District Attorney Hoovler Announces Plea in Child Rape Case

Newburgh man expected to be sentenced to 15 years in prison

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that on Thursday, March 23, 2023, Eric Vazquez, age 32, of Newburgh, pled guilty in Orange County Court to Rape in the First Degree and Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree.  Under the plea agreement announced on the record at the time that Vazquez pled guilty, it is anticipated that he will be sentenced to fifteen (15) years in state prison and ten (10) years of post-release supervision when he is sentenced on June 12, 2023.  As part of the sentence, Vazquez will also be registered as a sex offender under the New York Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA).

The defendant admitted in Court that, being eighteen (18) years or older, he engaged in sexual intercourse with another person who was less than thirteen years old.  He also admitted that being eighteen (18) years or older, he engaged in oral sexual conduct with another person who was less than thirteen years old.

District Attorney Hoovler thanked the Orange County Child Abuse Investigation Unit and the New York State Police for their investigation and the arrest of the defendant.

“Children are the most vulnerable of victims,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “It is unspeakable that an adult, in a position of trust, could violate children in this manner.  My Office, together with our law enforcement partners will never cease in our pursuit of sexual predators.  We will continue to provide support for victims of sexual assault and seek to hold offenders accountable for their actions.”

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michael Purcell. 

A criminal charge is merely an allegation by the police that adefendant 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.