Woman Sentenced in Connection with 2019 Rockaway Township Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash

Published on July 26, 2019

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Morris County Prosecutor's Office Acting Chief Robert McNally, and Rockaway Township Police Department Chief Martin McParland, Jr. announce the sentencing of Samantha Viscardi, 22 years old, of Rockaway Township, NJ. The sentence stems from a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred in the early morning hours of February 2, 2019.

Viscardi was sentenced on Friday, July 26, 2019, by the Hon. Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr. to five (5) years New Jersey State Prison. This sentence is subject to the parole ineligibility provisions of the No Early Release Act.

On June 3, 2019, Viscardi entered a guilty plea to one (1) count of second degree Reckless Vehicular Homicide before Judge Taylor. She also entered a guilty plea to the motor vehicle offense of Driving While Intoxicated.

The charges arise from a single motor vehicle crash that occurred in the area of 435 Green Pond Road in Rockaway Township on February 2, 2019. The investigation revealed that Viscardi, the driver of the vehicle at the time of the crash, was operating a vehicle with a single passenger in the front seat. The passenger sustained a traumatic brain injury and died as a result of her injuries on February 9, 2019. Further investigation revealed that Viscardi was intoxicated at the time of the crash.

Prosecutor Knapp acknowledges members of the Rockaway Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff's Office Crime Scene Investigation, and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit who contributed to the successful prosecution of this matter.

Inquiries concerning this press release should be directed to pressinquiry@co.morris.nj.us