Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that James Sterling, 30, also known as James Megget, of Elizabeth was sentenced to 13 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of aggravated manslaughter back in July.
Prosecutors said that on Nov. 19, 2012, while driving a Chrysler Pacifica SUV, Sterling hit an ambulance, setting off a multi-vehicle crash on South Orange Avenue and South 9th Street in Newark. Authorities said, that a food truck and county transportation bus were involved in the violent crash. Two people, traveling in the ambulance, were killed prosecutors said.
Montclair resident Keith Chipepo, 30, who was employed by the private ambulance company, was killed in the crash along with Martha Conley, 58, a patient in the ambulance who died on November 28, 2012 of her injuries. Conley was a resident of Newark authorities said.
Sterling was originally charged with eluding, aggravated assault, driving with a suspended license and causing death and bodily injury.
Under the terms of the plea agreement he is expected to be sentenced to 13 years in New Jersey State Prison. Under the No Early Release Act, Sterling must serve 85 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole prosecutors said.
“This is a very serious case and hopefully the resolution of this matter will bring some measure of solace to the families,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Hollingsworth.