Federal Judge: Guadagno Violates the Rules of Law

MONMOUTH COUNTY – Kim Guadagno, Republican Candidate for Sheriff, was cited by a Federal Judge for violating the Rules of Law when she released confidential grand jury testimony to the press.  Guadagno was made to apologize to all of the parties involved and the Judge’s citation triggered a US Department of Justice – Office of Professional Responsibility disciplinary investigation into Guadagno’s actions.

“The actions taken by Guadagno are a clear signal that she is not qualified to be the Sheriff of Monmouth County,” said Monmouth County Democratic Spokesman Michael Mangan.  “One of the most respected Federal Judges in the country said that Guadagno put publicity above the rule of law.  The people of Monmouth County deserve better from their Sheriff.”

New Jersey Law Journal detailed Guadagno’s unethical actions, her rebuke by the Federal Judge, and consequences suffered by the DOJ as a result of her actions.

“Guadagno’s contempt for our system of laws is reminiscent of the arrogance shown by elected officials in Operation Bid Rig,” continued Mangan.  “It is clear from Guadagno’s reprehensible behavior as an Assistant US Attorney, her lack of law enforcement experience, and the fact that she is willing to use the press for personal gain make her unequivocally unqualified to be Sheriff.”

Facts about Kim Guadagno

•Guadagno “violated Rule 6(e) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure by disclosing confidential information.”1 & 2
•Then-Assistant United States Attorney Kim Guadagno was chastised for “posting secret grand jury testimony on the Internet.”   
•The judge in the case said Guadagno’s actions were “distressing” an “effort to seek publicity and trial by newspaper” and a violation of “basic fundamental rights.”2
•Politan said Guadagno “used the memorandum to accuse un-indicted individuals of having committed crimes…” 2
•“Politan’s decision automatically triggers a disciplinary investigation…”  The “punishment in such cases range from reprimands, to time off without pay and criminal action.” 3

1. February 16, 1998 edition of the New Jersey Law Journal, entitled “Lawyer’s Post of Secrets on Web Draws Reproach”

2. Federal District Judge Nicholas Politan 
3. John Russel, the Department of Justice Spokesman for the Office of Professional Responsibility 

Contact Michael Mangan, 732-922-2700 for more information or the fulll NJ Law Journal article.