By Richard Luthmann and Frankie Pressman
Monica Ciardi’s life has become a battle for survival—physically, emotionally, and legally. Once a vibrant individual, she now languishes in jail, her health deteriorating as she faces what appears to be a coordinated campaign of institutional betrayal.
Ciardi, a victim of dangerous domestic abuse at the hands of her ex-husband, John Uanis, and his new wife, alleges she has been systematically silenced and punished. At the same time, her abuser enjoys protection from law enforcement and the Morris County establishment.
New connections have been made to the actions of the New Jersey Divorce attorney who represented Ciardi’s ex-husband and the Family Court judge in their divorce case, who is currently the Prosecutor in adjoining Somerset County.
The Abuse and Betrayal
According to court filings, Ciardi endured years of psychological torment and manipulation by Uanis. In chilling detail, she describes how Uanis and his current wife, Melanie Hemsey, conducted surveillance on her, weaponizing their connections to law enforcement.
Uanis allegedly used these connections to intimidate and harass her, even as she sought legal recourse to protect herself and her children.
One particularly egregious incident detailed in court documents involves Uanis tampering with Ciardi’s personal devices to obtain sensitive information, which he then disseminated to her family and friends.
These acts of digital espionage were allegedly carried out with the assistance of Uanis’s attorney, Heidi Lepp. Lepp reportedly made disparaging comments in court, questioning Ciardi’s credibility and fitness as a mother while actively colluding to discredit her.
We asked Attorney Lepp detailed questions related to Ciardi’s allegations. We received no response as of press time. Here is what we asked:
From: Richard Luthmann <richard.luthmann@protonmail.com>
Date: On Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025 at 7:02 AM
Subject: Request for Comment Regarding Allegations in Monica Ciardi Case
To: HLEPP@LMEFAMILYLAW.COM <HLEPP@LMEFAMILYLAW.COM>
Dear Attorney Lepp,I hope this email finds you well. My name is Richard Luthmann, and I am an investigative journalist working on an in-depth story regarding the legal proceedings involving Monica Ciardi. As part of my research, I am reaching out to you regarding allegations raised in filed court documents and statements made by Ms. Ciardi.
To ensure that my reporting is accurate and balanced, I would appreciate your responses to the following questions concerning your involvement and the claims made against you.
1. Alleged Dissemination of Sensitive Information:
- Ms. Ciardi alleges that you shared her personal and legal information with her ex-husband, John Uanis, and his current wife, Melanie Hemsey. Can you confirm or deny these allegations?
- Did you have any direct communication with Hemsey or Uanis regarding Ciardi’s other legal matters, including the sexual assault claim she filed against her landlord?
2. Allegations of Defamation:
- Court documents indicate that you made comments questioning Ms. Ciardi’s credibility and fitness as a mother. Can you provide context or clarification on these statements?
- Do you believe these remarks, if made, were appropriate within the scope of your role as counsel?
3. Collusion Allegations:
- Ms. Ciardi claims that you and your clients engaged in coordinated efforts to undermine her legal standing, including surveillance operations and digital espionage. How do you respond to these allegations?
- Were you aware of any surveillance or monitoring of Ms. Ciardi conducted by Mr. Uanis or Ms. Hemsey?
4. Judicial Bias and Procedural Fairness:
- Do you believe the judicial process in this case has been fair and impartial?
-How do you address claims that your interactions with Judge John McDonald influenced his decisions in this matter?
5. Impact on Ms. Ciardi’s Health and Well-being:
- Given the reports of Ms. Ciardi’s deteriorating health while incarcerated, do you believe her continued detention is justified?
I understand that this is a sensitive and complex matter, but I want to ensure that all parties’ perspectives are fairly represented. If you would like to provide additional context or information that has not been addressed in these questions, please feel free to include it in your response.
Please let me know if you require additional clarification regarding any of these questions. I intend to go to press soon and will note if you are unable to respond before publication. If you respond after publication, I will include your response in a follow-up.
Thank you in advance for your time.
Regards,
Richard Luthmann
Writer, Journalist, and Commentator
Institutional DARVO?: Turning the Victim into the Perpetrator
DARVO—Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender—is a common tactic of abusers. In Ciardi’s case, it appears Uanis and the legal system itself adopted this playbook. Despite Ciardi being the victim of documented abuse, the system labeled her the aggressor.
This culminated in her incarceration, even as her ex-husband and his allies allegedly continued their campaign of harassment.
