JEFFERSON A. CHIMBO-PELAEZ
HACKETTTSTOWN, NEW JERSEY
AGE: 29
On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Jefferson A. Chimbo-Pelaez was sentenced, pursuant to a plea agreement, in Warren
County Superior Court by the Honorable H. Matthew Curry, J.S.C., on an indictment charging Aggravated
Manslaughter, N.J.S.A. 2C:11-4a(1); Death by Auto, N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5b(3)(a); Leaving the Scene of an Accident
Resulting in Death, N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5.1; Strict Liability Vehicular Homicide, N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5.3a; and
Endangering an Injured Victim, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1.2a. Chimbo-Pelaez was sentenced to New Jersey State Prison
for six (6) years on the charge of Death by Auto (second degree). Pursuant to NERA, prior to being eligible for
parole, he must serve 85% of the sentence. In addition to mandatory fines, Chimbo-Pelaez’s driving privileges in
New Jersey have been revoked for life. Upon completion of his custodial sentence, he will be subject to three (3)
years of parole supervision. The remaining charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
By way of background, on January 7, 2023, at approximately 7:30 a.m., the Hackettstown Police Department
responded to the 100 block of Reese Avenue in Hackettstown, for a report of an unresponsive pedestrian who
had been struck by a vehicle. Subsequent investigation determined that the pedestrian, Jeanne Picariello, had
been struck by a motor vehicle operated by Chimbo-Pelaez. The injuries sustained in the collision proved fatal.
The investigation further revealed that Chimbo-Pelaez was intoxicated at the time and failed to stop to render aid or
summon assistance.
We would like to recognize the Hackettstown Police Department for their investigative efforts in this case.
Additionally assisting at the scene was the Warren County Major Crimes Unit and the Warren County Crime
Scene Team. We would like to thank the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Unit for their
continued support, compassion, and assistance to the victim’s family during this difficult time.
