Man Faces Judge

In Camden County Thursday, accused killer Anthony Rodesky faced a judge for the first time.

Rodesky has been charged in two separate murder cases.

Rodesky, 34, was in court to face the judge and the family members of one of the men he is accused of killing, Berlin Township, N.J., businessman James Mickno.

Authorities said Rodesky killed Mickno last month in order to rob him. The two men knew each other through work.

Burlington County officials said Rodesky is also responsible for killing Ranjit Patel at his hotel, the Rodeway Inn, in Maple Shade, N.J.

In Thursday morning's court hearing, the prosecutor said that Rodesky confessed to killing Mickno.

"The defendant supplied a statement to law enforcement investigators indicating that on April 1, 2005, he shot the victim in the head. The defendant further stated that he then transported the body of the victim to a wooded area in Winslow Township, N.J., where he abandoned it," the prosecutor said.

Camden County Superior Court Judge Samuel Natel set bail at $800,000 cash.

After the bail was determined, Rodesky made a surprise request. He asked to be transferred to another prison.

"It seems the administration of Camden has decided to send down their gang task force -- not these officers here, but the actual officers that work in the correctional facility -- and threaten me," Rodesky said.

The judge said Rodesky should take the situation up with the warden.

A 17-year-old alleged accomplice in the death of Mickno appeared in court later in the day and is being held in juvenile detention with no bail.

Records show that Rodesky has an extensive criminal history, with several convictions for burglary and theft in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Article continues below

---

advertisement

---

Author: R. Cohen