NEW CITY, N.Y. — A former prosecutor who is also a police chief’s wife has been charged with having sex, smoking marijuana and drinking with teenage boys.
Beth Modica, 44, a former assistant district attorney in Rockland County and Queens, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to counts including statutory rape, sex abuse and endangering children. Bail was set at $75,000.
Her husband Paul Modica [pictured] the Spring Valley police chief, is “not implicated whatsoever,” Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Zugibe said.
The 35-count indictment says that, beginning in July, Modica had sex with a 16-year-old, as well as oral sex with that boy and a 15-year-old. The judge issued orders of protection for the boys.
Modica also is accused of drinking with children at her home and smoking marijuana with them in her car.
She would face a prison term of one and one-third to four years if convicted.
Ramapo Police Chief Peter Brower said the investigation began Dec. 31, when his department received a complaint in the mail. He said the students involved go to a high school which is also attended by Modica’s 16-year-old son.
Defense lawyer Gerald Damiani said Modica’s character had never been questioned before. She is in good standing with the state bar association and has no prior criminal record, he said.
Damiani said Modica and her husband, Paul, have separated.