'Unhinged From Reality': Staten Island Divorce Court Judge Ronald Castorina's Conduct To Be Scrutinized?
'Unhinged From Reality': Staten Island Divorce Court Judge Ronald Castorina's Conduct To Be Scrutinized?
NYC's 'Tubby Terror of The Law' is 'Inconsiderate, Uncompassionate, and Obtuse,' Say Filed Court Documents Alleging 'Lorena Bobbitt' Relief
By Dick LaFontaine and M. Thomas Nast
In December, New York State Divorce Court Judge Ronald Castorina tried to throw retired and disabled NYPD Detective Guy Simonetti into jail just in time for Christmas. His offense? For Castorina, Simonetti was too old, sick, and broke to be treated like a human being.
The retired detective, now a Florida resident, didn’t have the money or health to appear in a Staten Island courtroom because Castorina’s actions rendered Simonetti “judicially indigent.” An IRA account the Judge had ordered belonged to Simonetti was drained—in absentia—by crooked Staten Island Divorce Lawyer John Marangos. Simonetti was never allowed to be heard.
Renowned investigative journalist Frank Parlato of Frank Report has made a career of covering roobs in black robes. For Parlato, Castorina is something special - earning the moniker “Tubby Terror of the Law.”
At the heart of this legal maelstrom are Simonetti's forceful allegations against Castorina. In court documents filed in December, he asserted, "It is public knowledge that Justice Castorina gave perjured and dishonest testimony before a Richmond County grand jury in 2018."
The subject of the 2018 grand jury was former Staten Island Attorney Richard Luthmann, who writes for this publication. Luthmann was charged with Falsification of Business Records, the exact charges former President Donald Trump now faces and served three years in prison for making Fake Facebook pages about local politicians. Luthmann claims he did nothing wrong, and his case remains on appeal.
Simonetti charges that “everyone knows about” Castorina's perjurious grand jury testimony in 2018. He cites Luthmann’s December filing in the New York State Supreme Court, in which Luthmann claims Castorina was a witness in People of the State of New York v Richard Luthmann, committed perjury, and was dishonest. The testimony starkly contrasts the Facebook Messenger exchanges between Castorina and Luthmann.
Simonetti, a 9-11 responder, says Castorina committed felonies and cannot legally be a NYS Supreme Court Justice:
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the defendant, GUY SIMONETTI, asks the Court to recuse itself for the reasons previously stated and submitted to the Court in the affidavit attached to the order to showcase sworn to on November 27, 2023, that the Court declined to sign. It is public knowledge that Justice Castorina gave perjured and dishonest testimony before a Richmond County grand jury in 2018. See Luthmann v. Hanks et al., 100012-24 (New York County Supreme Court). The comparisons of Justice Castorina's sworn testimony to his Facebook messenger conversations show that he lied under oath. That is a felony crime; a Supreme Court Justice cannot be a felon. The Court should recuse itself because of the cloud of impropriety hanging over its head and its interest in the litigation, apparent from its failure to sign the previous order to show cause to avoid addressing these issues on the record. Accordingly, I would ask Justice Castorina to recuse himself because his continued presence makes this matter fundamentally unfair, and the Court is interested in the issues to be litigated.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the defendant, GUY SIMONETTI, reserves his right to invalidate the entirety of these proceedings as lacking in subject matter jurisdiction. If Justice Castorina committed a felony crime in August 2018, he was never qualified to judge my case as a matter of law.
In his December pleadings, Simonetti stated, "[Castorina’s] felonious conduct legally disqualifies him from serving as a Supreme Court Justice, and all of his decisions and orders are legal nullity." He believes that Castorina's alleged felony should lead to his removal from his case and the bench, questioning how decisions in the freeze of his IRA could have occurred without corrupt influence.
The handling of Simonetti’s Mass Mutual IRA adds another layer of controversy. Despite a court order declaring the IRA as Simonetti's, his ex-wife's lawyer, John Marangos, took steps to freeze and then seize the funds. Simonetti suggests foul play, questioning Marangos' ethical conduct in light of his actions that seemingly ignore Castorina’s orders - with no repercussions.
Simonetti's legal documents painted a grim picture of a justice system skewed against him, suggesting a complex web of legal and ethical issues. His stance was clear: "Justice Castorina has it out for me because I believe the people deserve a Supreme Court Justice who isn’t a felon – charged or not."
Castorina Recusal, Judge Paul Marrone Appointment
In January, Simonetti heard back from Justice Castorina, who recused himself rather than address the devastating allegations head-on.
Castorina’s reputation has undoubtedly taken a hit. A source close to the PBA said that Castorina would be “hard-pressed” to receive another endorsement because of a pattern of decisions described as “anti-cop.”
A Staten Island Republican Party insider also says the local political establishment has also soured on the former GOP Chairman.
“He snaked his way in on a judge deal. He would be hard-pressed to get a party nomination today,” the GOP operative said anonymously.
Some local attorneys also say he is “drunk with power” and rules his courtroom “with an iron fist.”
