Scumbag Lawyer Threatens Reporter in NJ Mom Monica Ciardi’s Jail Horror

Morristown attorney Joe Scura threatens journalist, gets schooled on the First Amendment, while dodging allegations against his clients.

“Scumbag” Morristown NJ Attorney Joe Scura

By Frankie Pressman with Richard Luthmann

Joe Scura, a Morristown attorney, is under fire after sending threatening emails to a journalist reporting on the case of Monica Ciardi—a New Jersey mother languishing in Essex County Jail amid serious allegations of judicial corruption, prosecutorial misconduct, and police collusion.

John Uanis and Monica Ciardi

Scura represents John Uanis, Ciardi’s ex-husband, and his new wife, Melanie Hemsey, both accused in court documents of harassing and abusing Ciardi.

When investigative journalist Richard Luthmann sought their side of the story, Scura lashed out, accusing Luthmann of "harassment by proxy."

“Please be advised that neither Mr. Uanis, nor Ms. Hemsey wishes to be contacted about this topic,” Scura wrote in an email dated January 28, 2025. “They find your communication to be a continuation of the harassment that Ms. Ciardi has perpetrated upon their family for the last several years. You are not the first, and likely not the last third party that has been enlisted to carry out Ms. Ciardi's harassment by proxy.”

This is a blatant attempt to intimidate the press and silence reporting on a story that has rocked the Morris County establishment.

Investigative Journalist Richard Luthmann

Luthmann responded sharply, pointing out that his outreach was standard journalistic practice.

“You are an experienced criminal defense attorney,” Luthmann wrote back. “The admission that I have contacted Mr. Uanis and Mrs. Hemsey for comment shows several things. First, I am attempting to get their side of the story in good faith. Second, I am diligent in my efforts as a member of the press. And third, and most importantly to the Bill of Rights, my actions cannot constitute harassment as a matter of law.”

Threats and Hypocrisy: Scura’s Attempt to Control the Narrative

Scura’s tirade didn’t stop there. In the same email, he accused Luthmann of failing to provide balanced coverage, even though Scura’s clients had refused to comment.

Melanie Hemsey, John Uanis’ New Wife

“In your email, you claim your ‘goal is to provide a balanced and comprehensive account,’ yet you already published multiple polarizing articles about this topic before seeking any input from Ms. Ciardi's victims. As such, I do not accept that your efforts to reach Ms. Hemsey are made in good faith,” Scura wrote.

Luthmann wasn’t having it.

“This is a bit of 'Rules For Thee But Not For Me.' I am explaining this case to the public through the mass media based on the available evidence, and your clients can criticize me. That is their and your right. But you and they won't explain the valid basis for my criticism other than I'm 'not doing it right.' I have a feeling the only article I can write that your clients would 'approve of' is one where I report that Monica Ciardi died in the Essex County Jail,” Luthmann said.

The email exchange highlights the lengths Uanis, Hemsey, and their legal team will go to stifle media scrutiny.

“I'm not trying to be a dick, but did you sleep through law school when they taught the First Amendment?” Luthmann quipped in his final response.

The Real Story: Monica Ciardi’s Fight for Justice

While Scura plays defense, the real story is Monica Ciardi’s life-threatening ordeal. Ciardi has been painted as a criminal by the very system that should protect her. At the same time, her ex-husband—a firearms instructor with deep ties to Mendham Township Police—continues to enjoy the protection of law enforcement.

Court filings accuse Uanis and Hemsey of conducting surveillance on Ciardi, tampering with her personal devices, and spreading false information to discredit her.

Ciardi’s supporters argue that she is a victim of “Weaponized Family Courts,” a term increasingly used to describe how family courts and law enforcement collude to silence and punish vulnerable individuals, especially mothers.

“This is textbook institutional DARVO: Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender,” said Jill Jones-Soderman, an expert familiar with this case and the New Jersey Family Courts.

Silence from the Authorities

Detailed questions sent to Assistant County Prosecutor Jessica Marshall and Ciardi’s public defenders continue to go unanswered. The lack of transparency has only fueled public outrage and suspicion of a broader cover-up.

Ciardi’s health continues to deteriorate in Essex County Jail, where her advocates claim she has been denied adequate medical care.

“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 medicalider,” CPO Jacqueline Paz from Essex County Corrections said.

But advocates argue that this is too little, too late.

Scura’s Record Under Scrutiny?

Joe Scura is accused of questionable legal tactics. Known for his aggressive style, Scura has built a reputation for representing clients embroiled in controversial criminal cases. But his latest attempt to silence a journalist may be his most brazen move yet.

“You can't be uncooperative and then call the coverage biased or unfair,” Luthmann fired back in his final email to Scura. “You want it both ways, but you can't have it. Not in the press. Maybe in the Morris County courts. But not in the press.”

As the case of Monica Ciardi continues to unfold, one thing is clear: no amount of threats or intimidation will stop the truth from coming out. The world is watching, and justice—no matter how delayed—will prevail.

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