In the News: Chelsea Villano, 33, Charged With Two Counts of Falsely Incriminating Another

EATONTOWN, NEW JERSEY — Ocean County authorities have announced charges against 33-year-old Chelsea Villano of Eatontown following an investigation into a reported incident involving a woman who suffered burns in a wooded area of Plumsted Township on October 15, 2026.

According to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, Villano was charged on October 23, 2026, with two counts of falsely incriminating another in connection with statements she allegedly provided to law enforcement during the investigation.

The incident began at approximately 1:36 p.m. on October 15, when the Plumsted Township Police Department and Emergency Medical Services responded to a wooded area near Hawkin Road and Success Road after receiving a 911 call concerning a female burn victim. First responders found Villano in distress and suffering from burns. She was transported to Temple University Burn Center in Philadelphia for treatment and was released several days later.

During the initial investigation, Villano reportedly told authorities that she had been in the wooded area with her boyfriend, 36-year-old Justin Martin of Saddle Brook, and another individual when Martin allegedly attempted to burn and kill her.

Based on the initial investigation, Martin was charged with attempted murder and aggravated arson on October 16. Detectives located him in Asbury Park at approximately 12:15 a.m. that day, took him into custody without incident, and transported him to the Ocean County Jail. He was subsequently released from the facility on October 19.

However, further investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and New Jersey Conservation Police reportedly revealed that Villano had provided false information about how she sustained her injuries and who caused them. Authorities consequently charged her with two counts of falsely incriminating another on October 23. She was taken into custody at Eatontown Police Headquarters and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where she was being held pending a detention hearing, according to the announcement.

Prosecutor Billhimer commended the agencies involved for their coordinated investigative efforts, including the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, New Jersey Conservation Police, Plumsted Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Asbury Park Police Department, Eatontown Police Department, Keansburg Police Department, and Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office.

The case highlights the importance of careful investigative work when serious allegations are made. Authorities must examine available evidence, assess statements, and establish the circumstances surrounding reported criminal incidents before reaching conclusions.

Important legal notice: The charges against Chelsea Villano are accusations, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The charges previously brought against Justin Martin are also allegations and should not be treated as proof of guilt.

As the legal proceedings move forward, the case remains a developing matter involving serious allegations and an ongoing effort to establish the facts. Further developments will depend on the legal process and the evidence presented in court.