Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office chief of detectives charged in crash that injured two

MORRISTOWN, N.J. (Morris County) — The chief of detectives for the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office has been charged in connection with a March motor vehicle crash in Somerville that left two people injured, authorities announced.

Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally said Francisco Roman Jr., 54, was charged following an investigation conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.

Roman, who serves as chief of detectives for the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, is currently suspended without pay from his position.

According to authorities, Roman was driving a Somerset County-owned 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe on South Bridge Street in Somerville on March 20 when he allegedly struck a parked Mercedes-Benz.

Prosecutors said the driver of the Mercedes and a passenger sustained injuries in the crash. Three additional parked vehicles also were damaged.

Somerville police responded to the scene and alleged that Roman showed signs of impairment. He was arrested and transported to police headquarters, where he was issued a citation for driving while intoxicated and later released.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office subsequently assumed responsibility for the investigation.

Following that investigation, Roman was charged June 8 with two counts of fourth-degree assault by auto.

Authorities said Roman was charged by summons complaint, processed and released pending a future court appearance.