By Richard Luthmann
Monica Ciardi’s nightmare continues to unfold as she remains incarcerated in Essex County Jail in Newark, New Jersey. Despite expectations of her release on January 27, 2025, her detention drags on, raising serious questions about the charges against her, the prosecutors' behavior, and the system's integrity.
Her health is failing rapidly, and her case has become a glaring example of alleged institutional misconduct and systemic injustice.
Described by her supporters as a “Family Court Hostage” and a victim of “Weaponized Blue State Justice,” Ciardi’s plight is a glaring example of how the system can be turned against vulnerable individuals.
Advocates argue that her case represents a broader trend of institutional corruption and judicial overreach, where power dynamics dictate outcomes instead of evidence and fairness.
Richard Luthmann gave an update with his co-host and fellow investigative Journalist Michael Volpe on The Unknown Podcast.
As of press time, detailed questions sent to Assistant County Prosecutor Jessica Marshall and Ciardi’s public defenders remain unanswered, leaving a troubling void of accountability in this high-profile case.
A Family Court Hostage?
Monica Ciardi’s life has been turned upside down since her arrest, which stems from a bitter custody dispute with her ex-husband, John Uanis.
Uanis, a firearms instructor with close ties to Mendham Township Police, is alleged to have weaponized his connections to harass, intimidate, and silence Ciardi. Court filings reveal a troubling pattern of surveillance, manipulation, and possible collusion between Uanis, his current wife, Melanie Hemsey, and law enforcement.
Adding to the controversy, Ciardi alleges that Assistant County Prosecutor Jessica Marshall manipulated critical details in her case to ensure her continued incarceration. Text messages attributed to Ciardi reveal that prosecutors used a fabricated arrest date to block her release.
“Meagan says she has to go with Mendham’s lie about my arrest date, so I wouldn’t be released until Tuesday,” Ciardi wrote in one message.
This accusation raises serious questions about the integrity of the prosecution and the lengths to which officials may have gone to keep Ciardi behind bars.
A source close to the case remarked, "Don't you think it's odd that we have a police report written by Sgt. Rob Wysokowski on October 28, 2024, regarding a visit to Monica's house on October 23, but we have no arrest report for the 28th—the actual day of her arrest. Even if the arrest happened on the 29th, there’s still no arrest report.”
The source says the arrest report is a “critical piece of discovery” and missing.
“What's Mendham Township PD’s policy on the timing of written reports? These are the questions that need answers. With all the reports provided, the absence of an arrest report makes zero sense. This should have been addressed by now, and Monica should already be released," the source said.
Further fueling the fire is whether Ciardi was “magically” indicted on January 27 without due process. Documents reviewed by Ciardi’s advocates indicate no record of a pre-indictment hearing, a critical procedural step in criminal cases.
“So that means they will indict you on Monday without doing a pre-indictment hearing,” the conversation noted in another message.
If true, this would represent a grave violation of her constitutional rights and raise concerns about the transparency of the judicial process. Ciardi’s advocates point to a larger pattern of systemic retaliation, possibly tied to her adversarial history with Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald.
McDonald, formerly a Family Court judge, presided over Ciardi’s divorce case and has been accused of bias against her. Ciardi has a pending civil action against Somerset County’s chief law enforcement officer. Given his history with Ciardi, questions have been raised about whether her prosecution is politically motivated.
Critics argue that her detention is not about justice but about punishing a woman who dared to challenge the system.
While Ciardi languishes in jail, her physical health is deteriorating. Reports from Essex County Corrections confirm her worsening condition.
“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,” Essex Jail CPO Jacqueline Paz previously noted.
However, Ciardi’s advocates insist this care is woefully insufficient given her fragile state and the inhumane conditions of the jail.
The Facebook "Terroristic Threats" Against Morris County Judges
Monica Ciardi’s ordeal took a dark turn when her social media activity was weaponized against her. Prosecutors allege that Ciardi’s Facebook posts constituted “threats” against Morris County judges, including Judge Peter Bogaard.
The so-called threats? Posts criticizing the judiciary that omitted quotation marks created a pretext for accusations of incitement or hostility.
Judge Peter Bogaard, a central figure in Ciardi’s legal nightmare, is no stranger to controversy. Known for his sharp, often dismissive courtroom demeanor, Bogaard has faced criticism for bias in family court cases.
In a February 2024 hearing, he described Ciardi as “crazy. He openly admitted to orchestrating her re-arrest, stating, “I mean, believe me, I have some cases where people are doing things that are crazy. I’m calling Adult Protective Services on a case right now ... because of some stuff that the person posted and put out there.”
Such remarks, documented in court transcripts, paint a picture of a judiciary seemingly determined to vilify Ciardi.
Other judges allegedly targeted by Ciardi’s social media posts have not been publicly identified, but advocates argue that the claims of threats are exaggerated and lack substantive evidence.
“This isn’t about threats,” said one legal expert following the case. “This is about silencing a mother who dared to expose the system’s flaws.”
Institutional DARVO and a Lack of Accountability
The charges against Ciardi, tied to accusations of violating a restraining order and related offenses, have drawn widespread scrutiny. Discovery documents reveal allegations that Uanis and Hemsey engaged in relentless harassment and surveillance of Ciardi, painting a picture of a coordinated effort to discredit her.
