A state grand jury decided on April 27 not to file criminal charges against Perth Amboy Police Lieutenant Jose M. Pais in connection with the death of Joseph E. Acevedo-Rodriguez, who died after a moped accident following an attempted traffic stop on July 6, 2025.
The decision follows an investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, which presented evidence to New Jersey residents serving on the grand jury as required by law. The case was reviewed under the Independent Prosecutor Directive, a policy implemented after a state law mandated that all deaths occurring during encounters with law enforcement be investigated by the Attorney General’s Office.
Investigators collected witness interviews, photographs, police radio transmissions, multiple 911 calls, video footage from both mobile recorders and surveillance cameras, and autopsy results. The evidence showed that Lieutenant Pais attempted to stop three individuals riding motorized scooters in Perth Amboy around midnight. After activating his lights and siren, two riders left while Acevedo-Rodriguez initially stopped but then sped away at high speed toward Woodbridge. Pais followed until crossing into Woodbridge before deactivating his lights and returning to Perth Amboy. Soon after, Woodbridge police responded to reports of a crash where Acevedo-Rodriguez had struck a curb and fence before being ejected from his scooter; he was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the official website, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin aims to protect residents’ lives and property while upholding legal standards across all counties and municipalities in New Jersey. The office provides statewide legal support and oversees public safety through enforcement of laws.
The investigation found no conflict of interest among those involved. Before presenting findings to the grand jury, Deputy First Assistant Attorney General Nicholas Kormann reviewed the case as part of established procedures for such presentations.
Now that this investigation is complete, officials will determine if any administrative review is needed according to internal policies; further actions may follow based on those findings under ongoing oversight from OPIA.
The Attorney General’s office holds statutory authority for enforcing laws statewide—including prosecution of offenses—and offers services such as legal representation for state agencies, oversight over law enforcement activities including crime lab support and victim advocacy initiatives according to its official website.
