The New York State Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo Announces Criminal Charges Against Orange County Grand Juror For Leaking Secret Information During Major Narcotics Investigation

ALBANY, NY (January 25, 2010) - Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced criminal charges against an Orange County woman for allegedly leaking secret grand jury testimony related to an investigation into major cocaine, marijuana, and prescription medication distribution networks.

According to the criminal complaint filed today, Jill Giunta, 22, of Monroe, provided information to a target of the grand jury investigation, who she knew because they both worked at Woodbury Commons. While empanelled on a grand jury from September to November 2009 she disclosed to the target who was being investigated, the fact that phones were being wiretapped, and the physical description of a witness who had provided testimony. The target in turn passed this information on to others, some of whom then took precautions in an attempt to avoid arrest, such as staying at locations other than their residences.

“The integrity of the judicial system depends in large measure on maintaining the secrecy of grand jury proceedings,” said Attorney General Cuomo. “Grand jury leaks can endanger law enforcement officers, witnesses, and ultimately hinder the ability to bring criminals to justice.”

The narcotics investigation was dubbed “Operation Burning Plant” and led to charges against 44 people, all of whom were ultimately apprehended. Approximately seven ounces of cocaine with an estimated street value of $10,000, 27 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $172,000, 62 Vicodin pills and approximately $83,000 in cash were seized. Currently, 35 defendants have pleaded guilty and face sentences of up to 3 years in prison.

Giunta is charged with unlawful Grand Jury disclosure (class E felony) and obstructing governmental administration (class A misdemeanor). She was arraigned in Woodbury Town Court and released on her own recognizance pending a future court appearance. If found guilty, Giunta faces a maximum of 4 years in prison.

The Attorney General thanks the New York State Police, who conducted this investigation jointly with the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force (“OCTF”).

The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case was handled by OCTF Assistant Deputy Attorney General Michael Sharpe, under the supervision of Executive Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice Robin L. Baker and OCTF First Assistant Peri Alyse Kadanoff.