Wikipedia

Geno Marconi

Geno Marconi (born September 14, 1951) is the Director of Ports and Harbors for the state of New Hampshire. He has held this position for several years, overseeing vessel traffic on the Piscataqua River. Marconi’s career has been marked by both accomplishments and controversies, including recent criminal charges and earlier allegations of misconduct.[1] As of April 2024, Marconi has been placed on paid administrative leave.[2][3]

Geno Marconi
Personal details
BornSeptember 14, 1951
NationalityAmerican
SpouseAnna Hantz Marconi

Early life

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Marconi was born on September 14, 1951, to Eugene J. Marconi and Evelyn E. Marconi (née Ladrie).[4] He was raised on the seacoast of New Hampshire, where he worked in the commercial fishing industry with his family. During this time, Marconi operated vessels engaged in harvesting lobster, ground fish, and northern shrimp.

Career

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Marconi began his formal maritime career in 1975 when he was appointed Portsmouth Harbor Master. In 1979, his role expanded to include managing the state-owned Portsmouth Commercial Fish Pier. He holds a United States Merchant Marine Officer license as a Master of Vessels under 1600 Gross Tons, with an endorsement for towing vessels. Over the years, Marconi has captained a variety of ships, including coastal cruise ships and towing vessels, operating in regions such as the Pacific Northwest, Southeast Alaska, the Great Lakes, the Canadian Maritimes, and the Caribbean.[1][5] He is an Accredited Maritime Port Executive (AMPE),[6] certified by the International Association of Maritime and Port Executives (IAMPE).[7] Marconi also serves on the Board of Directors for the North Atlantic Ports Association.[8][1][5] Since 1987, he has been a member of the New Hampshire Advisory Committee on Marine Fisheries, a government entity established under N.H. Rev. Stat. § 211:60,[9] becoming its chairman in 2002. Additionally, Marconi has contributed to several state commissions, including New Hampshire’s Offshore Wind Energy Study Commission.[10][1][5]

Recognition

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In 2023, Geno Marconi received the IAMPE Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the port and maritime industries. He is one of only five individuals to have been honored with this award.[5]

Controversies

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2006 Allegations and Reappointment

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In 2006, Marconi was reappointed as Director of Ports and Harbors despite accusations that he had used racist language in the workplace.[11][12][13] He admitted to using a racial slur to describe a ship captain of Middle Eastern descent but denied other allegations of inappropriate comments. After an investigation,[14][15] Marconi was required to undergo diversity training and issued a public apology, reaffirming his commitment to professionalism.[16][17] The New Hampshire Executive Council confirmed his reappointment, and Governor John Lynch did not veto the decision, although he described the remarks as "offensive and inappropriate."[18]

Additional allegations were raised regarding Marconi’s management practices, including claims that he misused public resources by using a state-issued vehicle for personal errands and accepting gifts from ship captains and fishermen.[19][20] The Pease Development Authority reviewed these complaints and determined that Marconi’s actions were within the rules, though they noted that reforms would be considered.[21]

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Following the 2006 investigation, one of Marconi's accusers, Bill Roach, a longshoreman and president of the New Hampshire chapter of the International Longshoremen’s Association,[22] reported a series of disturbing incidents, including a drive-by shooting at his home,[23][24][25][26][27][28][29] a fake tombstone bearing his initials left at the port,[30][31][32] and a cage of dead rats placed outside his house.[33][29] Despite three separate police investigations, no charges were filed, and Marconi denied any involvement.[21]

Roach, along with other longshoremen, filed a whistleblower lawsuit against the state, claiming that Marconi had retaliated by taking away their port jobs. However, the New Hampshire Supreme Court dismissed the lawsuit, ruling that the longshoremen were contractors rather than state employees and, therefore, were not eligible for whistleblower protections.[34][21]

2024 Defense by Bradley Cook

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During a May 1, 2024, Pease Development Authority (PDA) meeting, Bradley Cook, chairman of the Port Advisory Council, defended Marconi. Cook emphasized Marconi’s integrity and professional abilities, noting that the council had unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Marconi. He expressed concerns about the political climate, stating:

"The current political cesspool contains those who will stop at nothing to demonstrate power over anyone who is in disagreement with them and is principled enough to express that disagreement publicly."

