Pizza Prank Case Pushed to October

The case against the former Harrison Democratic Party district leader accused of ordering unsolicited pizzas to the home of the town supervisor has been adjourned until next month.

Maria Polera, 53, appeared in Harrison Court Tuesday to answer six misdemeanor theft of services charges along with a single count of second-degree harassment. Her case was adjourned until October 25 because her attorney, George Galgano, was unable to make it to court because of a car accident on his way to court.

An associate from Galgano's office who took his place in court said his office is still working on possible motions before the next court date.

Police arrested Polera on July 12 after they say an investigation revealed she had been in West Harrison for the previous six to eight months. Polera was charged with placing orders six times, although police believe the fake orders were sent in on at least a dozen occasions.

Polera ran on the same ticket as Walsh for receiver of taxes in 2007 and 2009 but lost each time. She had served as a district leader for the Harrison Democratic Party, but she no longer holds that position.

Sources say Polera turned on her former political ally because she was upset about crude comments Walsh had made to her earlier this year. The sources specifically cited comments by the mayor about Polera's "body odor" and that Polera was "unelectable".

According to court records, Polera is accused of watching some of the deliveries being made while hiding out nearby.

Judge Marc Lust presided over the case Tuesday; he has accepted the case after Ronald Bianchi, Harrison's other town justice, on August 11.