Passaic County officials announced that Passaic County Superior Court Judge Justine A. Niccollai, J.S.C. has sentenced Jesus Herrera to seven years in New Jersey State Prison for a November 11, 2017 motor vehicle collision resulting in the death of a Paterson resident.
Officials said at approximately 9:17 p.m. on the day of the incident, Herrera, who operated his 1997 GMC Sierra truck, struck Mr. Luis Arango, 48, who was crossing the street in front of 910 Main Street in South Paterson.
Evidence shown to the jury revealed the defendant did not stop but rather left the scene, returning later after a civilian witness chased him down.
Mr. Arango died as a result of his injuries.
According to The Passaic County Prosecutor's Office, on January 17, a jury returned guilty verdicts on one count of second degree Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Death, and one count of third-degree Endangering an Injured Victim.
Officials said the second-degree conviction carries a sentence of up to ten years in New Jersey State Prison and the third-degree conviction carries a sentence of up to five years in New Jersey State Prison.
Judge Niccollai sentenced Herrera to seven years, on the second degree Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Death. Officials say the defendant was sentenced to a concurrent term of four years flat New Jersey State Prison on the third degree Endangering an Injured Victim for 7 years to be served in New Jersey State Prison.
The Paterson Police Department investigated the case, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, and the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department.