Cook highlighted that, despite past policy disagreements, Marconi's honesty was never in question.[35]

2024 Criminal Charges

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In October 2024, Geno Marconi was indicted on two Class B felonies: Tampering with Witnesses and Informants[36][37] and Falsifying Physical Evidence.[38][39] He was also indicted on four Class A misdemeanors: two counts of Driver Privacy Act Violations[40][41][42] and two counts of Obstructing Government Administration.[43][44][45][46] The New Hampshire Attorney General’s office alleges that Marconi deleted voicemails and provided confidential motor vehicle records to a third party.[47] He has been on paid administrative leave since April 2024.[48][49][50][51][52][53]

Bradley Cook, chairman of the Port Advisory Council, was also indicted on a Class B felony for Perjury[54][55] and two Class A misdemeanors for False Swearing.[56][57][58][59][47][51]

Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi, Geno Marconi's wife and a New Hampshire Supreme Court Associate Justice,[60] was also indicted for two Class B felonies: one count of Attempt to Commit Improper Influence[61][62][63] and one count of Criminal Solicitation of Improper Influence.[64][65][66] She also faces five Class A misdemeanors: two counts of Criminal Solicitation of Misuse of Position,[67][68][69][70] one count of Criminal Solicitation of Official Oppression,[71][72][73] one count of Official Oppression,[74][75] and one count of Obstructing Government Administration.[76][77][78] She is accused of attempting to influence the investigation into her husband by soliciting New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu to expedite its conclusion.[79][80]

Justice Hantz Marconi has been placed on paid administrative leave since July 25, 2024,[81][82][83][84] and her legal team asserts that she is innocent of the charges.[85]

New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella commented on the case, stating, “The decision to charge a sitting Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court was not made lightly, and it comes after careful and thoughtful deliberation. It is my hope that the public will be reassured that all individuals, including public officials, are treated equally under the law.”[79]

See also

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   • Pease Development Authority
   • Anna Hantz Marconi

