Man Charged in Connection with Boating Fatality in Jefferson Township

Published on August 22, 2019

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker, and New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan announce the arrest of Nicholas Zarantonello, a 24 year old male, of Lake Hopatcong, NJ, on charges stemming from a boating incident that occurred on August 3, 2019.

It is alleged that Zarantonello was the operator of a pontoon boat on Lake Hopatcong with two passengers. While the boat was in motion, one of the two passengers went overboard and did not resurface. This individual's body was subsequently located in the water in Lake Hopatcong on August 5, 2019. It is alleged that Zarantonello was operating the vessel recklessly and while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs at the time of the incident.

Zarantonello is charged with one count of Death by Vessel, a crime of the second degree in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5a.

Members of the New Jersey State Police, New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau, and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit contributed to this investigation. Anyone with information about this investigation is encouraged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit at (973) 285-6200.

A complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, this Defendant is presumed innocent unless he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Any press inquiries can be directed to Morris County Prosecutor's Office Public Information Officer Peter DiGennaro at 973-829-8159 or pdigennaro@co.morris.nj.us.