“I won’t conference cases with him in his chambers. I need everything on the record. You can’t trust him. Either he threatens you to do what he wants, or he pretends to make nice to get the client to agree and then stabs you in the back on the record,” a local Staten Island Attorney said, who wished to remain unnamed for fear of Castorina’s retribution.
Some believe Castorina may be moved off of Staten Island, or worse, because of his behavior.
“They sent Matt Sciarrino to a basement in Queens because he was being a total [expletive]. I think that might be the best that [Castorina] can hope for,” the Staten Island lawyer said.
Simonetti’s case landed with Staten Island Supreme Court Justice Paul Marrone, Jr., a Republican who was formerly the Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis when she served in the NYS Assembly. Marrone was previously a court attorney for Civil Court in Staten Island and a Legal Intern for the NYPD’s legal bureau and the advocate’s offices.
Scheduled for a Thursday hearing, Simonetti filed an extensive motion detailing Castorina’s misconduct and wants Marrone to rule.
Simonetti’s Pending Motion
Simonetti’s recently filed affidavit details additional allegations against Judge Ronald Castorina and Attorney John Marangos. His claims center on what he describes as a pattern of judicial and attorney malfeasance impacting his ability to receive a fair shake in his divorce case.
The retired NYPD Detective alleges that Judge Castorina played funny business with a crucial Order to Show Cause in November 2023.
"Justice Castorina exercised a 'POCKET VETO' and neither signed nor officially declined to sign the Order to Show Cause," Simonetti stated, emphasizing his prolonged efforts to get the document signed. This lack of action, he claims, left him without the opportunity to be heard in court. Castorina also refused to “So-Order” a transcript necessary for an appeal, and the Appellate Division could not review his case.
"Justice Castorina was inconsiderate, uncompassionate, and obtuse – to put it mildly," Simonetti noted. He recounts an incident where the judge suggested he could “take a private ambulance to the courthouse” despite knowing he couldn’t afford it.
Simonetti believes Judge Castorina is biased against him, possibly due to anti-NYPD sentiments. “[I]t’s sad because so many politicians have taken that turn recently,” Simonetti’s papers said.
He further described the judge's decision to dismiss his medical ailments and financial difficulties, which prevented him from appearing in court.
Simonetti’s affidavit includes quotes from a transcript where Castorina declared Simonetti's claims "wholly without merit" and his non-appearance "not understandable or excusable." Simonetti argues that these dismissals were not just oversights but knowing and malicious decisions. For example, Castorina, knowing that Simonetti was a Pro Se party with no e-filing access, used the “evidence” that nothing was electronically filed with the clerk to rule against the retired NYPD Detective.
MR. MARANGOS: Judge, I did receive, at 4:00 yesterday by Express Mail, a copy of a purported Order to Show Cause.
THE COURT: Okay. And Jerry, I'm just going to ask you, can you check NYSCEF. I have no indication that there was a filed motion; nonetheless, I understand that there is a purported motion, and I have reviewed it. And I decline to sign it.
COURT CLERK: Judge, there is nothing on NYSCEF. And I did check our mailbox this morning at 9:00 a.m., there was nothing in there.
THE COURT: All right. This Court declines to sign the Order to Show Cause on the grounds and basis of Mr. Simonetti's, A, failure to be here, number one. Number two, it is wholly without merit. And the Court will not delay its actions, which are just and appropriate at this time.
Simonetti, defending himself in his papers, said, “Justice Castorina knows that I am a senior citizen with medical conditions. He knew that I didn’t have NYSCEF access. I provided proof of my medical ailments and Court-created indigency, which I again offer to this Court. Yet Justice Castorina said my non-appearance was not understandable or excusable AND that my claims were ‘wholly without merit.’ After his diatribe, he would not allow the Appellate Division to review his findings because he wouldn’t So-Order the transcript. For weeks.”
The retired disabled NYPD 9-11 responder made his circumstances very clear, “I am indigent because I have no meaningful access to money. And my indigency is judicially created.” He explains that the court’s orders have left him unable to travel from Florida to New York for his hearings.
The affidavit also targets Attorney John Marangos, accusing him of improperly seizing Simonetti's Mass Mutual IRA funds despite the earlier Court order. Simonetti asserts, "The Plaintiff brazenly ignored Justice Castorina’s orders," and suggests Marangos’ actions were not mistakes but deliberate attempts to drain his resources.
"It looks like Attorney Marangos is trying to be 'slick' and is playing fast and loose, ignoring the Orders of the Court," Simonetti claims.
Simonetti’s Affidavit states, “The Plaintiff knows I am elderly and in ill health. The Plaintiff’s instant request for relief seeks almost everything except that the Court's order I am gelded. In a nutshell, the Plaintiff wants:
Additional attorney’s fees.
More money from protected sources that Attorney Marangos has already improperly and dishonestly drained in violation of the Court’s previous orders and the Rules of Professional Conduct.
The sequestering of my home at 3680 N.W. Mediterranean Lane, Jensen Beach, Florida, and the appointment of a receiver to render me homeless.
Additional time to torture me and maybe ultimately ask for ‘Lorena Bobbit’ relief.”