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Wood, Rodger (March 26, 2024). "Roger Wood Talks NH Port Safety with Geno Marconi After Baltimore Bridge Collapse". InDepthNH.org. Archived from the original on April 25, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
  2. ^ O'Brien, Kelly (April 25, 2024). "New Hampshire Attorney General's Office looking into Port Authority director". WMUR-TV. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
  3. ^ Bookman, Todd (April 25, 2024). "Head of NH Port Authority placed on administrative leave". New Hampshire Public Radio. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  4. ^ Dinan, Elizabeth (June 5, 2018). "Evelyn Marconi, Portsmouth Republican icon, dies at 92". Foster's Daily Democrat. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d "IAMPE Honors Capt Geno Marconi with Lifetime Achievement Award". International Association of Maritime and Port Executives (IAMPE). July 11, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  6. ^ "Accredited Maritime Port Executive". International Association of Maritime and Port Executives (IAMPE). Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  7. ^ "About Us - IAMPE". International Association of Maritime and Port Executives (IAMPE).
  8. ^ "North Atlantic Ports Association, Inc. - Officers and Directors". North Atlantic Ports Association. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  9. ^ "N.H. Rev. Stat. § 211:60". Advisory Committee on Marine Fisheries (Statute). Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  10. ^ "New Hampshire Commission to Study Offshore Wind and Port Development - About the Commission". New Hampshire Commission to Study Offshore Wind and Port Development. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  11. ^ "N.H. official reappointed despite racist remark". NBC News. September 13, 2006. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  12. ^ Dinan, Elizabeth (September 16, 2006). "Report on racial slur released". Seacoast Media Group. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  13. ^ Manning, Colin (September 14, 2006). "Marconi admits racial slurs; OK'd for PDA post". Foster's Daily Democrat. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  14. ^ Manning, Colin (August 24, 2006). "Lynch mum on Marconi nomination". Foster's Daily Democrat. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  15. ^ Manning, Colin (June 22, 2006). "Marconi reappointment to port job on hold amid questions". Foster's Daily Democrat. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  16. ^ "Marconi's slur shows state has lower standard". The Portsmouth Herald. September 16, 2006. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  17. ^ Kanner, Matt (October 21, 2006). "PDA punishes Marconi". Foster's Daily Democrat. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  18. ^ Love, Norma (September 14, 2006). "AP: Marconi reappointed ports director after admitting to making racist remark". Associated Press. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  19. ^ Manning, Colin (September 20, 2006). "Port workers claim they are victims of retribution". Foster's Daily Democrat. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  20. ^ Dinan, Elizabeth (September 16, 2006). "AG: Marconi took gifts, used state vehicles for personal tasks". Seacoast Media Group. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  21. ^ a b c Fisher, Damien (August 4, 2024). "Supreme Court Mystery Continues as Marconi's Past Comes Into View". InsideSources. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  22. ^ International Longshoremen's Association, AFL-CIO (2009). 2009 Directory of Officers and Locals (PDF). New York: International Longshoremen's Association. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
  23. ^ Goot, Michael (August 25, 2007). "Rye car, home riddled with bullets". Foster's Daily Democrat. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  24. ^ "No one hurt as bullet hits house of union boss in N.H." Barre Montpelier Times Argus. August 25, 2007. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  25. ^ "Agencies look into drive-by shooting". Rutland Herald. August 31, 2007. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  26. ^ Dinan, Elizabeth (September 13, 2011). "Police 'exhausted all avenues' in probe of Rye shootings". Seacoast Media Group. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  27. ^ "Probe in Rye drive-by shooting hits a wall". Foster's Daily Democrat. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  28. ^ "Documents released in 2007 Rye shooting". WMUR-TV. June 25, 2012. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  29. ^ a b Dinan, Elizabeth (June 25, 2012). "Rye drive-by shooting report: 'I've never been so afraid in my life'". The Portsmouth Herald. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  30. ^ Dinan, Elizabeth (August 26, 2007). "'Tombstone' left for union boss". The Portsmouth Herald. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  31. ^ "Agencies looking into Rye drive-by shooting, tombstone incident". Foster's Daily Democrat. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  32. ^ Dinan, Elizabeth (January 17, 2008). "'Not guilty' verdict handed down in tombstone trial". Seacoast Media Group. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  33. ^ Dinan, Elizabeth (August 28, 2007). "Union boss: request to address threats unanswered". Seacoast Media Group. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  34. ^ Dinan, Elizabeth (January 22, 2008). "Port Authority: Whistleblower's case lacks whistleblowers". Seacoast Media Group. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  35. ^ McMenemy, Jeff (May 31, 2024). "Suspended Port Authority Director Geno Marconi defender cites 'political cesspool'". The Portsmouth Herald. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  36. ^ "N.H. Rev. Stat. § 641:5, II". Tampering with Witnesses and Informants (Statute). Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  37. ^ "Indictment - Tampering with Witnesses and Informants" (PDF). New Hampshire Judicial Branch. October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  38. ^ "N.H. Rev. Stat. § 641:6, I". Falsifying Physical Evidence (Statute). Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  39. ^ "Indictment - Falsifying Physical Evidence" (PDF). New Hampshire Judicial Branch. October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  40. ^ "N.H. Rev. Stat. § 260:14, IX(a)". Driver Privacy Act Violations (Statute). Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  41. ^ "First Indictment - Driver Privacy Act Violation" (PDF). New Hampshire Judicial Branch. October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  42. ^ "Second Indictment - Driver Privacy Act Violation" (PDF). New Hampshire Judicial Branch. October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  43. ^ "N.H. Rev. Stat. § 642:1, I". Obstructing Government Administration (Statute). Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  44. ^ "First Indictment - Obstructing Government Administration" (PDF). New Hampshire Judicial Branch. October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  45. ^ "Second Indictment - Obstructing Government Administration" (PDF). New Hampshire Judicial Branch. October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  46. ^ State of New Hampshire v. Geno Joseph Marconi, No. 218-2024-CR-01426 (N.H. Super. Ct. Rockingham Cty.), Text.
