Wednesday, October 14, 2009

NJ Superior Court Judge Under Fire

A New Jersey Superior Court judge is coming under fire from a wide array of victims and their families, some of whom have filed lawsuits alleging violations of their civil rights, racketeering, elder abuse and severe unethical behavior, among other crimes.

In one of the more recent cases, Judge Mary Margaret McVeigh is accused of sentencing 96-year-old Blanche Zwerdling to live in nursing home - against her wishes and those of her family - to ostensibly gain control of her trust fund and bank accounts. Full details can not yet be disclosed because the case and a potential investigation are ongoing, but further reports will follow.

According to a family member and court documents, the judge appointed three $300 per hour lawyers for Zwerdling - one as a guardian - while she was placed involuntarily in an assisted-living facility in New Jersey. In addition, her money is being wasted by the court while her health deteriorates, the family member said.

"My mother in law was so happy and comfortable in Florida," said her son-in-law. "Is this how you protect her? Spend her money without discretion, and say in open court: 'she has it so we can spend it.'"

Her grandson, who was the lawful trustee of the trust, was illegally removed without explanation, according to the son-in-law. The court-appointed guardian was subsequently put in charge. The granddaughter, who had lived with and cared for the woman for seven years, was thrown out on the street while the judge slapped her with a restraining order. No family members are allowed to speak with the elderly woman about her situation. And over $200,000 has been drained from her bank account by the court and the three lawyers so far, while many of her belongings were discarded at the whim of her "guardian."

Speaking to investigators, another son-in-law accused McVeigh of illegal eviction, illegal separation, illegal takeover of a trust, violation of the right to choose an attorney, failing to provide an accounting of the money that was being spent and even refusal to allow an assessment of the property after the unlawful eviction. The judge is also facing allegations of a conflict of interest in the case. Susan Champion, the court-appointed guardian, is allegedly a "very close friend" of McVeigh, the son told investigators. "It makes me think back to Nazi Germany," he added.

This is far from the first case that has called McVeigh's ethics and behavior into question.

Full Article and Source:
New Jersey Judge Under Fire for Alleged Corruption

12 comments:

jerri said...

oh this is gonna be a goooood one! golly gee they finally got one i hope this witch Judge Mary Margaret McVeigh who wears a costume on the bench has hot hot hot bon fire under her she needs to be held accountable prosecuted sentenced to life rotting in a federal cage as an example and while they're at it the prosecutors must get all the money back from the crooked
l a w y e r s and throw them in to rot with the wicked witch judge from New Jersey i am looking forward to every single detail thank you nasga for giving us the real news

Anonymous said...

This is a very proactive group of victims and I hope they join NASGA.

StandUp said...

Ah, it is good to see someone telling it like it is and backing up those allegations with action!

Good going!

AntiShyster said...

It's about time people started going after the judges when they violate their rights, instead of rolling over and taking it and letting the "Brethren" protect them!

Betty said...

It's good to see things heating up in New Jersey! I hope judge Mary Margaret McVeigh examines her conscience for validity of these claims and if she sees the truth of any of them, she'll take the steps necessary to correct the wrong.

Anonymous said...

I hope this family starts a website and puts all their evidence up for the world to see!

Anonymous said...

Look at all the lawyers feasting here. And the judge looks the other way.

Anonymous said...

I am a bit confused, did McVeigh want to gain control of the trust funds and bank accounts for herself? Or for the lawyers and guardian?

Sue said...

VULTURES!

Anonymous said...

I hope judge McVeigh is feeling the heat!

diane said...

I hope McVeigh gets hers. Go get them NJ victims and don't let up.

Anonymous said...

I am under the gun of this morone now. She has cost me an excessive amount of money,probably an additional $30k so far, in addition to what i am already paying my lawyers, because of her inability to make a decision. I am paying guardians, usless mediator cronies of hers, and more. This woman should not be in this position. She is abusive by means of inertia. When will she be held accountable for her actions? how much more will she cost me by not making decisions?