Children in Danger While Mom Dies in Jail: Corruption Allegations Rock Morris County Establishment
Damning statements reveal a plot to silence NJ mom over Facebook posts and ex-husband’s police ties.
By Richard Luthmann and Frankie Pressman
New Jersey mother Monica Ciardi is wasting away in Essex County Jail, her health failing as corruption in Morris and Essex County courts keeps her behind bars. Her crimes? Facebook posts critical of the judiciary and not having “connections.”
Her ex-husband, John Uanis, is a firearms instructor for Morris County police.
Judge Peter Bogaard, a central figure in this unraveling scandal, labeled Ciardi “crazy” during a February 2024 hearing, dismissing her concerns about her children’s safety and admitting to orchestrating her re-arrest.
“I mean, believe me, I have some cases where people are doing things that are crazy,” Bogaard said from the bench. “I’m calling Adult Protective Services on a case right now...because of some stuff that the person posted and put out there.”
These shocking remarks, previously reported, underline the systemic bias against Ciardi, whose only crime seems to be trying to protect her children.
Ciardi’s legal nightmare began in suburban Morris County, New Jersey, where she was first arrested and prosecuted. However, the case was later moved to Essex County, a neighboring jurisdiction that includes Newark, New Jersey, and its surrounding urban areas.
Now, Ciardi finds herself incarcerated in Essex County Jail, sharing her cellblock with inmates from one of the state’s most troubled cities, a stark contrast to her rural Morris County roots.
Supporters argue that this move is yet another example of the system’s efforts to punish Ciardi disproportionately while shielding her ex-husband, John Uanis, and the local power structure.
Exculpatory Evidence Ignored: Medical Proof of Abuse Swept Under the Rug?
Erin Samaritano’s affidavit provides undeniable proof of the abuse Ciardi’s children endured. The medical documentation submitted to prosecutors paints a clear picture of harm.
“The records show the children were subjected to severe harm, and Monica tried to protect them,” Samaritano wrote.
But instead of acting on this evidence, Morris County prosecutors chose to pursue Ciardi.
This disregard for exculpatory evidence is just one aspect of the systemic failures in this case. Discovery documents reveal that Ciardi’s calls for help were routinely ignored or turned against her.
When Ciardi contacted Mendham Township Police, alleging her children were in danger, the response wasn’t protection but prosecution. Officers routinely dismissed her concern.
“When Monica calls...charges are filed against her. When John or Melanie call ... charges are filed against Monica,” discovery materials show.
The disparity in treatment highlights a system designed to protect the powerful and punish the vulnerable.
A Surveillance Operation: Did Ciardi’s Ex-Husband Exploit Police Connections?
John Uanis, Ciardi’s ex-husband, and his new wife, Melanie Hemsey, have been accused of conducting “surveillance” operations against Ciardi. Discovery documents reveal that Uanis, a firearms instructor with deep ties to local law enforcement, used his connections to gain the upper hand in the custody battle.
These connections allegedly allowed him to manipulate the system, portraying himself as the victim while discrediting Ciardi.
One chilling account involves Ciardi’s daughter, who confided to officers that she was “scared” of her father. Instead of investigating her claims, police dismissed them as “tantrums.”
Meanwhile, Uanis and Hemsey allegedly used their surveillance efforts to build a case against Ciardi, feeding a narrative that aligned with the judiciary’s biases.
“This wasn’t a fair fight,” said a source close to the case. “Her ex-husband had the backing of law enforcement and the courts. It was a coordinated effort to discredit Monica and keep her children away from her.”
A Death Sentence in Jail: Ciardi’s Health Crumbles Behind Bars
While the system focuses on silencing Ciardi, her health continues to decline in Essex County Jail. Confined to a freezing cell, she has suffered significant weight loss, panic attacks, and inadequate medical care. Her family and supporters describe her incarceration as a “death sentence.”
“This woman should not even be in jail,” said a family advocate. “Her only crime was criticizing a corrupt system. Now she’s paying for it with her life.”
Ciardi’s plight mirrors other cases of judicial retaliation against mothers who dare to challenge family courts. Advocates argue that this case represents a broader trend of using the legal system to silence dissent and protect abusers.
Her transfer to Essex County Jail has further exacerbated her ordeal. Unlike Morris County, where inmates are primarily from suburban areas, Essex County Jail houses individuals from Newark and nearby urban communities. The jail’s harsher environment poses additional challenges for Ciardi, who has no history of violent behavior and whose incarceration stems from questionable charges tied to her family court battle.
A System Designed to Protect Itself?
The Ciardi case is emblematic of a corrupt system in which power and connections trump justice. Judge Bogaard’s statements, documented in court transcripts, reveal a judiciary more interested in protecting its own than delivering impartial rulings.
His coordination with prosecutors and Adult Protective Services to target Ciardi adds to the perception of a system stacked against her.
Advocates are now calling for Governor Phil Murphy and federal authorities to launch an independent investigation into the conduct of Morris County law enforcement, prosecutors, and judiciary.
