District Attorney Hoovler Announces Guilty Plea in Unionville Burglary Case

Jesse Frank Pled Guilty to Burglary in the First Degree

Defendant Faces up to 9 Years in Prison

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that on Thursday, March 21, 2024, Jesse Frank, 38, of Unionville, pled guilty in Orange County Court to Burglary in the First Degree.  Under the plea agreement announced on the record at the time that Frank pled guilty, the People will recommend he be sentenced to nine (9) years in prison when he is in court next on May 7, 2024.

As alleged in documents filed and statements made in court, on May 10, 2023 at approximately noon, Frank kicked down the door of a tenant in a home in the Village of Unionville while holding a knife.  Once inside, Frank threatened to kill the occupant and struck the victim near the eye with the knife.  During the struggle, the victim sustained a broken orbital bone and a cut to the hand before being able to run out of the bedroom and flagging down a passing motorist who called 911.  After Frank was taken into custody, he admitted the incident to the police and said that he was attempting to take the victim’s eye out.  At the plea proceedings, Frank admitted to illegally entering the bedroom with an intent to commit a crime therein and to injuring the victim while inside.

District Attorney Hoovler thanked the New York State Police for their investigation and the arrest of the defendant.

“The terrifying facts of this case are every resident’s worst nightmare,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “Violent offenders must face stiff punishment so that dangerous individuals are removed from our community while also serving as a deterrent to others.  Thankfully the victim in this case did not suffer permanent injuries.  The prosecution of violent felonies has been and will remain a top priority of my Office.”

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Christopher Kelly. 

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.