NEWBURGH, NY — Ernst Gilles, 24, of New Windsor has been convicted of Rape in the Third Degree and Unlawful Imprisonment in the Second Degree after a jury trial at the Orange County Court. He was remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail following the verdict and is set to be sentenced on January 14.
The case stemmed from an incident on July 22, 2024, when Gilles engaged in sexual intercourse with another person without consent, allegedly preventing the victim from leaving. Authorities reported that the incident was reported swiftly, leading to an investigation by the City of Newburgh Police Department, resulting in his arrest.
District Attorney David M. Hoovler expressed gratitude toward the police department for their efforts in this case. “The guilty verdict announced today affirms how the truth of a brave survivor cannot be silenced,” he stated.
Hoovler highlighted the work of law enforcement and prosecutors, saying, “We continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute the most challenging cases to achieve a just result.” He also commended Senior Assistant District Attorney Michael Purcell and Assistant District Attorney Ralph Anthony for their prosecution efforts.
This criminal charge carries serious implications, but all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The burden of proof lies with the State of New York to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case adds to ongoing discussions about crime and justice in the region. As Gilles awaits sentencing, his conviction marks a significant moment in the legal process surrounding sexual offenses in the area.