Two Women Busted In Mysterious NJ Fatal Hit-And-Run Case

Two women have been arrested in a fatal New Jersey hit-and-run case that may have been part of a larger conspiracy involving $1 million in cash, gold and diamonds, authorities say.

On Nov. 4, members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Narcotics Task Force arrested Melissa Coda, 37, of Teaneck and charged her with money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering, according to a Hudson County Prosecutor's Office release.

Coda was arrested after a search of a safety deposit box maintained by her led to the recovery of more than $250,000 in United States currency and a kilogram of gold valued at more than $40,000. The NTF also seized her 2013 Mercedes Benz ML350, according to the release.

On Tuesday, Yesenia Suriel, 30, of Brooklyn surrendered to authorities and was charged with money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering. A search of a safety deposit box maintained by Suriel resulted in the recovery of more than $75,000 in United States currency and two diamond rings, according to the release.

Also, on Nov. 3, Olvy Torres, 36, of Palisades Park, who was previously charged with leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident in North Bergen and money laundering, was additionally charged with conspiring to commit money laundering. Coda and Suriel were considered co-conspirators. About $1 million in cash was seized from his home.

On Tuesday, Sept. 26, at approximately 6:45 a.m., the North Bergen Police Department received a report of a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle at 7600 River Road. Upon arrival, North Bergen Police Officers found Luisa Valdes, 59, of Union City, lying on the ground, the release said.

She was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 7 a.m. During the preliminary investigation, it was discovered that the vehicle involved in the crash, a Hyundai Santa Fe, was abandoned at the scene and the driver fled on foot. The suspected driver of the vehicle was later identified as Torres.

A warrant was issued for the arrest of Torres and after an exhaustive manhunt and joint investigation conducted by the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, the North Bergen Police Department and the Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor, Torres turned himself in to authorities.

HCPO photo of of Coda and Suriel