Prosecutor says driver had suspended license and attempted to hinder investigation following deadly accident.
FREEHOLD, NJ – A man and woman from Jackson have been charged in connection with a fatal single-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a juvenile passenger last month, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced.
Authorities identified the driver as 27-year-old Brandon John Delgado-Ortega, who faces charges including third-degree driving with a suspended license, fourth-degree hindering, and several related traffic offenses. His passenger, 28-year-old Lady Maite Cristobal Macuyama, was also charged with fourth-degree hindering for her alleged role following the crash.
The incident occurred on Monday, November 10, around 7:46 p.m., when Freehold Township Police responded to reports of a crash near Jackson Mills Road, just north of Tree Top Circle. When officers arrived, they found Delgado-Ortega, Macuyama, and two juveniles inside the vehicle. Both children had been riding in the back seat, and one suffered severe injuries in the collision.
The injured juvenile was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries three days later, on Thursday, November 13.
Investigation identifies suspended driver
A joint investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, the Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team (SCART), and Freehold Township Police revealed that the 2004 Volvo S80 had veered off the roadway before coming to a stop. Initial confusion surrounded who had been driving at the time of the crash, but investigators later determined Delgado-Ortega was behind the wheel.
Prosecutor Santiago said Delgado-Ortega was driving despite having a suspended license. Both defendants allegedly attempted to mislead investigators about who had been operating the vehicle when the crash occurred, leading to the hindering charges.
Ongoing prosecution and legal proceedings
The case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Caitlin J. Sidley of the Major Crimes Bureau. Information regarding legal representation for Delgado-Ortega and Macuyama was not immediately available.
Authorities have not released additional details about the juvenile victim or the nature of the injuries sustained. Officials said the investigation remains active as prosecutors prepare the case for court.