N.J. Judge Arrested For Allegedly Hindering Search For Her Live-In Boyfriend

TRENTON (CBSNewYork) -- A New Jersey judge has been suspended after prosecutors said she blocked authorities looking for a suspected armed robber.

State Superior Court Judge Carlia Brady, 41, was arrested Tuesday at her home in Woodbridge, and is charged in Middlesex County with hindering the apprehension of a person.

The prosecutor's office alleged that Brady harbored suspected armed robber Jason Prontnicki in her home for about an hour.

Prontnicki is her live-in boyfriend, 1010 WINS reported. He was also arrested.

Prontnicki allegedly demanded drugs at a pharmacy, while brandishing a tire-iron, but left empty handed. Authorities eventually traced Prontnicki to Brady's home.

The complaint against Brady alleges that she "knowingly harbored Jason Prontnicki, a known fugitive, in her residence for approximately one hour and never making any attempt to contact law enforcement."

No comment was available at Brady's home, but mental health professionals told CBS 2's Tony Aiello that the charges could stem from a massive failure of judgment.

"If she was, is, an ethical person, maybe she kind of rationalized it out that she was being helpful, of assistance to her boyfriend, just the wrong thought on this particular problem," explained psychologist Dr. Bart Rossi.

Neighbors were surprised by the allegations.

"It's really shocking and kind of appalling, you know, to be honest with you," William Cooper said.

Brady was suspended without pay. An advisory committee on judicial conduct is looking into the matter. Brady will appear in front of a judge next week.

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