Brick Lawyer Admits Fleeing Accident

An Ocean County lawyer has admitted fleeing the scene of an accident that left a teenage pedestrian seriously injured and then persuading an employee to take the blame.

John Koufos of Brick pleaded guilty to charges of witness tampering, leaving the scene of an accident with serious injuries and hindering his own apprehension. He faces a six-year state prison term when he’s sentenced May 11.

In return for the plea, Ocean County prosecutors dismissed charges of aggravated assault and obstruction of justice. Officials also will drop several motor-vehicle summonses and a drunken driving charge.

The 36-year-old Brick resident said he was reading text messages or emails when he struck a 17-year-old boy last June. The teen was walking with friends along Route 35 in Toms River at the time.

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