“This is corruption, plain and simple,” said Erin Samaritano. “Monica is being railroaded to protect the Morris County establishment. Her children are left in harm’s way while she suffers behind bars.”
Jill Jones Soderman, Executive Director and Founder of the Foundation for the Child Victims of the Family Courts (fcvfc.org), echoed those sentiments, describing the revelations as “judicially-turbocharged DARVO abuse.”
“Why is a protective parent being put in chains for reporting abuse? Corruption is the only answer,” Soderman said.
We contacted Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Jessica Marshall about the case. We received no response as of press time. Here is what we asked:
From: Richard Luthmann <richard.luthmann@protonmail.com>
Date: On Thursday, January 16th, 2025 at 7:46 AM
Subject: Journalist Inquiry Regarding the Monica Ciardi Case
To: jmarshall@co.morris.nj.us <jmarshall@co.morris.nj.us>
CC: RALafontaine <RALafontaine@protonmail.com>, Modern Thomas Nast <mthomasnast@protonmail.com>, Rick LaRivière <RickLaRiviere@proton.me>, Michael Volpe <mvolpe998@gmail.com>
Dear Assistant Morris County Prosecutor Marshall,I hope this email finds you well. My name is Richard Luthmann, and I am a journalist working on a detailed investigation regarding the ongoing legal matters involving Monica Ciardi. Several of my colleagues in the fourth estate are copied. I would greatly appreciate your responses to the following questions to ensure accurate and comprehensive reporting.
1. Case Overview and Charges:
What is the specific rationale behind the charges filed against Monica Ciardi, including the alleged FRO violations and related offenses?
Were there any corroborating witnesses or physical evidence that directly support these charges?
2. Bias and Equal Application of Law:
There are allegations suggesting selective enforcement by the Mendham Township Police Department. Have these concerns been reviewed by your office?
What protocols are in place to ensure fair treatment of individuals involved in domestic disputes or restraining order cases?
3. Handling of Welfare/Wellness Checks:
Multiple reports reference welfare/wellness checks initiated by Ms. Ciardi, often followed by criminal charges against her. Can you confirm the criteria for such charges post-welfare checks?
Is it standard for law enforcement to consult the Assistant Prosecutor for such matters, and if so, at what stage?
4. Children’s Testimony and Welfare:
The police reports indicate conflicting accounts from the children involved. How has your office assessed the credibility of these statements?
What measures have been taken to address the reported concerns about the children’s safety and mental health?
5. Discovery and Documentation:
Are there outstanding discovery requests from the defense in this case? If so, what is the status of those requests?
Have all relevant communications, reports, and body camera footage been disclosed to the defense?
6. Involvement of External Agencies:
The reports indicate FBI involvement in at least one welfare check. Can you elaborate on the role of federal agencies in this matter?
Was DCP&P formally engaged, and what was the outcome of their investigation?
7. Legal Standards and Oversight:
How does your office ensure that charges such as “false information to police” and FRO violations are not used disproportionately?
Are there internal reviews or supervisory checks on the decisions made in high-conflict custody cases like this?
8. Mental Health and Advocacy Concerns:
The reports reference concerns raised by advocates about Ms. Ciardi’s mental health and alleged bias in enforcement. Has your office addressed these advocacy claims?
Have you consulted with experts in domestic violence or mental health regarding the appropriate handling of this case?
I understand the complexity of these matters and the confidentiality that may limit your responses. However, any information you can provide would be invaluable for the public’s understanding of this case.
Thank you for your time and attention to these questions. I am available for a follow-up discussion or clarification at your earliest convenience, keeping in mind we intend to go to press shortly.
If we do go to press before you have an opportunity to respond, we will publish and responses in a follow-up to provide a fair and balanced perspective.
Regards,
Richard Luthmann
Writer, Journalist, and Commentator
A Cry for Justice: Will the System Change Before It’s Too Late?
Monica Ciardi’s life hangs in the balance. As her supporters rally for her release, the evidence continues to pile up against the Morris County judiciary and law enforcement. From Judge Bogaard’s inflammatory remarks to the ignored medical evidence and blatant police bias, the case paints a damning portrait of systemic corruption.
“This isn’t just about Monica,” said a Morris County lawyer following the case, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal. “It’s about a broken system that prioritizes power over people. If we don’t act now, how many more Monicas will pay the price?”
For Ciardi, her children, and countless others caught in the web of family court corruption, the fight for justice is far from over. Until accountability is achieved, her supporters vow to keep the pressure on—a fight to expose the truth and demand change in Morris County.
The damning statements are against the mother from the daughters as the police report clearly showed. They want nothing to do with the mother. Do you just believe what you want to regardless of the facts. Clearly the mother made a false report and went to jail for that. It's a crime. Its abuse. If anything, she wasn't sentenced long enough. This woman is mentally ill and the children are made to suffer. Clearly the mother is a danger.