Charges Added, Bail Terms Changed For Driver in Rte. 17 Fatality

HACKENSACK—The Superior Court ruled today that a Mahwah man involved in a car crash that resulted in an Allendale woman's death in Ridgewood was not a flight risk and changed bail terms—hours after the prosecutor's office added charges.

Citing accumulated bail points in his favor, Judge Harry Carroll declined to add additional bail for Rocco John Benedetto, kept it at $150,000, and added a 10 percent option this afternoon. Benedetto, 36, was charged with second-degree vehicular homicide and driving while under the influence in the June 11 three-car accident along Route 17 in Ridgewood.

"I understand the severe nature of the charges but given his employment, lifelong residency, properties, and family... I'd request you'd use the lower end of the spectrum" in setting bail, Benedetto's attorney Paul Giblin said. 

Earlier, the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office added second degree leaving the scene of an accident charges, fourth degree assault, possession of a controlled substance and endangerment.

According to police, while driving south on Route 17 Benedetto struck Dorothy E. Scordato, 80, whose car spun out of control and was hit by another vehicle. Scordato later died at The Valley Hospital. Following the accident, Benedetto called police from a nearby Sunoco gas station.  

Benedetto was transported to the prosecutor's office in Paramus, where police determined he was under the influence. He was taken to The Valley Hospital where a blood sample was drawn.

Assistant Prosecutor Martin Delaney said the new charges were filed following the subsequent police investigation. Ridgewood Det. Christopher McDowell confirmed that Route 17 south was closed from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. for police investigation this morning.

Delaney said a bag containing a controlled substance was found hidden at the gas station. Additionally, police learned Benedetto was involved in an accident earlier in the day before getting on Route 17 south toward Ridgewood.

Given the "totality of the charges," the prosecutor argued that not only was bail set appropriately, with the additional charges, it could easily be set $60,000 higher. Additionally, Benedetto could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted, the prosecutor said. 

Giblin disputed the hidden bag's validity—found at a public place without toxicology analysis—as a determining factor in setting bail. He described Benedetto as a family man—with his wife, mother, family and friends in attendance—who owns several properties throughout the area. As a lifelong New Jersey and Bergen County resident, he said his client was hardly a flight risk. Giblin also pointed out that Benedetto was the one who called police.

Carroll, who originally set the $150,000 bail Friday, added a 10 percent option given that Benedetto was a first-time offender.  

Benedetto has entered a not guilty plea. His next court date has not been set.