NJ Senator Polistina: Jail Before Trial For Certain Drunk Drivers

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office will be holding a public press conference to discuss an important piece of legislation that was sponsored by New Jersey Senator Vince Polistina, R-2.

This is in direct response to 8-year-old Javier Velez, who lost his life after being struck and killed by a drunk driver.

ATLANTIC COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE PRESS CONFERENCE

The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office (ACPO) will hold a press conference on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 (weather permitting) at the Atlantic County Criminal Courthouse Location: 4997 Unami Boulevard, Mays Landing, New Jersey at 11:30 a.m.

The ACPO will address the sentencing of Edward Johnston, 25 years old, who will be sentenced for the aggravated manslaughter of 8-year-old Javier "Javi" Velez.

ATLANTIC COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE SAID:

On the night of the fatal crash, Johnston had been drinking at several Atlantic City bars. The Defendant was traveling 107 mph on US 30 (Absecon Bivd) when he veered off the road, striking a parked car with Javi asleep in the backseat. The child was in town from Philadelphia with his father and younger brother, who were fishing just steps away from the vehicle, said the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.

ATLANTIC COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S CONTINUED:

The legislation will allow for pretrial detention “for intoxicated drivers charged with reckless or strict liability vehicular homicide and mandates driver's license suspension and possible vehicle forfeiture upon conviction,” said the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.

SENATOR VINCE POLISTINA LEGISLATION

Senator Vince Polistina (R-2) sponsored Bill S-2295, which received unanimous support by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Senator Polistina stated, "This legislation will protect New Jerseyans by ensuring individuals who commit such reckless and deadly acts are not free to pose further danger while awaiting trial, said Senator Polistina.

ATLANTIC COUNTY PROSECUTOR WILL REYNOLDS SPEAKS OUT

I want to commend the Assistant Prosecutors and Detectives from the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office for their tireless work in bringing this defendant to justice. This heartbreaking case has exposed a critical blind spot in our justice system-one that allowed a dangerous, impaired driver to remain free after taking a child's life. It should never take a tragedy to spark reform, but thanks to the courage and resilience of the Velez family, and the leadership of Senator Polistina, we are now moving toward a safer, more just system. Together, we are turning loss into action, and making sure law enforcement has the tools needed to protect our communities, said Reynolds.

SOURCE: Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.