  47. ^ a b "Indictments of Geno Marconi and Bradley Cook" (Press release). Michael S. Garrity. New Hampshire Department of Justice. October 17, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  48. ^ "New Hampshire's Port Director and His Wife, a Judge, Are Both Facing Criminal Charges". U.S. News & World Report. October 17, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  49. ^ Porter, Steven (October 17, 2024). "N.H. Port Authority Director Geno Marconi indicted on witness tampering charge". The Boston Globe. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  50. ^ "NH Ports and Harbors director indicted, one day after his wife was charged with alleged interference". New Hampshire Public Radio. October 17, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  51. ^ a b West, Nancy (October 17, 2024). "Geno Marconi, Bradley Cook Indicted Day After AG Releases Justice Hantz Marconi Charges". InDepthNH.org. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  52. ^ "NH port director Geno Marconi indicted a day after his wife, a NH Supreme Court justice". Seacoast Media Group. October 17, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  53. ^ O'Brien, Kelly (Oct 17, 2024). "NH Port Authority director indicted day after wife accused of interfering with investigation". WMUR-TV. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  54. ^ "N.H. Rev. Stat. § 641:1, I". Perjury (Statute). Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  55. ^ "Indictment - Perjury" (PDF). New Hampshire Judicial Branch. October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  56. ^ "N.H. Rev. Stat. § 641:2, I(a)". False Swearing (Statute). Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  57. ^ "First Indictment - False Swearing" (PDF). New Hampshire Judicial Branch. October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  58. ^ "Second Indictment - False Swearing" (PDF). New Hampshire Judicial Branch. October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  59. ^ State of New Hampshire v. Bradley Joseph Cook, No. 218-2024-CR-01425 (N.H. Super. Ct. Rockingham Cty.), Text.
  60. ^ "Associate Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi". New Hampshire Judicial Branch. August 8, 2017. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  61. ^ "N.H. Rev. Stat. § 629:1, I". Attempt - Inchoate Crimes (Statute). Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  62. ^ "N.H. Rev. Stat. § 640:3, I(b)". Improper Influence (Statute). Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  63. ^ "Indictment - Attempt to Commit Improper Influence" (PDF). New Hampshire Judicial Branch. October 16, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  64. ^ "N.H. Rev. Stat. § 629:2, I". Criminal Solicitation - Inchoate Crimes (Statute). Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  65. ^ "N.H. Rev. Stat. § 640:3, I(b)". Improper Influence (Statute). Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  66. ^ "Indictment - Criminal Solicitation (Improper Influence)" (PDF). New Hampshire Judicial Branch. October 16, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  67. ^ "N.H. Rev. Stat. § 629:2, I". Criminal Solicitation - Inchoate Crimes (Statute). Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  68. ^ "N.H. Rev. Stat. § 21-G:23, II". Misuse of Position (Statute). Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  69. ^ "First Indictment - Criminal Solicitation (Misuse of Position)" (PDF). New Hampshire Judicial Branch. October 16, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  70. ^ "Second Indictment - Criminal Solicitation (Misuse of Position)" (PDF). New Hampshire Judicial Branch. October 16, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  71. ^ "N.H. Rev. Stat. § 629:2, I". Criminal Solicitation - Inchoate Crimes (Statute). Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  72. ^ "N.H. Rev. Stat. § 643:1". Official Oppression (Statute). Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  73. ^ "Indictment - Criminal Solicitation (Official Oppression)" (PDF). New Hampshire Judicial Branch. October 16, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  74. ^ "N.H. Rev. Stat. § 643:1". Official Oppression (Statute). Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  75. ^ "Indictment - Official Oppression" (PDF). New Hampshire Judicial Branch. October 16, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  76. ^ "N.H. Rev. Stat. § 642:1, I". Obstructing Government Administration (Statute). Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  77. ^ "Indictment - Obstructing Government Administration" (PDF). New Hampshire Judicial Branch. October 16, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  78. ^ State of New Hampshire v. Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi, No. 217-2024-CR-01167 (N.H. Super. Ct. Merrimack Cty.), Text.
  79. ^ a b "State of New Hampshire v. Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi" (Press release). Michael S. Garrity. New Hampshire Department of Justice. October 16, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  80. ^ West, Nancy (October 16, 2024). "Justice Hantz Marconi Indicted For Trying To Interfere with Husband Geno Marconi's Criminal Investigation". InDepthNH.org. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  81. ^ "New Hampshire Supreme Court Issues Order Regarding Associate Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi" (Press release). Av Harris. New Hampshire Judicial Branch. July 26, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  82. ^ State of New Hampshire, Supreme Court of New Hampshire, Administrative Order (Supreme Court of New Hampshire July 25, 2024).
  83. ^ "New Hampshire Supreme Court Extends Leave Order Regarding Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi" (Press release). Av Harris. New Hampshire Judicial Branch. October 17, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  84. ^ State of New Hampshire, Supreme Court of New Hampshire, Administrative Order (Supreme Court of New Hampshire October 17, 2024).
  85. ^ Steve, LeBlanc (October 16, 2024). "New Hampshire Supreme Court justice indicted for allegedly interfering with probe of husband". Associated Press. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
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   • Pease Development Authority
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