Among the allegations are claims that Uanis tampered with Ciardi’s personal devices to access sensitive information, which he then used to smear her reputation. Hemsey is also accused of orchestrating anonymous harassment campaigns, including vile messages aimed at undermining Ciardi’s credibility and mental health.
In an ironic twist of justice, Ciardi—who claims to be the victim of extensive domestic abuse—has been painted as the aggressor by the very institutions meant to protect her.
Advocates for Ciardi describe this as a textbook example of institutional DARVO: Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim, and Offender. By flipping the narrative, Ciardi’s abuser, Uanis, has allegedly weaponized the system to punish her for speaking out.
The unanswered questions from Assistant County Prosecutor Jessica Marshall and Ciardi’s public defenders only deepen this case's mystery. Among the most pressing are:
Why was Ciardi not released on her scheduled disposition day?
What charges, if any, justify her continued detention?
Is there a true bill of indictment, or is her incarceration based on fabricated evidence and manipulated timelines?
These questions demand immediate answers, yet the authorities persist in silence.
A Call for Transparency and Justice
The lack of transparency in Ciardi’s case has fueled outrage among her supporters and the public. Detailed questions sent to Assistant County Prosecutor Jessica Marshall and Ciardi’s public defenders have gone unanswered, adding to the perception of a cover-up.
We sent questions to Monica Ciardi’s public defenders. We received no response as of press time. Here is what we asked:
From: Richard Luthmann <richard.luthmann@protonmail.com>
Date: On Monday, January 27th, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Subject: Monica Ciardi - Information
To: diane.carl@opd.nj.gov <diane.carl@opd.nj.gov>, Meagan.mcgurl@opd.nj.gov <Meagan.mcgurl@opd.nj.gov>
Hello,I am an investigative reporter covering Monica Ciardi's case. I am publishing a piece about Monica's continued detention.
I have a few questions which I was hoping you as her counsel could answer. These questions aim to clarify the legal basis for Monica Ciardi’s continued detention and explore the broader concerns regarding prosecutorial and judicial ethics and misconduct in her case. Please provide detailed responses to ensure transparency and accountability in addressing these serious allegations.
1. Status of Disposition and Indictment- Why was Monica Ciardi not released on January 27, 2025, her scheduled disposition day? What procedural issues occurred?
- Was Monica Ciardi indicted today? If so, what charges were brought against her, and where is the official documentation or true bill of indictment?
- Can you clarify whether a pre-indictment hearing was conducted? If not, why was this step skipped?
2. Role of Morris County Prosecutor Jessica Marshall
- Has Jessica Marshall been involved in today's developments? If so, how does her involvement align with ethical prosecutorial standards?
- What evidence or claims support that Monica was "magically" indicted today, as alleged in her communications received from a protected source? Was this done without proper court filings or hearings?
3. Arrest Date Discrepancy
- Monica’s communications allege that her arrest date was misrepresented by Mendham Township. How has this impacted her case and detention timeline?
- Was the court informed of this alleged false arrest date? If not, why has this discrepancy not been corrected?
- It is alleged that Assistant Morris County prosecutor knew about the misrepresentation last week and did not alert the Court. Is that true?
4. Legal Representation and Habeas Corpus
- Monica claims she has been held without effective legal representation. What actions are being taken to address her claims that she lacks adequate counsel?
- Are you considering filing a writ of habeas corpus to challenge her continued detention without a true bill of indictment or appropriate judicial oversight?
5. Allegations in Jail Communications
- Monica's jail communications suggest that ethical violations occurred in handling her case. For example, she references deliberate decisions to lie about her arrest date and delay her release. How do you address these allegations?
- Can you confirm or deny whether judges, prosecutors, or law enforcement influenced the adjournment or delay of her release?
6. Mendham's Lie
- Monica alleges she was told by counsel that she must "go with Mendham's lie" regarding the arrest date to avoid alerting the court. How do you respond to this serious accusation?
- Is there evidence of improper communications or agreements between the prosecution and other officials to delay Monica’s release or manipulate her case?
7. Systemic Bias and Institutional DARVO
- Monica has expressed concerns about systemic bias and "Institutional DARVO," where the victim is portrayed as the perpetrator. How do you address her claims of systemic bias and retaliation?
- Has an independent investigation been requested or initiated into the handling of Monica’s case by prosecutors, law enforcement, or court officials?
8. Health and Welfare
- Given Monica's deteriorating health, as documented by jail officials, what immediate steps are being taken to ensure her well-being?
- How does her current detention align with the principles of justice and humane treatment, especially considering her allegations of abuse and systemic failures?
9. Procedural Transparency
- Why does it appear there is a lack of transparency in the actions of the prosecution and court regarding Monica’s case?
- How will you ensure Monica receives due process and that her case proceeds in a transparent and lawful manner?
10. Broader Implications
- Monica’s case has garnered significant attention due to allegations of corruption, retaliation, and ethical misconduct. What steps are being taken to ensure that her case is handled impartially and without the perception of impropriety?
