A Sussex County GOP fundraiser was the scene of the alleged encounter between Bill Winkler and Andover Township Committeeman John Burke
ANDOVER TOWNSHIP - A prominent political consultant and the local elected official he allegedly put in a headlock are gearing up for a municipal court showdown.
Bill Winkler was accused of simple assault and harassment in a civilian complaint from Andover Township Committeeman John Burke.
The alleged encounter occurred Oct. 28 at a Sussex County Republican Party fundraiser.
Winkler had been scheduled to appear Thursday in Sparta municipal court, prior to the case being adjourned to Jan. 12.
In an email to NJ Advance Media on Thursday, Winkler denied the charges.
"As the complaint against me is a subterfuge, I will of course be vigorously opposing it," Winkler said.
Burke declined comment when reached by phone Thursday.
Winkler, though living in New Hope, Pa., is a major player in county Republican politics. He has worked for the three Republican state legislators in District 24, including Sen. Steve Oroho.
Burke, a Republican elected in 2014 to a three-year term, is not a client.
His complaint did not suggest a motive for the alleged headlock, though Burke and Andover Township Mayor Thomas Walsh, who is listed in a subsequent filing as a potential witness, joined in the township committee's 4-0 vote on June 27 symbolically opposing the state gas tax increase that Oroho supported.
In his complaint, Burke charged that Winkler "grabbed my hand and forcefully pulled me toward him" as he was attempting to leave the $65-per-ticket, Republican gala at The Barn.
"He then put his free hand around my shoulder and pulled me closer toward him saying, 'Come here, stay here with me, show me the love, show me the love,'" Burke alleged.
Winkler's hand "then went from (my) shoulder around my neck, reaching across my throat pulling my head closer toward him and his chest," Burke said in his complaint.
Burke said he objected and tried to pull away, but that Winkler's arm "remained around my neck squeezing and pulling harder."
As Burke continued to object, Winkler allegedly told the local official he is "too thin-skinned for politics."
Burke said in his complaint that he walked away, exited the building and drove away "to avoid further conflict."
Winkler, in his email, alleged that the charges were manufactured.
"In my opinion, this is an attempt by officials from Andover Township, New Jersey, to suppress dissenting opinions and curtail the exercise of free speech. It appears they have resorted to making false statements and the improper use of taxpayer-funded municipal employees and resources. It will all be sorted out in the weeks and months ahead," Winkler said.
To that, Burke's attorney, Daniel Perez, responded, "The 1st Amendment does not confer the right to place a municipal official in a headlock and refuse to release him."
The case is in Sparta because Andover Township Municipal Court Judge James Devine ordered it transferred on Nov. 21, citing a potential conflict of interest.
Perez said, "We expect the state to prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law."
Winkler's attorney is Mary Frances Palisano of Gibbons P.C..
His retention of Palisano, whose high-powered law firm lists longtime Gov. Chris Christie ally William Palatucci as special counsel, was disclosed Thursday afternoon in a court filing by Perez.
Perez's filing lists three potential witnesses who may be called to testify: Walsh, Andover Township Police Chief Eric Danielson and Lou Crescitelli, chief of staff for Assemblyman Parker Space, R-24th District.
Crescitelli, contacted Thursday, disputed the charges against Winkler.
"This whole thing is silly. Nothing occurred," Crescitelli said.
Palisano did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RobJenningsNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.