District Attorney Hoovler Announces Prison Sentence in Middletown Shooting Case
Middletown Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison
Defendant Previously Pled Guilty to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that on Monday, February 5, 2024, Naajib Jackson, age 28, of Middletown, was sentenced to ten (10) years in prison to be followed by five (5) years of post-release supervision in connection with his previous guilty plea in Orange County Court to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. Jackson was also sentenced to a concurrent term of eight (8) years in prison relating to his plea to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree.
As alleged in documents filed and statements made in court, on December 21, 2022, Jackson and his co-defendant, Wayne Lewis, were seen on surveillance video in the area of Park Circle in the City of Middletown. There, Lewis was seen handing a gun to Jackson who proceeded to shoot another man, striking him in the leg and causing non-fatal injuries. Subsequent investigation linked Lewis to the incident and led to his arrest. At the plea, Jackson admitted to possessing the loaded firearm which was used in the shooting. For his part, and due to his prior criminal history, Lewis was previously sentenced to twelve (12) years to life in prison.
District Attorney Hoovler thanked the City of Middletown Police Department for their investigation which led to the arrest of Jackson. District Attorney Hoovler also thanked the New York State Police and the Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center for their assistance with the investigation.
“All too often, where we find drugs and drug dealers, we find the use of illegally possessed firearms,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “The significant sentences imposed in this case help to ensure the safety of our communities. I commendthe dedicated work of the officers and prosecutors who handled this case and saw it through to its appropriate conclusion. We will continue to pursue lengthy sentences for those who illegally carry and use dangerous weapons.”
The case is being prosecuted by Executive Assistant District Attorney Michael Milza.
This 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 of New York’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.