Defendant Sentenced to 2-4 Years in Prison, Which is Maximum Permitted Under Law

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, Gregory Gonzalez, 56, of Newburgh, was sentenced in the Orange County Court to two to four (2-4) years in prison in relation to his previous guilty plea to Criminal Contempt in the First Degree.  The sentence imposed is the maximum permitted under law.  Gonzalez had three (3) prior felony convictions, including a felony sex offense.

As alleged in statements made and documents filed in court, on April 29, 2023 members of the City of Middletown Police Department responded to an alleyway for a call of an individual screaming for help.  There, they found the victim with bruising and swelling to the face and the victim said that the defendant, who was a former intimate partner, had caused the injuries before fleeing the scene.  The defendant was located nearby, wearing a ski mask, and refused to comply with police directives before he was eventually taken into custody.  It was learned by the police that there was an active order of protection in favor of the victim that ordered the defendant to stay away and not commit any offenses against the victim.  At the plea proceedings the defendant admitted that he struck the victim in violation of the order of protection, which he was aware was in effect.

District Attorney Hoovler thanked the City of MiddletownPolice Department for their investigation and the arrest of Gonzalez.  

“Violent recidivists, such as this defendant, deserve to face significant prison sentences,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “I commend the bravery of the survivor in this casewho came forward and was heard.  October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and my Office will continue to encourage survivors of domestic violence to come forward to seek out the support available to them by contacting law enforcement, my Office or organizations such as Fearless! Hudson Valley who are there to assist.”

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Kontos.

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 afair trial, during which it will be the State of New York’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.