FLEMINGTON, N.J. — Two women from Hunterdon County have been charged with multiple offenses related to illegal wiretapping, following an investigation by the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office and the Readington Township Police Department. Christina Albrecht, 45, of Flemington, and Jacqueline Hindle, 49, of Whitehouse Station, allegedly conspired to record and share private conversations involving Readington Township officials, according to Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson.
Hindle lost a GOP primary election for council earlier this year. Albrecht, is an outspoken GOP operative.
Albrecht faces several charges, including third-degree burglary, possession of an intercepting device, interception of an oral communication, disclosure of an oral communication, use of an oral communication, and conspiracy to commit interception. Hindle has been charged with third-degree disclosure, use of an oral communication, and conspiracy to commit interception.
The investigation began on July 8, 2024, when Readington Township Police were notified of a recording device discovered on a fence surrounding the patio at The Rail at Readington, a local establishment.
Police say the device was initially placed there by Albrecht on July 1, 2024, capturing private conversations between Readington Township Mayor Adam Mueller and Deputy Mayor Vincent Panico. Authorities allege that Albrecht later retrieved the device, transcribed the recordings, and shared them with Hindle, who uploaded the contents to a shared drive and discussed the recordings with Albrecht.
On July 8, Albrecht allegedly returned to The Rail while it was closed and replaced the recording device. The police subsequently seized the device and launched an investigation. Authorities say Albrecht and Hindle then conspired to acquire a new device to continue recording the officials’ private conversations.
Albrecht and Hindle are scheduled to make their first court appearances on October 30, 2024. Albrecht is represented by attorney Eric Morrell, while Hindle is represented by Michael Roberts. First Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Paravecchia will represent the state in the proceedings.
Under New Jersey law, third-degree crimes can result in penalties ranging from three to five years in prison.
