Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli's Ethics Problem.

May 4, 2010 at 8:32 A.M. Rumors of legal ethics investigations at the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office cannot be confirmed. The following bogus advertisement was attached, illegally, to this blog:

"Injured? Divorce? Chase & Chase Lawyers Have 100 Years Combined Experience! http://www.chaseandchase.com/ " ("Frat-boy humor," Mr. Zisa?)

Harvy Lipman, "Prosecutor Removes Himself From Ken Zisa Case," in The Record, May 3, 2010, at p. L-7.

"The criminal investigation into former Hackensack Police Chief Ken Zisa is being handled by First Assistant Bergen County Prosecutor William Galda, because Prosecutor John Molinelli recused himself from the case."There are several features of this situation to be noticed because they reveal the reality in New Jersey's legal world.

First, it is a very small world in Bergen County law and politics -- maybe in New Jersey's legal and political system. Hence, perceptions are crucial. I am sure that this fertile climate for rumors provided one weapon used against me. ("An Open Letter to My Torturers in New Jersey, Terry Tuchin and Diana Lisa Riccioli.")

Mr. Molinelli must have "known" this defendant and should never have been involved in investigating this matter since he will have many common friends with the "target." Rumors of mafia influence with the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office are nothing new. I am sure that there is something to such concerns. Appearance of impropriety? ("Corrupt Law Firms, Senator Bob, and New Jersey Ethics" and "Senator Bob, the Babe, and the Big Bucks.")

Second, this latest move will be perceived by the public as "all in the family," one hand washing the other, or whatever trite and tired phrase you may wish to use. Most importantly, the likely continued participation of Mr. Molinelli from behind the scenes will make any use of prosecutorial "discretion" to favor the defendant -- or any crucial lack of evidence -- highly suspect. Molinelli may be taking care of things for his political "godfather."

The public is bound to assume that the investigation of Mr. Zisa is tainted. They may be right. What political deals are being made behind the scenes we may never know. Will this all "go away" for Mr. Zisa? We will see. ("Does Senator Menendez Have Mafia Friends?" and "More Problems for Menendez -- Tapes!")

"Zisa surrendered to authorities Thursday night to face INSURANCE FRAUD charges. [Terry Tuchin? Edgar Navarrete? Jose Ginarte?] At a news conference Friday to anounce that Zisa had been removed as chief and that Molinelli's office is now overseeing the police department, Galda also noted that he was leading the investigation."

From the boss to the capo regime, as it were:

" ... Molinelli said he couldn't discuss the reasons for his decision, citing his responsibility to make sure he complies with legal ethics. [Joke?] He would say only that the conflict involved a witness in the investigation."

Bergen County is notorious for incomplete and unfinished investigations, negligent or distracted efforts to get to the bottom of things. Do your job, Mr. Galda. Do not merely protect politically-connected defendants from the feds. Such protection would be "irresponsible," Mr. Galda, or even criminal.

Have you no shame in New Jersey's legal profession and judiciary? Altering the number of hits at my profile will not fool anyone and confirms much of what I am saying.