State grand jury adds indictment accusing Hunterdon County man of another fabricated report
TRENTON, N.J. — A Hunterdon County man already accused of making false sexual assault allegations against New Jersey State Police troopers has been hit with an additional indictment after prosecutors alleged he made a separate false accusation against a municipal police officer.
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced Thursday that a state grand jury returned a superseding indictment adding a second-degree charge of making false reports to law enforcement authorities by falsely incriminating another person against 36-year-old Randal Kelco of Bloomsbury.
Kelco and 46-year-old Lisa DeStefano, also of Bloomsbury, were previously indicted on charges alleging they falsely accused New Jersey State Police troopers of sexually assaulting Kelco while responding to a call for service at the couple’s home in October 2023.
According to prosecutors, the pair were previously charged with making false reports to law enforcement authorities by falsely incriminating another person and conspiracy to commit false reports to law enforcement, both second-degree offenses.
The superseding indictment alleges Kelco also made a false sexual assault report against a Washington Township police officer in a complaint filed with the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office in 2025.
Attorney General Davenport said investigators uncovered the additional allegation as the original case progressed.
“Fabricated allegations of sexual assault constitute an injustice and a disservice to not only law enforcement but also to real victims,” Davenport said in a statement. “We will stand up for all officers and troopers when they are falsely accused, and those who make meritless claims in bad faith will be held to account.”
The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability is prosecuting the case.
Under New Jersey law, second-degree charges carry a potential sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and fines of up to $150,000 if a defendant is convicted.
The charges are accusations, and Kelco and DeStefano are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- A state grand jury returned a superseding indictment against a Bloomsbury man accused of making false sexual assault allegations against police.
- Prosecutors added a second-degree charge alleging Randal Kelco made a separate false report involving a Washington Township police officer.
- Kelco and Lisa DeStefano continue to face charges tied to alleged false accusations against New Jersey State Police troopers.