Simonetti describes his dire financial situation, stating that he lives on charity and cannot travel to New York due to Castorina’s freezing his assets. He calls for Judge Marrone to reopen the default judgment against him, citing CPLR § 5015(a) and emphasizing his impossibility of compliance with court appearances due to his financial and health issues.
He criticizes Marangos for seeking additional attorney’s fees, arguing that the plaintiff has already wrongfully taken his assets.
"Attorney Marangos wants more money when he outright stole the Mass Mutual monies without legal authority," Simonetti stated, describing the situation as larceny.
Simonetti's affidavit requests that Judge Marrone vacate the default judgment, give him a fair opportunity to present his case, and compel the attendance of his former attorney, Gary Angiuli, to explain his actions in failing to adequately support Simonetti’s defense last year while counsel still represented him.
“My impossibility of performance was not self-created on July 31, 2023. I had counsel representing me in July. Attorney Angiuli terminated my engagement with his office,” Simonetti said. "Mr. Angiuli’s office stopped zealously representing me when they saw my money was cut off."
Simonetti’s Questionable Prospects
Staten Island court insiders say the deck is stacked against Simonetti in Judge Marrone’s courtroom.
“I feel for the guy. Robbing from a retired NYPD Detective is the height of ballsy. But it’s a fool’s errand. [Paul Marrone] has been the cleanup crew for Republican judges’ messes for a while now,” said a Staten Island court insider.
“There was a case a couple of years ago that [Marrone] caught to clean up for [Judge Ralph] Porzio. A woman, Carrie Costa, had the ever-living [expletive] beat out of her after a two-day showdown in Tottenville. Her husband, Richard Costa, was arrested and charged with something like nine crimes. The Advance covered it - then covered it up,” the source said.
In June 2020, the Staten Island Advance covered a police standoff situation where Richard Costa assaulted and his wife, Carrie Costa, captive for days in a house in Tottenville. In He faces kidnap charge in alleged 2-day ordeal that ended in Tottenville standoff, the Staten Island Advance reported:
“[T]he suspect allegedly hit the woman numerous time on the face, head and body and pushed her to the ground. He used a ceramic vase to strike the victim in the head and also placed a cord around her neck and applied pressure, the complaint alleges.
Costa allegedly snatched the victim’s phone so that she could not call 911 and prevented her from leaving a bedroom with an attached bathroom. The suspect used furniture and clothing to block the door and windows, according to the complaint.
He allegedly threatened the victim with “further physical harm” and followed her around to prevent her from leaving the bedroom area.
“Do not call the police,” the complaint alleges that Costa said to the victim. “You may not leave.”
His statements caused the victim to “fear further physical injury,” the complaint states.”
During her ordeal, the victim allegedly had trouble breathing, lapsed in and out of consciousness, felt pain and suffered injuries including bleeding and a laceration to the left side of her head, bruising and redness around her neck, and bruising on her face, neck, chest, back, arms and legs, according to the complaint.
She needed hospital treatment.
In addition to kidnapping, Costa has been charged with strangulation, assault, criminal possession of a weapon, unlawful imprisonment, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, criminal mischief and harassment.
Costa was indicted on Fifteen Counts by a Staten Island Grand Jury.
Then, almost miraculously, the case went away. DA Michael McMahon had instituted serious domestic violence proceedings against a wife-beater but didn’t follow through. Why?
A source with knowledge of the Costa case said that Richard Costa has connections to organized crime, and McMahon made the case “disappear.”
“There were claims he was running girls for the Russians. He also imports denim from China and moves money and merchandise cross-border. The Feds were looking at him, but nothing came of it. It sounds a lot like this guy provides information,” the source said.
Irrespective of what Richard Costa was and is into, the Staten Island courts, including Marrone, have yet to find that Carrie Costa was a victim of domestic violence in their divorce case and award her damages for the severe injuries she sustained during the June 2020 police standoff.
“The case first went to [Justice Ralph] Porzio, who inexplicably made a finding that no domestic violence had occurred. There are pictures, newspaper articles, and an indictment,” the source said. “But McMahon had already killed the case, and [Brian] Laline [at the Staten Island Advance] stopped reporting.”
“Then the case went to [Justice Paul] Marrone. The most he could do for the poor woman was enter another Order of Protection: no money, no [domestic violence] finding, no nothing. Everyone knows what’s happening, but they all play dumb,” the source said.
The insider believes that the same things that happened to Carrie Costa will probably occur to Guy Simonetti.
“These judges will protect each other to a fault. It’s the worst-kept secret on Staten Island that Castorina perjured himself. But that was done to protect Judy McMahon, so he gets a pass. They will let domestic violence go if they believe the circumstances justify it. What makes anyone think that they won’t squeeze a disabled NYPD veteran and make him continue to suffer? These are not nice people,” the source said.
Guy Simonetti’s case raises fundamental issues of judicial integrity and perceptions of justice in the Divorce and Family Courts. We will know shortly what Simonetti will find with Justice Paul Marrone, Jr. Will it be a sympathetic ear?
Or will Marrone be another cog in New York’s divorce industrial complex who awards and upholds judicially sanctioned lies, larceny, and languish?
Stay tuned for follow-up coverage.