In a bit of a role reversal, Anthony Picheca takes
post on Superior Court — which new judge once held
By:Audrey Levine
The Township Committee unanimously approved Green Brook resident and lawyer John Richardson as municipal judge at the July 10 meeting, replacing Anthony Picheca, who was appointed to the New Jersey Superior Court in June.
Judge Richardson served as Superior Court judge for Somerset County from 1999 until 2002, when he resigned after pleading guilty to failure to maintain records of receipts of cash from clients, according to a 2002 press release from the U.S. Department of Justice.
Judge Richardson admitted that he had received an excess of $160,000 in cash from a client that was then deposited into his attorney trust account. The money was later used in a real estate transaction, but he did not file the correct form with the Internal Revenue Service.
The IRS requires that Form 8300 be filled out and submitted upon receipts of cash payments of $10,000 or more.
"The circumstances of Judge Richardson leaving the bench was known and considered by the Township Committee," said Kevin Davis, township clerk. "The Township Committee is also aware that the New Jersey Supreme Court has determined that Judge Richardson is qualified to practice law and to hold the position of municipal judge."
Judge Richardson served as judicial law clerk for Somerset County from 1968 to 1969, and associate attorney with Halpern, Schachter & Wohl in Somerville in 1970.
From 1983 to 1986, he served as partner with Lieberman, Ryan, Richardson, Welaj & Miller in Somerville. Throughout the years, he has also served as a solo practitioner, emphasizing criminal defense, civil litigation and family law.
In addition to his law practices, Judge Richardson has served as attorney for the borough of Manville, a councilman in North Plainfield and attorney with the Somerset County Planning Board.
A municipal judge’s responsibility lies in dealing with ordinance violations, motor vehicle bureau tickets and other township affairs.
"Judge Richardson’s previous judicial experience weighed favorably in the Township Committee’s decision to appoint him as municipal judge," Mr. Davis said. "His past performance as a judge gives every indication he can manage the municipal court effectively."