adminFerdinand “Freddy” Augello, a 67-year-old former leader of the Pagans Outlaw Motorcycle Club’s Jersey Shore chapter, was convicted in December 2018 for his involvement in the 2012 murder of April Kauffman, a prominent radio host and veterans’ advocate in New Jersey. NBC10 Philadelphia+46abc Philadelphia+4https://www.inquirer.com+4
Background: April Kauffman was fatally shot in her Linwood home in May 2012. Prosecutors presented evidence that Augello, in collaboration with Dr. James Kauffman—April’s husband—sought to silence her to prevent the exposure of an illicit OxyContin distribution network they operated.
Trial Proceedings: The trial commenced in September 2018, with jury selection beginning on September 11. Opening arguments highlighted the alleged collaboration between Augello and Dr. Kauffman in orchestrating April’s murder to protect their drug operations.
Key Testimonies:
- Joseph Mulholland: A former Pagans member, Mulholland testified that Augello paid him $1,000 to transport the hitman, Francis Mulholland, to April Kauffman’s residence on the day of the murder. He recounted that Dr. Kauffman offered Augello $30,000 to execute the crime.
Conviction and Sentencing: After deliberations, Augello was convicted on multiple charges, including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, racketeering, and leading a drug trafficking network. In December 2018, he was sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years, with the possibility of parole after serving 30 years.
Post-Conviction Developments: In April 2023, Augello’s legal team filed a motion seeking an evidentiary hearing, alleging prosecutorial misconduct and ineffective counsel. However, Superior Court Judge Donna Taylor denied the request, stating that the arguments presented were repetitive and lacked new evidence. Breaking AC
The trial of Ferdinand Augello remains a significant case, shedding light on the intersection of organized crime, illicit drug distribution, and the tragic consequences of silencing those who threaten to expose such operations.
