Hudson County Prosecutors Say Toms River Resident Provided False Information During Investigation Into 2022 Pool Deaths Of Teenage Brothers

Monday, March 16, 2026, 4:15 P.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

BAYONNE, NJ.- An Ocean County woman has been charged with providing false statements to investigators during a death investigation connected to the 2022 drowning deaths of two teenage brothers at a Bayonne swimming pool, authorities announced.

     Hudson County Prosecutor Wayne Mello said Friday that Ashley Danback, 37, of Toms River, was arrested by members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit on March 13, 2026, in connection with statements she allegedly made during the course of the investigation.

     Danback is charged with one count of False Swearing, a fourth-degree crime under New Jersey statute N.J.S.A. 2C:28-2a, which criminalizes knowingly making false statements under oath or in official proceedings.

     According to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, Danback was taken into custody at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in Jersey City, New Jersey. Following processing, she was released on a summons and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date for her first appearance. 

Investigation into 2022 Bayonne Deaths;

     The charge stems from statements Danback allegedly made during an investigation into the deaths of two teenage brothers who died at a Bayonne swimming pool on June 9, 2022.

     Authorities said the statements were provided after the investigation had already begun and were determined to be false during the course of the inquiry. Prosecutors emphasized that the alleged false statements did not contribute to the deaths of the two victims, but they were made during an active death investigation.

     The identities of the deceased men were not released as part of Friday’s announcement, and officials did not disclose additional details about the underlying circumstances of the 2022 incident.

     The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit handled the arrest. The unit is typically responsible for complex or sensitive investigations, including cases involving official misconduct, deaths under unusual circumstances, or investigative integrity matters.

Legal Context;

     Under New Jersey law, False Swearing is classified as a fourth-degree offense, which can carry potential penalties including up to 18 months in state prison. However, sentencing ultimately depends on a range of factors, including criminal history and the circumstances of the offense.

     Cases involving alleged false statements to investigators are often pursued when authorities determine that misleading information obstructed or complicated the investigative process, even if the statements were not directly tied to the cause of death or other criminal conduct.

     As with all criminal matters, the charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Next Steps;

     Danback is expected to make her initial appearance in Hudson County Superior Court in the coming weeks, where the charge will be formally addressed and the next stage of the case scheduled.

     The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office did not indicate whether additional charges or arrests related to the underlying 2022 deaths are anticipated.

Editor’s Note:

This report was written by Art Fletcher and is based on official information released by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office on March 13, 2026. Criminal charges are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Additional details may be reported as they become available through court filings or official updates from law enforcement authorities.