A long-running court case involving Princeton Mayor Mark Freda appears to be over. The town of Princeton, Princeton Fire Department, and the Mayor were sued by the family of Jodi Marcou, who died after being struck by a teenage car thief who crossed over the centerline of Route 27 on November 7, 2021. The attorney for Ms. Marcou’s family alleged that the Mayor had contributed to the crash by pursuing the stolen vehicle.
Documents filed with the court indicate that the Mayor became involved when former Princeton Council candidate Dina Shaw called him to report that somebody was trying to steal a Ferrari from her home (see picture above). Although they didn’t get the Ferrari, the thieves eluded police in another vehicle they had stolen earlier. Attorneys for the Mayor accepted that he subsequently pursued the car thieves, but that he was doing so in his capacity as Mayor, acting as “the eyes and the ears” of the local police force. The Mayor was driving his own car, which was equipped with a blue emergency light, used as part of his involvement with the Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad and the Princeton Fire Department.
The extent of the Mayor’s responsibility for the crash was a matter of legal dispute. The town argued that the “direct and proximate cause” of the crash was the “careless, reckless, and negligent operation of the vehicle” by the teenage driver, who also died at the scene. But according to reporting in ‘The Daily Princetonian‘, the Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad instigated disciplinary proceedings against Mayor Freda, and found that he had made improper use of the blue flashing light. He was reportedly suspended from the force for 30 days and required to turn in the blue light.
In January of this year, Princeton Council voted to dedicate $17,500 for more attorneys to represent the town in the case. A trial was scheduled for June, but subsequently canceled after mediation between the parties led to a settlement. In a court filing dated August 17, 2026, Nicholas Leonardis, the attorney representing the Marcou estate, advised the judge that the “matter has been amicably resolved between the parties.” A petition for dismissal of the case was filed with the court on August 28, signed by Mr. Leonardis. Three different attorneys who were representing the Mayor signed the petition. Patrick Carrigg, Esq signed on behalf of the town and Princeton Fire Department.
While municipal officials will no doubt be happy that the case is ending, it’s not clear how much money the town, the fire department, or Mayor Freda will be required to pay as part of the settlement. The Mayor and Council are likely aware of the broad terms of the settlement, because it was listed as a discussion item for a closed session on June 30. The municipal attorney, Trishka Cecil, was contacted for details. She referred the question to Mr. Carrigg, who has not responded at the time of writing.
Related materials (via Mercer County Courts):
walkableprinceton 