Text Threats Lead to Lawsuit for Marlboro Township School Board Member

A conservative school board member from Marlboro Township, New Jersey, finds herself embroiled in a lawsuit due to alarming text messages that threatened her life.

Danielle Bellomo, a mother of three, discussed the unsettling messages that led her to take legal action. “When I read the words, ‘She can’t die soon,’ I stopped. I always knew there were political disagreements, but the idea that someone wanted me dead never crossed my mind,” she shared.

A judge has recently issued a temporary protection order against Mitesh Gandhi, who is married to another school board member. Gandhi is accused of sending a message in a group chat that read, “This bitch needs to die,” along with another message stating, “My mission is to make her die alone lol.”

Gandhi attempted to have the case dismissed, but his request was rejected. Reports indicated that Bellomo was labeled a “MAGA-loving New Jersey mom.”

Additionally, Gandhi provided a text statement to another local father, David Pucciarelli. Initially thinking it was just hearsay, Pucciarelli later decided to testify after corroborating messages with Bellomo. Feeling threatened, she contacted the police and secured a protection order for her safety and her family’s.

Previously, Gandhi was involved in a group chat that included Marlboro School Board Vice President Chad Hiett and former candidates Scott Semaya and Nirav Kadakia. In October, a disturbing photo circulated on social media showing Semaya at a public meeting, typing, “It must be cold in Bellomo. Her toes could cut glass.”

Bellomo expressed the emotional toll of the situation in a recent Facebook post. “It was shocking to realize there are people in my community who not only oppose my Republican views but openly wish for my death. Experiencing such hatred changed me forever,” she commented.

She further criticized Superintendent Barone and Board President Brian Cohen for their inaction despite being aware of these messages. “Our town has a policy: If someone poses a threat, they shouldn’t be allowed on school grounds. But nothing was done,” she explained.

Looking ahead, Bellomo’s protective order is set to remain in effect until January, when the case is expected to go to trial. The backdrop of her situation comes in the wake of the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk during a speaking event in September.