Alexia M. Glass faces a recommended 15-year state prison sentence after pleading guilty in three separate criminal cases, including the 2024 crash that killed Yolanda Pacheco.
A Mays Landing woman has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a fatal Hamilton Township crash as well as two earlier driving-related cases, with prosecutors recommending a 15-year sentence in New Jersey State Prison.
Alexia M. Glass, 27, entered guilty pleas on Sept. 3 to six indictable offenses and one disorderly persons offense. The cases were combined under a global plea agreement.
The most serious case involves the March 28, 2024, crash that killed 22-year-old Yolanda Pacheco of Mount Holly.
Authorities said Glass was driving at an excessive speed while under the influence when her vehicle struck Pacheco’s vehicle in Hamilton Township. Pacheco died from injuries suffered in the crash. Her passenger, 30-year-old Jenalise Sierra-Valentin of Egg Harbor City, was injured.
Glass pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated manslaughter, second-degree aggravated assault, third-degree joyriding and fourth-degree criminal mischief in connection with the crash. A second-offense DUI charge is expected to be formally entered when she is sentenced.
The crash occurred shortly after midnight on Route 322. Earlier reporting on the case said investigators determined that Glass’s vehicle struck Pacheco’s vehicle from behind. Pacheco was a Stockton University student and was close to completing her bachelor’s degree in psychology when she was killed.
Two Earlier Driving Cases
The plea agreement also resolves two older cases involving Glass.
In April 2022, Pleasantville police stopped Glass in a case involving driving while intoxicated with her 2-month-old child in the vehicle. She pleaded guilty to second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and a disorderly persons offense involving DUI with a minor.
Glass also pleaded guilty to third-degree eluding for a December 2020 incident in Hamilton Township. Authorities said she failed to stop after a police officer attempted to pull her over.
Together, the three cases resulted in six indictable guilty pleas and one disorderly persons offense.
15-Year Sentence Recommended
Under the plea agreement, prosecutors are recommending that Glass receive 15 years in New Jersey State Prison. The recommended sentence includes an 85% period of parole ineligibility under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, according to recent reporting on the plea agreement.
If the recommendation is imposed as outlined, Glass would have to serve more than 12 years before becoming eligible for parole on the portion subject to the law.
The recommended sentence is not yet a final court sentence.
Glass is scheduled to appear for sentencing on Dec. 1, 2026.
Pacheco’s death had previously been reported as a major loss for her family and the Stockton University community. She had been expected to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology shortly after the fatal crash.
