Witnesses that were subpoenaed to appear before a state grand jury in Trenton on April 29 in connection with a local assemblyman will not have to appear after all.
Two weeks ago, detectives from the state Attorney General’s office interviewed more than a dozen people in connection with the 2004-2005 office operations of Assemblyman Anthony Chiappone. The investigation seemed to focus on whether or not there were any missing checks to Chiappone’s aides.
Representatives from the state Attorney General’s office contacted witnesses over the last few days, saying they will be not be required to appear.
Although Susan Case, a clerk for the attorney general’s office, said the hearing was postponed, Melissa Calkin, lead detective in the case, contacted Melba Walsh, saying her testimony would not be needed since the case is unlikely to go any further.
“She called me this morning and told me that the April 29th Grand Jury appearance was canceled,” Walsh said. “When I asked her if it was canceled or postponed, she told me that at this time it was canceled but not necessarily closed. She was a bit vague on any details on the status or future of the case.”
Patricia Mulligan, who was also subpoenaed, said she was relieved by the news, but wished the clerk at the Attorney General’s office had been clearer about the resolution.
“I asked if the case was cancelled, and she said the hearing was postponed,” Mulligan said.
But she said pressing the c lerk, it became clear to Mulligan that her testimony would not be required.
“I’m a very happy girl,” Mulligan said.
To read more about the investigation, go back to our homepage and scroll down to the Bayonne stories.