Court documents reveal that Uanis repeatedly taunted Ciardi about a separate civil case in which she accused her landlord of sexual assault. Uanis weaponized her trauma, publicly mocking her allegations and accusing her of fabricating the assault for financial gain.
His actions caused Ciardi severe emotional distress, which was compounded by the court’s refusal to acknowledge her victimization.
Melanie Hemsey’s Role in the Campaign of Harassment
Melanie Hemsey, Uanis’s current wife, is described in the filings as an active participant in the abuse. Hemsey allegedly contacted the attorney of the individual Ciardi accused of assault, sharing sensitive information to undermine Ciardi’s credibility.
Hemsey’s actions extended to orchestrating anonymous harassment, including sending Ciardi vile messages and attempting to tarnish her reputation further.
In one particularly sinister instance, Hemsey reportedly reminded Ciardi that the wife of her accuser’s attorney was a judge, implying that the legal system was stacked against her.
From: Richard Luthmann <richard.luthmann@protonmail.com>
Date: On Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Subject: Inquiry Regarding Allegations Raised by Monica Ciardi
To: ekhemsey@gmail.com <ekhemsey@gmail.com>, melaniegrassi@hotmail.com <melaniegrassi@hotmail.com>, mgrassi@verizon.net <mgrassi@verizon.net>, mgrassi51@yahoo.com <mgrassi51@yahoo.com>, q.r.investments@gmail.com <q.r.investments@gmail.com>
Dear Ms. Hemsey,I hope this email finds you well. My name is Richard Luthmann, and I am an investigative journalist researching the case of Monica Ciardi. As part of my investigation, I am seeking your input regarding allegations raised by Ms. Ciardi in court filings and public statements. Your perspective is vital to ensuring a balanced and accurate account of the events described.
Below are questions pertaining to the allegations against you and your husband, John Uanis, as well as broader issues surrounding this case:
Allegations of Surveillance and Harassment
1. Surveillance Activities: Ms. Ciardi alleges that you and Mr. Uanis engaged in surveillance of her, including monitoring her activities and communications. Can you confirm or deny these claims? If confirmed, could you explain the purpose of such surveillance?
2. Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Ms. Ciardi alleges that Mr. Uanis utilized his connections in law enforcement to influence the legal proceedings against her. Were you aware of or involved in any such activities?
3. Harassment Allegations: Court filings suggest that you orchestrated or participated in anonymous harassment campaigns against Ms. Ciardi. How do you respond to these allegations?Allegations of Tampering and Intimidation
4. Information Sharing: It is alleged that you shared sensitive information about Ms. Ciardi with third parties, including her family and legal adversaries. Is there any truth to this claim?
5. Judiciary Influence: Ms. Ciardi contends that comments made by you regarding the wife of an attorney being a judge were intended to intimidate her. How do you respond to the interpretation of your remarks as a threat?Broader Context and Concerns
6. Children’s Welfare: Ms. Ciardi has expressed grave concerns about the safety and well-being of her children while in the custody of Mr. Uanis. What actions, if any, have been taken to address these concerns?
7. Legal Disparities: Ms. Ciardi’s advocates allege systemic bias in the legal proceedings, where she has been portrayed as the aggressor despite documented claims of abuse. Do you believe the legal system has acted impartially in this matter?
8. Conditions of Incarceration: Ms. Ciardi is currently being held in Essex County Jail, and her advocates describe her health as rapidly deteriorating. Do you believe her incarceration is justified given the circumstances?Additional Context
If you would like to provide a statement or additional context regarding your perspective on these matters, I would welcome your input.
This case has drawn significant public attention due to the allegations of systemic corruption and potential political motivations. My goal is to provide a balanced and comprehensive account, and your input is critical to that effort.
I understand the sensitivities of this matter and appreciate any information you can provide. Please let me know if you require additional clarification regarding any of these questions.
I intend to go to press soon and will note if you are unable to respond before publication. If you respond after publication, I will include your response in a follow-up.
Thank you in advance for your time.
Regards,
Richard Luthmann
Writer, Journalist, and Commentator
These concerns underscore the power dynamics at play, leaving Ciardi with little hope of a fair hearing.
The Role of Prosecutor John McDonald
John McDonald, formerly a New Jersey Family Court judge, is now the Somerset County Prosecutor. He played a key role in Ciardi’s divorce proceedings and is accused of perpetuating the narrative constructed by Uanis and his allies.
Ciardi alleges that McDonald echoed Uanis’s defamatory statements on the record, further undermining her case. In one instance, McDonald allegedly remarked that Ciardi "made a lot of false allegations that never go anywhere," a statement that not only prejudiced her case but also emboldened her abusers.
