Couple Indicted For Alleged Carjacking, Kidnapping and Robbery in Parsippany

Published on March 07, 2013

Acting Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Acting Parsippany Police Chief Paul Philipps announce that a Rutherford couple were indicted today on carjacking, kidnapping, and robbery charges in the alleged abduction of a 71-year-old woman in Parsippany on December 29, 2012.

Joseph Defreitas, 41 and Marilyn Nadeau, 52, were indicted on charges of First Degree Carjacking; First Degree Kidnapping; First Degree Robbery; Second Degree Conspiracy to Commit Robbery; Third Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose; Fourth Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon; and Third Degree Credit Card Fraud.

On December 29, 2012, the victim, a resident of New Hampshire, had become lost while traveling home from a visit with her family in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey. While attempting to locate assistance for directions, the victim entered a parking lot, whereupon she was approached by Defreitas who allegedly brandished a handgun and forced the victim into his car. Nadeau then allegedly took control of the victim's vehicle and followed her accomplice to an automated teller machine in Parsippany. DeFreitas allegedly demanded that the victim reveal her personal identification number to complete a cash withdrawal. It is alleged that the victim complied and after completing the transaction, the victim was driven, with Nadeau following, to an industrial building parking lot on Woodhollow Road. Nadeau parked the car, at which time Defreitas and Nadeau allegedly forced the victim into the trunk of her own car. The victim freed herself from the trunk of her vehicle and called for help.

It is alleged that after stealing the victim's pocketbook, Defreitas and Nadeau utilized the victim's credit cards at numerous stores throughout North Jersey and New York.

An investigation was launched by the Parsippany Police Department along with the Morris County Prosecutor's Office. Defreitas and Nadeau were arrested on January 17, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, by detectives from both agencies.

On January 18, 2013, after their arrest, the Honorable Mary Gibbons Whipple set bail for Defreitas at $500,000, and for Nadeau at $300,000, both without 10% cash option. Defendants remain committed to the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of bail.

These criminal charges are only accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Acting Prosecutor Knapp thanks Acting Parsippany Police Chief Philipps, former Parsippany Police Chief Anthony DeZenzo and the Parsippany Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff's Office, the East Rutherford Police Department, the Trenton Police Department, the Woodland Park Police Department, the New Jersey State Police, as well as Connecticut law enforcement authorities.

Any inquiries can be directed to First Assistant Morris County Prosecutor/SDAG Thomas Zelante at 973-285-6252 or tzelante@co.morris.nj.us.