Assistant prosecutor Delaney, to be sworn in as a judge Monday, looks back at her career

Kathleen Delaney prosecuted child molesters, wife beaters, and an 8-year-old boy once known as the most prolific car thief in Camden.

On Monday, her life in law enforcement will expand beyond the Camden County Prosecutor's Office when she is sworn as a New Jersey Superior Court judge.

"I feel lucky that I came out of law school liking a certain kind of law, and I knew I wanted to be in the courtroom," said Delaney, 46, in the office she will vacate on Thursday.

On her bulletin board, next to newspaper clippings about her children, Thomas, 14, and Annie, 13, was pinned an emblem for the Camden street gang Ghetto Riders, some of whose members she helped send to prison.

During her 20 years as an assistant prosecutor, Delaney served on the trial team for the Prosecutor's Office and with various units, including grand jury, domestic violence, and juvenile. She recently managed the Megan's Law Unit, which included oversight of more than 1,000 registered sex offenders.

She has seen people do terrible things.

"I learned a long time ago as a prosecutor not to internalize too much. In the juvenile unit, I learned to leave it in the office," said Delaney, a Haddonfield resident with a dry wit and a bright smile.

The Moorestown High School graduate, who majored in political science at Boston College and attended Temple University School of Law, was asked this year whether she would consider becoming a judge. She was nominated by Gov. Christie and confirmed June 27 by the Legislature.

Delaney has been assigned to the civil division in Camden County. Rules forbid her from presiding over criminal matters for several years to prevent an actual or perceived conflict of interest.

"She is one of the hardest-working lawyers in this office and probably has more compassion than most," said Assistant Prosecutor Sally Smith, who supervised Delaney when she worked on domestic-violence cases. "It takes a great deal of patience, kindness, and understanding."

One case stands out for Delaney.

A Camden County woman had been beaten repeatedly by her husband, sometimes in front of their three children, all under 8, she recalls. One time, the 6-year-old jumped on his father's back in an attempt to stop an assault. Though the husband violated a restraining order, the victim never prosecuted.

After about a year's silence, Delaney received a call from the woman, who had relocated to Philadelphia with her husband and children.

"He beat me up again," the woman said, but she testified and her husband was jailed. She just wanted Delaney to know that she finally had found the courage.

"I will never forget that one," Delaney said. "She called me and thanked me for helping her when she was going through such a difficult time."

Assistant Prosecutor Michele Morgera, section chief for the Major Crimes Unit, remembers a 2004 case. Joel Seidel, 65, of Cherry Hill, was charged with violating a restraining order to stay away from his former wife and one of his daughters. He was mentally ill and when he appeared in court, Delaney saw that he had been beaten severely in jail.

"He was this frail, little man," Delaney recalled. "He was in the worst shape I've ever seen of a defendant."

So concerned was she about Seidel's safety that Delaney called the jail from the courtroom to request a protective watch.

"Sometimes people think you don't care about the people you prosecute," Morgera said. "She was trying very hard to help this guy."

Though a judge ordered a move, it was never processed and Seidel was beaten to death.

The slaying led to reforms at the jail.

Delaney's intelligence and diligent preparation will serve her well as judge, says Camden County Prosecutor Warren Faulk.

"She has a good judicial demeanor," Faulk said.

"I think she is the first career prosecutor from our office to be recommended for the bench," he said. "We're very proud."

Assistant Prosecutor Grace MacAulay described Delaney as "assertive, strong, and an attorney who earned respect" from peers, adversaries and judges alike.

She focused on justice and evaluating each case on its merits, rather than simply winning, MacAulay said. She also mentored young prosecutors, even when she worked part-time after her children were born.

"I have known her as a great attorney, great friend and great mother," Assistant Prosecutor Tracy Cogan said of Delaney, who coaches youth lacrosse and is active in her church. Last year, she was honored by the Haddonfield Board of Commissioners for Women's History Month.

The courtroom has always been a backdrop for Delaney's family. More than 16 years ago, she met her husband, Thomas Gosse, when the Haddon Heights attorney represented a teenager she was prosecuting.

Who won?

"I think it was a plea," Delaney said. "It was a win for everybody."

To watch an interview with Kathleen Delaney, go to www.philly.com/delaneyEndText