John Albanese Archives - New Jersey Globe

Sign-stealing trial delayed after defense attorney no-shows

February 6, 2025 2:12 pmFebruary 7, 2025 9:50 am

Readington Councilman John Albanese Jr. was supposed to go on trial Thursday morning in a dramatic case stemming from the theft of a half-dozen political signs last year. But when the judge gaveled the trial into session, his lawyer was...

Readington Councilman to face January trial in sign-stealing case

November 13, 2024 5:38 pmNovember 14, 2024 2:57 pm

A Readington councilman will face trial in January after he pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to stealing six political signs earlier this year. Police arrested Readington Councilman John Albanese Jr. in May when he stole a half-dozen political signs from...

Readington GOP leaders charged with placing a listening device to eavesdrop on rival’s meeting

October 21, 2024 4:35 pmOctober 21, 2024 11:27 pm

Prosecutors today charged two Readington Township women connected to a faction of the local Republican Party with planting a recording device at a local restaurant to record a private meeting of two elected officials who were their political opponents. Hunterdon...

Judge hears arguments on whether sign-stealing prosecution is ‘too trivial’

October 4, 2024 2:21 pmOctober 5, 2024 10:48 pm

In a case where GOP infighting turned into criminal charges, a Superior Court judge heard arguments Friday on whether the May theft of political signs is “too trivial” to prosecute. GOP factions in Readington have sparred since moderates in the...

Councilman arrested for stealing political signs says matter is ‘too trivial’ to prosecute

September 23, 2024 1:48 amSeptember 23, 2024 10:34 am

A New Jersey judge will decide next month whether stealing political signs is a crime, potentially opening the door to legalizing the theft of lawn signs in future campaigns. Readington Councilman John Albanese was arrested in May after stealing six...

Councilman arrested for theft after rivals put tracking device on political signs

May 24, 2024 12:39 amMay 24, 2024 4:44 pm

If you’re involved in politics, reading this story could save you thousands of dollars in legal fees and prevent you from inadvertently being charged with a crime. Around 11:30 PM last Friday, a Readington township committeeman was arrested in his...