Step right up, folks, the Granite State’s justice system has outdone itself.
Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi, a sitting member of the New Hampshire Supreme Court, has officially pled nolo contendere, that’s Latin for “I did it, but let’s not make it awkward.”
Her crime? Criminal Solicitation of Misuse of Position, using her office to arrange a private meeting with Governor Chris Sununu to pressure him about the criminal investigation into her husband, Geno Marconi.
You read that right!
A Supreme Court Justice walked into the Governor’s office to ask him to make a criminal probe “wrap up quickly.”
If that doesn’t scream “abuse of power,” nothing does.
But here’s where the real performance begins, the plea deal.
Under a fully negotiated agreement, Marconi pled no contest, paid a $1,200 fine, and walked out the door. No jail, no probation, no formal acknowledgment of wrongdoing, and get this…the Attorney General’s office stipulated that her conviction doesn’t count as a “serious crime” under Supreme Court Rule 37(9)(b).
Translation: it won’t automatically trigger judicial discipline or disbarment.
The same AG’s office that loves to preach “no one is above the law” just carved out a custom exemption for a sitting justice.
And if you’re wondering how a state Supreme Court judge can be convicted of abusing her power and still keep her license to practice law, it’s because the people enforcing the rules are the ones writing them.
This wasn’t justice; it was damage control in a robe.
Attorney General John Formella called it “a sad and unfortunate breach of public trust.”
Sad? Maybe.
Unfortunate? Definitely.
But what’s truly unfortunate is that the rule of law in New Hampshire now carries an asterisk.
When ordinary citizens face the same system, they get perp walks and court costs.
When the elite get caught, they get press releases and plea bargains.
This circus doesn’t end with Marconi’s slap on the wrist it sets the stage for Part 3, where we follow the trail of insider immunity, backroom deals, and the revolving door of “public servants” who keep serving each other.
The Gong Show continues with the same cast, new cover-up.
Next up, Bradford Cook.
