BY KAREN E. BOWES
Staff Writer
FREEHOLD – Eight months after allegedly attempting to abduct his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint, Anthony Spalliero has been indicted on charges of attempted kidnapping, unlawful possession of a gun and parole violation.
The 62-year-old housing developer is accused of approaching a 22-year-old ex-girlfriend in the parking lot of Brookdale Community College on Sept. 6, according to the Prosecutor’s Office.
The victim had driven to the campus and pulled into the parking lot a few minutes before her afternoon class, and was approached by Spalliero, who entered the victim’s car, according to a Prosecutor’s Office press release. The victim, still seated in the car, did not want to be late for her class and reportedly told Spalliero that she would talk to him later.
Spalliero pulled a loaded gun from his pants pocket and pointed it at her, according to the release. Spalliero then allegedly told the victim a number of times to “start the car” and threatened to kill her if she did not do what she was told.
Brookdale Police Officer Michael Halpin happened by on his bicycle and was able to assist the victim.
“Hysterically crying and screaming for help, the victim was able to escape from her car,” the release said. “The victim was so distraught that she was unable to speak at first and had to be provided oxygen by law enforcement personnel.”
A loaded .25-caliber firearm was found underneath the victim’s car. After fleeing the scene, Spalliero was arrested later in the day at his ex-wife’s home in Holmdel.
The well-known developer was indicted by a Monmouth County Grand Jury April 24 on six counts, including attempted kidnapping, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, aggravated assault by pointing a firearm, terroristic threats and contempt of court for violated his federal parole.
A pre-arraignment meeting will take place May 16, First Assistant Prosecutor Peter Warshaw said on Monday. At that time, an arraignment date will be chosen.
“Defendant Spalliero committed a serious criminal offense by attempting to abduct a young woman from a college campus,” Prosecutor Luis Valentin said in the release. “It is my hope that this matter can be brought to trial as expeditiously as possible.”
Spalliero is also facing parole violations stemming from federal charges issued in October.
The 14-count FBI indictment alleges Spalliero bribed Marlboro town officials in 2002 and 2003, with cash, liquor and entertainment such as boxing matches in Las Vegas and trips to Atlantic City, in return for the promise of development approvals and zoning changes. Also included within the federal indictment are four counts of mail fraud.
Because the Brookdale arrest violated his parole, his bail was revoked in September. He was briefly incarcerated in a Passaic County jail before being placed under house arrest at his daughter’s home in Hazlet due to health reasons.