Beth Modica

Mom Charged with Sex,
Booze and Drugs

Beth Modica, 44, was a former Prosecutor and PTA president. She has four children and her husband is the Spring Valley Police Chief. She now finds herself on the other side of the law. Beth Modica was indicted on 35 counts alleging statutory rape, criminal sex acts, sex abuse and endangering children.

The Rockland County District Attorney, Thomas Zugibe requested that bail be set at $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond. Beth Modica’s attorney, Gerard Damianireleased without bail. He cited Modica’s ties to the community. Damiani said Modica’s character and morality had never been questioned before the current charges were filed. County Court Judge Catherine Bartlett was not impressed; she set Beth Modica’s bail at $75,000 cash or bond. She also issued orders of protection for the 2 boys involved. Damiani objected that the judge had set the bail higher than the DA had requested. asked for her to be

“Your honor,” he said, “The DA recommended bail at $25,000.”

County Court Judge Catherine Bartlett, noting the seriousness of the charges, defended her decision by saying:

“I heard it. These are serious charges involving children in her community,”

The charges are indeed quite serious. They could land Beth Modica in prison for up to 4 years:

She was charged with 5 felonies: 1 count of third-degree rape; and 4 counts of third-degree criminal sexual assault. She also faces 30 misdemeanor charges: 4 counts of third-degree sexual abuse and 26 counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

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 Suffern High School, which is also attended by Beth Modica’s 16-year-old son.

Between July 20 and 22, Beth Modica is accused of having had intercourse with a 16-year-old and oral sex with a 15-year-old (friends of her son) in her home. She is alleged to have served alcohol to both of them. On other dates during a two-month period, Modica is accused of having had oral sex with the two boys in cars or at their homes, while drinking alcohol or smoking marijuana with them. It is also alleged that on several occasions she served and shared alcohol and marijuana with “many” other teens from Suffern High School at her Sloatsburg home or in her car.

Rockland County DA Thomas Zugibe took pains to state that Beth Modica’s husband, Spring Valley Police Chief Paul Modica was in no way connected to any of the charges, saying he was “not implicated whatsoever” and had no knowledge of any of the incidents. The couple are now separated. Paul Modica has taken custody of their children. Beth has moved out of their house and has gone to live with her mother. Paul Modica’s lawyer, John Edwards, said:

“Paul’s sole interest at this point is protecting his children. … He’s trying to make sure the kids are impacted as little as possible.”