District Attorney delivers tough sentence in New Windsor armed robbery case

District Attorney delivers tough sentence in New Windsor armed robbery case

NEW WINDSOR, NY — Joseph Rico, 50, of Poughkeepsie, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in an armed robbery that occurred on March 27. The sentencing took place in Orange County Court on Tuesday.

Rico pleaded guilty to robbery in the first degree. Following his prison term, he will face five years of post-release supervision. His conviction stems from an incident in which he entered a fast-food restaurant while employees were entering before the opening hours.

According to court documents, Rico displayed what looked like a pistol and ordered employees to the ground. He threatened an employee and demanded access to the safe.

The prosecution detailed that when the employee attempted to call the police, Rico assaulted her, stole her phone, and fled the scene. A subsequent investigation by the Town of New Windsor Police Department identified him as the suspect, leading to his arrest.

District Attorney David M. Hoovler expressed appreciation for the investigative efforts of the Town of New Windsor Police Department. He also acknowledged the assistance from the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department.

“The lengthy sentence imposed in this case reflects the senseless violence perpetrated by this defendant,” said Hoovler. He noted that despite the victim avoiding serious injury, Rico showed a dangerous disregard for others.

Chief Trial Assistant District Attorney Richard Moran is prosecuting the case. The public should be reminded that a criminal charge is merely an allegation and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Rico’s sentence serves as a warning to those considering violent crime in the region.

New York District Attorney announces conviction in animal neglect case

District attorney announces conviction in animal neglect case

MONROE, NY – A jury has convicted Hannah Rose, 33, of Monroe, on two counts of failure to provide proper food and drink to an impounded animal. The verdict was announced by Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler on Friday.

The incident dates back to December 7, when a concerned neighbor reported loud barking from Rose’s residence, indicating the presence of dogs inside. Following this, the Village of Monroe Police Department attempted to make contact with Rose but could not locate her.

On December 13, the police returned to the residence again and reported seeing dogs living in unsanitary conditions. They executed a search warrant and rescued two dogs, a German Shepherd and a Husky, who were found hungry and thirsty.

Following the arrest, Rose admitted the dogs were hers, but the home showed no signs of occupancy. The animals were found surrounded by excrement and without access to food or water.

The dogs have been seized and are now in the care of the Hudson Valley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Rose is scheduled for sentencing on December 17.

Hoovler expressed gratitude toward the Village of Monroe Police Department for their role in the investigation and thanked the HVSPCA for assistance. “Animals are loving companions who never deserve to be neglected or abused,” he stated.

The charges against Rose are allegations and do not constitute evidence of guilt, as all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Hannah Rose faces a December sentencing after being convicted of animal neglect.

District Attorney Announces Guilty Plea in Orange County Arson Case

Fire

District Attorney Announces Guilty Plea in Arson Case

**Orange County, NY** – Tyler Williams, a 26-year-old from Middletown, has pled guilty to second-degree arson in Orange County Court. The case was overseen by Judge Craig Stephen Brown, where it was announced that the prosecution will recommend a 20-year prison sentence followed by five years of post-release supervision for Williams.

The initial incident occurred on December 20, 2023, when Williams received traffic tickets from a New York State Trooper in Middletown. Early the next morning, a fire was ignited at the home of the Trooper’s father in Warwick. First responders included the Town of Warwick Police, Orange County Fire Investigation Unit, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

An extensive investigation conducted by the Town of Warwick Police, the New York State Police Major Crimes Unit, and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office led to Williams’ arrest. More than 20 search warrants were executed, largely focusing on digital evidence, alongside numerous subpoenas. Williams admitted to starting the fire, knowing people were inside the home.

District Attorney David M. Hoovler praised the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation, including the Town of Goshen Police Department