Township Manager Accused of Obstruction Has Court Conference Wednesday

Livingston Township Manager Michele Meade will be back before a West Caldwell judge on Wednesday as she faces charges stemming from a police exercise in April. 

Meade and her attorney Salvatore Alfano have a court conference scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday with West Caldwell Municipal Court Judge Bridget Stecher, according to the West Caldwell court administrator. The court administrator said the court conference will be conducted over the phone. 

The charges are related to a police exercise on April 19, during which resident Kelly Mollineaux alleged Meade assaulted her. 

On June 26, Meade first went before Stecher who found there was "probable cause" for Mollineaux's claim.

In addition, Meade faces two additional charges of disorderly conduct for abusive language toward a police officer and obstructing justice—both filed by Livingston Police Sgt. Kenneth Hanna. If convicted, the township manager could face a maximum of a $1,000 fine or six months in jail. 

Before the West Caldwell court date on June 26, Alfano said Meade would be “vindicated” of all charges.

“I believe the complaints are frivolous and she will be vindicated,” Alfano said previously. 

Neither Meade nor Alfano returned calls for comment on Tuesday.