Questions about McDonald’s potential influence on Ciardi’s current prosecution are being raised. Given his history with Ciardi, many question whether the charges against her are politically motivated. Would another individual without a contentious history with McDonald face such severe legal consequences?
We asked Somerset County Prosecutor McDonald detailed questions related to Ciardi’s allegations. We received no response as of press time. Here is what we asked:
From: Richard Luthmann <richard.luthmann@protonmail.com>
Date: On Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025 at 8:16 AM
Subject: Inquiry Regarding Potential Political Motivations in Monica Ciardi Case
To: jmcdonald@co.somerset.nj.us <jmcdonald@co.somerset.nj.us>
Dear Prosecutor McDonald,I hope this email finds you well. My name is Richard Luthmann, and I am an investigative journalist investigating the case of Monica Ciardi, whose prosecution in Essex County has raised concerns about possible improprieties and political motivations. Given your background as a former Superior Court judge and your current role as Somerset County Prosecutor, I have several questions regarding potential conflicts of interest and systemic issues surrounding her case.
Case Context and Connections:
1. Prior Adversarial Position: Monica Ciardi has a history of adversarial interactions with you during your time as a Superior Court judge. There is pending civil litigation. Do you believe this history creates an appearance of impropriety in her current prosecution, which began in Morris County and has since moved to Essex County?
2. Political Motivations: Would another person similarly situated to Ciardi—without any prior adversarial position to you or the Morris County judiciary—face the same level of scrutiny, prosecution, or prolonged incarceration in Essex County Jail?
3. Institutional DARVO Allegations: Experts and advocates have described Ciardi’s case as “Institutional DARVO,” alleging the legal system reversed the roles of victim and perpetrator. How do you respond to claims that Ciardi is being unjustly punished while her alleged abuser, John Uanis, receives protection due to his connections to law enforcement?
Judicial and Prosecutorial Oversight:
4. Morris County to Essex County Transfer: The case originated in Morris County, where you served as a judge, and has since moved to Essex County. Do you believe this transfer creates a perception of systemic bias or retaliation against Ciardi?
5. Prosecution’s Decisions: Given your extensive experience in criminal law, family law, and domestic violence cases, do you believe the handling of Ciardi’s case aligns with standard prosecutorial practices, or are there deviations that warrant scrutiny?
Broader Concerns About Justice:
6. Prolonged Incarceration: Ciardi is being held in Essex County Jail under conditions her advocates describe as life-threatening. Would someone without her history of challenging the system be subjected to the same level of punitive measures?
7. Exculpatory Evidence Ignored: Court filings, including affidavits from Erin Samaritano, allege substantial exculpatory evidence related to Ciardi’s abuse claims. Do you believe this evidence was adequately considered in the decisions leading to her prosecution and detention?
8. Perception of Fairness: As a former judge and now a prosecutor, how do you ensure that cases like Ciardi’s are handled with impartiality and without the perception of personal or institutional bias?
This case has drawn significant public attention due to the allegations of systemic corruption and potential political motivations. My goal is to provide a balanced and comprehensive account, and your input is critical to that effort.
I understand the sensitivities of this matter and appreciate any information you can provide. Please let me know if you require additional clarification regarding any of these questions.
I intend to go to press soon and will note if you are unable to respond before publication. If you respond after publication, I will include your response in a follow-up.
Thank you in advance for your time.
Regards,
Richard Luthmann
Writer, Journalist, and Commentator
These concerns cast a shadow over the integrity of the prosecution and call for an independent review.
Monica’s Health Crisis
While Ciardi fights for justice, her physical health is failing. Reports indicate that her condition has worsened significantly since her incarceration, raising concerns about her ability to survive the ordeal.
According to CPO Jacqueline Paz from Essex County Corrections Community Relations, “As per our Medical Director, Ms. Ciardi’s medical condition is noted on her file and she is receiving medication. I have also arranged for her to be seen again by a medical provider.”
While this acknowledgment provides some reassurance, Ciardi’s advocates insist that the medical care provided is insufficient given her deteriorating condition.
Questions Demand Answers
Why is Monica Ciardi in jail while her abuser walks free? How did the Morris County establishment allow this miscarriage of justice to occur?
The facts presented in court documents paint a damning picture of a legal system more interested in protecting its own than delivering justice.
This case is more than a personal tragedy; it is a symptom of systemic corruption that demands immediate investigation and reform.
For Monica Ciardi, time is running out. Her health, her freedom, and her future hang in the balance.
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