FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Raymond Worrall
PHONE: (201) 795-6400 Ext. 6737
EMAIL: rworrall@hcpo.org
TWITTER: @HCPOProsecutor
WEB: hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org
DATE: Friday, November 10, 2017
TWO CO-CONSPIRATORS ARRESTED ON MONEY LAUNDERING CHARGES; NEW CHARGES FILED AGAINST PALISADES PARK MAN
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez has released the following information:
On November 3, 2017, Olvy Torres, age 36, of Palisades Park, who was previously charged with leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident in North Bergen and money laundering, was additionally charged with Conspiring to commit Money Laundering in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and 2C:21-25. Two co-conspirators have also been charged.
On November 4, 2017, members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Narcotics Task Force arrested Melissa Coda, age 37, of Teaneck, and charged her with Money Laundering in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-25 and Conspiracy to commit Money Laundering in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and 2C:21-25. Coda was arrested after a search of a safety deposit box maintained by her led to the recovery of more than $250,000 in United States currency and a kilogram of gold valued at more than $40,000. The NTF also seized her 2013 Mercedes Benz ML350.
On November 8, 2017, Yesenia Suriel, age 30, of Brooklyn, NY, surrendered to authorities and was charged with Money Laundering in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-25 and Conspiracy to commit Money Laundering in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and 2C:21-25. A search of a safety deposit box maintained by Suriel resulted in the recovery of more than $75,000 in United States currency and two diamond rings.
On Tuesday, September 26, 2017, at approximately 6:45 a.m., the North Bergen Police Department received a report of a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle at 7600 River Road. Upon arrival, North Bergen Police Officers found Luisa Valdes, age 59, of Union City, lying on the ground. She was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 7 a.m.
During the preliminary investigation, it was discovered that the vehicle involved in the crash, a Hyundai Santa Fe, was abandoned at the scene and the driver fled on foot. The suspected driver of the vehicle was later identified as Torres.
A warrant was issued for the arrest of Torres and after an exhaustive manhunt and joint investigation conducted by the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, the North Bergen Police Department and the Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor, Torres turned himself in to authorities
The above charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. R.P.C.3.6(b)(6).