney told WMUR. A motive to dismiss the case is reportedly being prepared by the justice's defense team.
The New Hampshire Port Authority has decided not to comment on the indictments as the legal process continues.
