2 NJ men plead guilty to setting 3rd man on fire in 'prank gone wrong'
Left to right: Brandon Perez, 23, and David Sult, 24, pleaded guilty to aggravated assaul
HAMMONTON, N.J. - Two southern New Jersey men have pleaded guilty to aggravated assault for setting another man on fire as he slept at a friend's home in what police described as a "prank that went terribly, terribly wrong."
The Atlantic County prosecutor said 23-year-old Brandon Perez of Hammonton and 24-year-old David Sult of Mays Landing entered the pleas Thursday in exchange for a recommendation of five-year sentences.
RELATED: New Jersey men accused of setting man on fire as he slept in friend's home
Authorities said the defendants originally maintained that the 27-year-old victim was burned accidentally by an electronic smoking device, but an investigation concluded that lighter fluid was sprayed on him and ignited.
Prosecutors said the victim had severe burns to his back. He told NJ Advance Media that he lost 30 pounds and endured multiple skin grafts and blood transfusions.
___
For the latest local news, sports and weather, download the FOX 29 News app.
DOWNLOAD: FOX 29 NEWS APP