April 27, 2017

District Attorney Hoovler Announces Guilty Plea in Carjacking Assault Case-Prosecutors to recommend 18 years in state prison

Defendant Stole Car at Knifepoint

Crashes Stolen Car into Building Severely Injuring Woman

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced today that on April 27, 2017, Alan Alberto, 26, of Newburgh, pleaded guilty to Assault in the First Degree, for having severely injured a woman during a carjacking which occurred on December 13, 2016, in the City of Newburgh. At the time he pleaded guilty, Alberto admitted that he stole a car at knifepoint from a woman at approximately 10:00 pm in the vicinity of Dubois Street and First Street. Alberto entered the woman’s car and stabbed her in an attempt to force her from the vehicle Alberto admitted driving the stolen car through the streets as the woman clung to the car. Alberto narrowly missed hitting a City of Newburgh Police Officer who was on foot patrol as he careened the car wildly through the streets of Newburgh. Alberto lost control of the car, which crashed into a building and flipped over, trapping Alberto in the driver’s seat, and pinning the woman under the car, severely injuring her. The victim’s injuries included broken hips, legs, feet and knees which required her to undergo at least five surgeries.

Alberto is scheduled to be sentenced by Orange County Court Judge Nicholas De Rosa on June 8, 2017. At the time Alberto pleaded guilty, the District Attorney’s Office announced that they would be seeking an eighteen year state prison sentence on the case.

District Attorney Hoovler thanked the City of Newburgh Police Department for their investigation and arrest in the case.

“This type of senseless violence deserves the severest of penalties,” said District Attorney Hoovler. “A law-abiding citizen suffered catastrophic injuries due to this defendant’s attempt to steal a car from what he hoped was an easy target. I applaud the heroic actions of the victim in this case as she continues to recover from her injuries, as well as the fast response of the City of Newburgh Police Department.”

A criminal charge is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of the criminal law, and it is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the State’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.