- Can you provide assurance that Monica’s legal and constitutional rights are being protected as this case moves forward?
Thank you in advance for your concern and comments. If I publish before you have a chance to respond, I will include any responses in a follow-up.
Regards,
Richard Luthmann
Writer, Journalist, and Commentator
We also asked Assistant Morris County Prosecutor Jessica Marshall for a case update and comments about serious claims. We received no response as of press time. Here is what we asked:
From: Richard Luthmann <richard.luthmann@protonmail.com>
Date: On Monday, January 27th, 2025 at 10:54 PM
Subject: Monica Ciardi Case
To: jmarshall@co.morris.nj.us <jmarshall@co.morris.nj.us>
Assistant Prosecutor Marshall,I am an investigative reporter covering Monica Ciardi's case. I am publishing a piece about Monica's continued detention.
I have a few questions which I was hoping you could answer. These questions aim to clarify the legal basis for Monica Ciardi’s continued detention, concerns about the integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct of the prosecution's handling of Monica Ciardi’s case. and ensure accountability in addressing the allegations surrounding today’s developments.1. Status of Disposition
- Why was Monica Ciardi not released on January 27, 2025, as expected, despite it being her disposition day?
- Can you clarify whether Monica Ciardi was "magically" indicted today, as alleged? If so, what are the charges, and where is the true bill of indictment?
2. Role in Current Developments
- What role did your office play in the delay of Monica Ciardi's release or the alleged indictment process?
- Were there any procedural or ethical justifications for Monica Ciardi's continued detention?
3. Indictment Questions
- Can you confirm whether a grand jury was convened for Monica Ciardi’s case today? If so, what evidence was presented to justify the indictment?
- Why was the alleged indictment not communicated transparently to Monica's legal team and the court?
4. Arrest Date Discrepancy
- Monica Ciardi alleges that her arrest date was misrepresented by Mendham Township authorities. Was your office aware of this discrepancy, and what steps were taken to correct it?
- How does this alleged misrepresentation align with your office’s ethical obligations?
5. Communication Between Parties
- Monica claims that a representative named Meagan stated she must "go with Mendham’s lie" about the arrest date to avoid alerting the court. Can you confirm or deny whether this communication occurred?
- What measures are in place to ensure that communications between prosecutors and other parties remain ethical and transparent?
6. Ethical Conduct and Systemic Bias
- How do you address allegations that the prosecution has acted in a biased manner against Monica Ciardi, including claims of retaliation and "Institutional DARVO" tactics?
- Has your office conducted or requested an independent review of Monica Ciardi’s case to ensure ethical conduct and procedural fairness?
7. Procedural Concerns
- Why has Monica Ciardi been held without effective legal representation, as she claims? How does this align with her right to adequate defense?
- Can you provide clarity on whether your office influenced the delay or adjournment of Monica's disposition?
8. Health and Welfare Concerns
- Monica Ciardi’s health is reportedly deteriorating in Essex County Jail. How does your office justify her continued detention under these circumstances?
- What steps have been taken to ensure her well-being while she remains in custody?
9. Transparency and Accountability
- Why does there appear to be a lack of transparency in your office’s handling of Monica Ciardi’s case?
- How will you ensure the public that your office’s actions adhere to ethical standards and principles of justice?
10. Broader Implications
- Monica Ciardi’s case has attracted significant attention, with allegations of corruption and systemic misconduct. What steps are being taken to address these claims and ensure public trust in your office?
- How do you respond to concerns that this case represents a misuse of prosecutorial discretion and resources to punish a victim of abuse?
11. Specific to Today’s Events
- Was there any directive or communication from your office to jail officials, legal representatives, or the court that led to Monica Ciardi not being released?
- Can you provide a timeline of today’s events, including any court proceedings, grand jury meetings, or other relevant developments?
12. Exculpatory Evidence
- Monica Ciardi alleges that significant exculpatory evidence, including affidavits and discovery materials, has been ignored. Can you address whether this evidence was reviewed by your office and its impact on her case?
- How does your office ensure compliance with Brady obligations in cases such as Monica Ciardi’s?
13. Legal and Procedural Integrity
- Are you confident that all actions taken by your office in Monica Ciardi’s case are in full compliance with New Jersey and federal legal standards?
- How do you address claims that this prosecution is politically motivated, particularly given Monica’s prior and present adversarial history with Morris County officials and the Somerset County prosecutor?
Thank you in advance for your concern and comments. If I publish before you have a chance to respond, I will include any responses in a follow-up.
Regards,
Richard Luthmann
Writer, Journalist, and Commentator
Advocates are now calling for an independent investigation into the handling of her case, including the conduct of prosecutors, Mendham Township Police, and the Morris County judiciary.
For Monica Ciardi, every passing day in jail is another step closer to what her supporters describe as a “death sentence.”
As her health deteriorates and her legal battles drag on, her case has become a flashpoint in the broader conversation about systemic corruption and the weaponization of the justice system.
The world watches as this New Jersey mother fights for her life, freedom, and children. Will justice prevail, or will Monica Ciardi become another casualty of a system that values power over truth?
Share this post