Michael Pepe

Michael Pepe of Bayport, who was texting just before the crash that killed Barbara Tocci, will complete community service by participating in anti-distracted-driving efforts through M.A.D.D., local government agencies, and at local schools.

A State Supreme Court judge has dismissed the felony criminally negligent homicide charge brought against the PSEG driver involved in the fatal head-on crash on Flanders Road in January 2014. Evidence of driver's text conversation five minutes before estimated time of crash is insufficient, judge rules.

Prosecutors say Michael Pepe, 54, was not paying attention when he struck a pothole on Flanders Roard and lost control of his GMC utility truck Jan.. 16, 2014, striking Barbara Tocci's SUV head-on and causing her death

The driver of the PSEG utility truck that slammed head-on into Barbara Tocci's SUV Jan. 16, 2014 faces felony charge in connection with the crash.