By Dick LaFontaine and Rick LaRivière
John Grossi, a successful New Jersey real estate developer and investor, is in the fight of his life. After nearly 20 years of marriage, his estranged wife, Lori Grossi, has launched what John calls a “Silver Bullet” strategy, a tactic designed to make false domestic violence allegations to gain the upper hand in divorce and custody disputes.
According to John and multiple sources, Lori is trying to take everything, including their three children.
John insists Lori's claims are entirely fabricated. He says Lori’s bruises, which she blamed on him, actually came from Botox injections.
Botox bruising results from blood extravasation or blood leaking from a blood vessel into the surrounding tissue. This may happen if the Botox needle accidentally punctures the blood vessel. Experienced and novice medical practitioners can cause bruising because blood vessels are numerous and sometimes complicated to see.
This outlet questioned Lori: “How did you sustain the bruises you showed to the police the day before Easter? Were these bruises a result of Botox treatments or other cosmetic procedures?” We received no response as of press time.
“I never laid a hand on her. Her lawyer coached her to make me look like a monster,” John said. “I firmly believe it’s all part of her plan to destroy me. The bruises are from Botox, and I haven’t seen my kids in six months.”
The “Silver Bullet” Strategy
The “Silver Bullet” is a common term in contentious divorces where one spouse makes false claims of abuse to secure a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and gain control of custody and assets. John is now living the consequences of this strategy.
Lori’s false allegations have kept him away from his children for over six months.
“This is nothing but lies. I’ve lost access to my kids because Lori will do anything to win,” John said.
Tax Fraud and IRS Investigation
But Lori’s alleged crimes don’t stop at false domestic violence claims. John and unnamed sources claim that Lori has been engaged in tax fraud for years through her child therapy business, Sensory Playground Pediatric Therapy Center, located in Manalapan, New Jersey.
Despite living in a multi-million-dollar home, Lori reports an annual income of just $58,000.
“She’s been cooking the books for years, and I won’t let her pin it on me,” John said.
John is now considering seeking innocent spouse relief from the IRS and the New Jersey Division of Taxation. This legal provision could help him avoid liability for Lori’s financial misdeeds.
“She’s been hiding money and cheating on taxes for years. I won’t be dragged down with her,” John said.
According to a former federal prosecutor familiar with the case, Lori could face serious legal consequences, potentially jail time, similar to the high-profile case of Teresa Guidice, the New Jersey Housewife convicted of fraud.
“If this goes where it looks like it’s going, Lori could end up behind bars,” the former prosecutor said.
Parental Alienation and False Allegations
John also claims that Lori is not just using false abuse claims to gain control but is actively engaged in parental alienation, turning their children against him.
“She’s poisoning them against me,” John said. “She’s a narcissist and a sociopath. This isn’t about what’s best for the kids—it’s about punishing me.”
Sources familiar with the case describe Lori as someone who has manipulated the legal system to gain the upper hand.
“This is a textbook example of a high-conflict personality using the courts to win at all costs,” said one source. “She’s making John out to be the bad guy, but there’s no evidence to support her claims.”
Attorney's Role in the Scheme
John also points to Lori’s attorney, Steven P. Monaghan, as a key player in her strategy. Monaghan, a seasoned family law attorney with 28 years of experience, has been certified in matrimonial law by the New Jersey Supreme Court since 2006.
John believes Monaghan has coached Lori on how to use false allegations and cover up her tax fraud.
“He should know better,” John said. “He’s not just representing her; he’s helping her commit fraud.”
Monaghan’s involvement raises serious questions about the ethical boundaries of legal representation in divorce cases.
“This isn’t about protecting a client’s rights—it’s about enabling criminal behavior,” said a source close to the case.
The Courts and the Silver Bullet
John’s case highlights a growing issue in family courts: the abuse of restraining orders and false allegations in divorce battles. John claims that Monmouth County Judge Kerry E. Higgins was hoodwinked into issuing a fraudulent TRO based solely on Lori’s accusations.
John says the “Botox bruise” makes Lori the criminal, but he’s the one being treated poorly.
“There’s no proof—just Lori’s word—but the court is treating me like I’m guilty without a trial,” John said.
Experts say this is a common problem in high-conflict divorces, where one parent manipulates the system to alienate the other.
“False allegations of abuse are a powerful tool in family court,” said an attorney not connected to the case. “Even if the accusations are baseless, they can destroy a parent’s relationship with their children.”
Lori’s Future: Jail Time?
As Lori’s alleged tax fraud comes under increased scrutiny, legal experts suggest she could face severe consequences. A former federal prosecutor who reviewed the case said Lori’s fraudulent financial dealings could land her in prison.
“This is a serious situation,” the former prosecutor said. “If the IRS and state tax authorities get involved, she could end up like Teresa Guidice, the New Jersey Housewife from TV—behind bars.”
For John, the stakes couldn’t be higher. He’s fighting to clear his name, regain custody of his children, and protect his financial future.
“I’m not going to let Lori ruin my life with her lies,” John said. “She may think she’s won, but this isn’t over.”
A Long Road Ahead
John’s legal battle is far from over, and the road ahead looks long and complicated. But he remains determined to fight for his rights and his children.
“I’ll keep fighting for the truth to come out,” John said. “My kids deserve to know who their real father is, and Lori’s lies won’t keep us apart forever.”
As John continues his legal battle, the case is a stark reminder of the dangers of false allegations in family court and the devastating impact of the “Silver Bullet” strategy.
For John Grossi, winning a divorce is not about winning a courtroom battle but saving his family and exposing Lori’s criminal behavior.
Botox Bruise Divorce Bombshell: NJ Mom Accused of False Abuse, Fraud