Point Boro Man Hires Former Prosecutor

Ex-Wall Township Schools Superintendent James Habel has hired a former high ranking member of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office after investigators from that same office conducted an early morning raid on his Point Pleasant home Thursday.

Habel has hired former First Assistant Monmouth County Prosecutor Robert A. Honecker Jr. to represent him, Honecker confirmed Friday.

"Mr. Habel intends to fully cooperate with the Prosecutor's Office, and we'll see where this investigation concludes,'' Honecker said. "Obviously, we think that when it does conclude, Mr. Habel will be exonerated."

. The office also served subpoenas late last month to the Wall Township Schools administrative offices for records relating to Habel.

Honecker said Habel retained him earlier this week, ahead of Thursday's raid. it became clear, Honecker said, that investigators were looking for documents relating to Habel's employment with the Wall School district. He was not more specific.

Habel, who served as Wall Schools chief from 2003 until his retirement in June, has not been charged with a crime.

Christopher Gramiccioni has not said what investigators were looking for, only that an investigation took place.

Honecker, a partner in the Ocean Township-based firm of Ansel, Grimm & Aaron, served as Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor before leaving the office five years ago. He specializes in criminal defense.

"Mr. Habel has nothing to hide and has committed no wrongs and he will continue to fully cooperate,'' Honecker said.