By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Morris County announced that Angel Caraballo-Maldona, 45, of Newark, has been sentenced in connection with a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred in Pequannock Township on May 8, 2023.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll stated that on October 27, the Honorable Ralph E. Amirata, J.S.C. imposed a sentence of four years in New Jersey State Prison subject to 85% parole ineligibility pursuant to the No Early Release Act.
According to officials, Caraballo-Maldona had previously entered a guilty plea to second-degree Reckless Vehicular Homicide before Judge Amirata on August 29.
The conviction arises from a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred in Pequannock Township on May 8, 2023, officials said.
Authorities say at approximately 5:18 a.m., law enforcement officers were dispatched to the scene of a motor vehicle collision involving a 2020 Chevy Traverse and a garbage truck at the intersection of Route 23 North and Alexander Avenue in Pequannock Township.
Officials say the investigation revealed that the Traverse was stopped at a red light when a garbage truck struck it from behind.
As a result, the Traverse caught fire, officials stated.
The unconscious Traverse driver was pulled from the vehicle by the garbage truck driver and a bystander, officials said.
Rescue efforts were unsuccessfully attempted by patrol officers and medical personnel, and the Traverse driver was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to officials.
Officials say video surveillance revealed Caraballo-Maldona was utilizing his cell phone at the time of the crash, and he was subsequently charged with second-degree Reckless Vehicular Homicide.
