PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY — A 33-year-old woman is facing criminal charges after investigators say she lied to police about her boyfriend setting her on fire. Chelsea Villano reportedly claimed he dragged her into a wooded area, poured an accelerant on her and set her alight. Her accusation led to his arrest on attempted murder and arson charges. But investigators later determined that her account of the attack was made up.
Woman Found With Serious Burns in the Woods
The case began on October 15, 2026, when emergency services got a call about a woman with serious burn injuries in a wooded area of Plumsted Township. Officers and EMTs arrived shortly after 1:30 p.m. and found Villano in distress.
She was taken to Temple University Burn Center in Philadelphia for treatment, where she reportedly spent several days. While being treated, she told police what had supposedly happened and named her boyfriend as the attacker.
Boyfriend Arrested on Attempted Murder Charges
Based on her claims, the boyfriend was arrested on October 16 and charged with first-degree attempted murder and aggravated arson. He was then held at the Ocean County Jail.
Villano told police he had set her on fire and left her in the woods. At that point, the case appeared to be a violent domestic attack, and the boyfriend faced some of the most serious charges under state law.
Investigators Found Holes in Her Story
As detectives worked through the evidence, they began to question her version of events. What they found reportedly did not match her account. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office eventually concluded that Villano had knowingly given police false information about how she was burned and who caused it.
The boyfriend was released from jail by October 19, after spending four days in custody. NBC Philadelphia reported that investigators had determined her allegations were false, and the charges against him were reportedly dropped.
Villano Arrested at Police Headquarters
Villano was arrested on October 23 at Eatontown Police Headquarters. She was processed into the Ocean County Corrections system, where she is awaiting court hearings. News of her arrest was also shared in a social media post about the case.
She now faces two counts of falsely incriminating another person. These charges are allegations, and she has not been convicted. It remains to be seen which claims will hold up in court.
Her Injuries Were Real
One part of the story can get lost amid the false accusation: Villano really was burned. She had serious injuries and needed treatment at a burn center.
Investigators say it was her explanation of how she got hurt, and her claim that her boyfriend was responsible, that she made up. Officials have not said publicly how the burns actually happened. Meanwhile, the boyfriend who spent four days behind bars has been cleared, and the case against Villano will continue in Ocean County court.
Stay with bccolonels.com for the latest news and local coverage.