by OAG Matt Platkin
TRENTON – Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor today announced the indictment of a New Jersey woman for allegedly neglecting an elderly disabled person in her care. The victim suffered heat stroke and second-degree burns as a result of the defendant’s alleged neglect.
Valerie Pinchinat, 28, of Linden, N.J., was indicted on third-degree neglect of an elderly or disabled person. The indictment was returned by a grand jury on May 11, 2022.
On July 4, 2019, Pinchinat allegedly left the elderly disabled person in her care at Advancing Opportunities in Marlboro Township in direct sunlight, long enough to cause the resident to suffer heat stroke and second-degree burns on her legs, chest, and arms; the victim’s body temperature reached 106 degrees. During transport to Bayshore Medical Center, the victim required intubation.
Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000. The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.