A state Superior Court judge from Woodbridge has been indicted on charges that she hindered the apprehension of a known fugitive.
The three-count indictment returned May 13 by a Somerset County grand jury stems from the June 2013 arrest of Carlia M. Brady, now 42.
At the time of her arrest, Brady was accused of harboring Jason D. Prontnicki in her residence on Coolidge Avenue for approximately one hour without making any attempt to contact law enforcement.
Prontnicki, who was described as Brady’s live-in companion, was wanted in connection with the armed robbery of a pharmacy in Old Bridge the prior April, according to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, which took over the case due to Brady’s status as a Superior Court judge in Middlesex County.
The investigation revealed that from June 10-11, 2013, after being advised of an outstanding arrest warrant for Prontnicki, Brady concealed him in her home and offered to provide or aid him in obtaining money, transportation or clothing as a means of avoiding discovery or apprehension, according to the prosecutor’s office.
The indictment includes a count of second-degree official misconduct by refraining from performing a duty inherent in the office of Superior Court judge. The count stems from Brady’s alleged failure to enforce an arrest warrant for Prontnicki by not adequately notifying the Woodbridge police of his intended appearance or presence at her residence.
The second count in the indictment charges that Brady committed third-degree hindering by harboring or concealing Prontnicki in her home.
The final count charges that Brady committed third-degree hindering by offering to provide or aid Prontnicki with money, transportation or clothing to assist him in avoiding arrest.
Brady was suspended without pay following her arrest in June 2013. She had been sitting in the Civil Division of the Middlesex County Courthouse after being sworn in as a judge on April 5, 2013.
She was released on her own recognizance following her arrest.