By: Richard L. Smith
A Hunterdon County couple already facing charges for allegedly making false accusations against New Jersey State Police troopers has now been hit with an expanded indictment that includes an additional charge against one of the defendants involving a separate municipal police officer.
According to information released by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, a state grand jury returned a superseding indictment on July 30, adding a third second-degree count of making false reports to law enforcement authorities by falsely incriminating another person against Randal Kelco, 36, of Bloomsbury.
Kelco and Lisa DeStefano, 46, were previously indicted after authorities alleged they falsely accused New Jersey State Police troopers of sexually assaulting Kelco during a response to a domestic disturbance at their Bloomsbury residence in October 2023.
Prosecutors charged the pair with making false reports to law enforcement and conspiracy in connection with those allegations.
The new indictment stems from a separate investigation in which prosecutors allege Kelco falsely reported being sexually assaulted by a Washington Township police officer.
Authorities said that allegation was made in March 2025 and was uncovered after the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) continued investigating the original case.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said the investigation revealed what prosecutors describe as another fabricated allegation against law enforcement.
“Fabricated allegations of sexual assault constitute an injustice and a disservice to not only law enforcement but also to real victims,” Davenport said. “We will stand up for all officers and troopers when they are falsely accused, and those who make meritless claims in bad faith will be held to account.”
The original criminal complaint against Kelco and DeStefano was filed in December 2025 after investigators concluded the allegations involving the responding New Jersey State Police troopers were false.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorneys General Michael Angermeier and Diana Bibb of OPIA’s Corruption Bureau.
If convicted, each second-degree offense carries a potential sentence of five to 10 years in New Jersey state prison and a maximum fine of $150,000.