Judge Recuses Himself From Pizza Prank Case

Town Justice Ronald Bianchi has recused himself from the pizza prank case that shocked the town late last month.

Maria Polera, 53, is accused of sending several unsolicited pizza orders to the home of Mayor/Supervisor Joan Walsh. Polera faces six counts of theft of services—misdemeanors—and a single charge of harassment, a violation. 

Bianchi oversaw Polera's arraignment on July 26, but recused himself at Polera's second appearance this week. Judge Marc Lust will take over the case when it resumes Aug. 30.

Bianchi did not give a reason for stepping down. He is a Democrat and former town supervisor. Polera had served as a district leader within the local Democratic party and had run for receiver of taxes in 2007 and 2009 as a Democrat.

Walsh, the current supervisor, is also a Democrat.

Police arrested Polera on July 12 after an investigation revealed she had been ordering the pizzas to Walsh's residence in West Harrison for the last six to eight months, according to police.

She is charged with ordering the pizzas to Walsh's home six times—including five orders on the night of May 23. Another order was made to the May 19 town board meeting, according to court documents.

Polera had been a political ally for Walsh, campaigning for her during the previous election. According to sources, Polera turned on the mayor because she was upset about crude comments Walsh allegedly made to her earlier this year. One source cited comments by the mayor about Polera's "body odor" and that Polera was "unelectable".

Polera has pleaded not guilty to all charges.