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Judge wants to see Kauffman suicide note

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James Kauffman's suicide note must be released to the court, an Atlantic County Superior Court judge ordered Thursday. Kauffman was charged in his wife's killing and with leading a drug ring when he was found dead of an apparent suicide Jan. 26, in the Hudson County Jail. He had been moved there for his protection, after alleged partner, Pagans leader Freddy Augello, allegedly was trying to kill him. A six-page suicide note was reportedly found in the cell addressed to Kauffman's wife and attorney. Augello's defense team said when they requested the note, they received a fully redacted copy -- basically black lines on pages of white paper, said defense attorney Mary Linehan. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Seth Levy said his office received a copy of the letter, but that Hudson County maintained possession, saying the investigation is still ongoing. Hudson County officials cited attorney-client privilege and marital privilege in denying the letter's public release. But, the attorney for both Kauffman and his widow, Carole Weintraub, told BreakingAC that he, too, has been denied the letter. Lou Barbone said he has requested the letter "multiple times." He was told it's under investigation. Superior Court Judge Bernard DeLury then ordered a letter be drafted to Hudson County demanding the note. Augello is the only living person facing charges in the May 10, 2012, killing of April Kauffman. He allegedly helped set up the hit on her after her husband feared she would report the illegal Oxycontin ring he and Augello were later charged with running. Linehan and defense attorney Omar Aguilar, who also was assigned Augello's case, also requested the identity of the state's informant, which acknowledging that has already been made public, and reported in the media. That man, Andrew Glick, outed himself in an interview with a Canadian news outlet
author

Lynda Cohen

BreakingAC founder who previously worked in newspapers for more than two decades. She is an NJPA award-winner and was a Stories of Atlantic City fellow.

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