Malloy supports Marcus on eve of confirmation hearing

On the eve of her confirmation hearing, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said Thursday he has learned nothing about Shelley Marcus of Branford that would disqualify her since nominating her as a judge.

But the legal advice Marcus gave to participants involved in a “gifting table,” which is a form of pyramid scheme, is likely to be explored Friday as she and 14 other Superior Court nominees are subject to hearings before the legislature’s Judiciary Committee.

Marcus was nominated to the Superior Court on Jan. 24. The next day, Marcus emerged as a witness in a federal fraud trial, facing questions about the advice she and her father, former Democratic State Chairman Ed Marcus, gave to women running a gifting table in their hometown of Branford.

Two women involved in the scheme were convicted on fraud and tax charges last week. A third woman pleaded guilty. Marcus was not accused of wrongdoing.

Also on the confirmation list Friday are three former legislators, including former state Sen. Andrew W. Roraback of Goshen, the Republican who lost a campaign for Congress last fall. The others are two Democrats, Maurice Mosley of Waterbury and Thomas G. Moukawsher of Groton.