Newburgh Man Convicted of Burglary in the Second Degree and Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree

Defendant Faces up to 15 Years in Prison

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that on Monday, November 20, 2023, Angel Lahoz, age 35 of Newburgh, was convicted after a jury trial in the Orange County Court of Burglary in the Second Degree and Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree.  Lahoz faces up to fifteen (15) years in prison when he is sentenced on February 5, 2024.  Lahoz was remanded to Orange County Jail without bail following the jury’s verdict.

As alleged at trial, on January 2, 2023, a City of Newburgh resident was home alone when she heard noises coming from her living room.  She saw a man in her living room going through her purse.  As the man walked through the house, the victim saw that the man was the defendant, a relative of hers.  Lahoz grabbed a machete and then approached the victim and threw her to the floor.  Lahoz returned to the living room and dropped the weapon which allowed the victim to call the police.  The victim’s husband and brother arrived and took Lahoz outside, where the police took him into custody.  It was later determined that Lahoz had entered the home by breaking a bedroom window. 

District Attorney Hoovler thanked the City of Newburgh Police for their investigation and the arrest of Lahoz.

“This defendant’s terrifying proven conduct shattered the sanctity of the victim’s home,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “We all deserve to feel safe in our home and thankfully, no one was injured as a result of the defendant’s actions.  I commend the work of the police and prosecutors who handled this case and made sure a frequent recidivist was held responsible for his criminal behavior.  My Office will always prioritize the prosecution of violent felonies and those offenders who drive crime in our communities.”

District Attorney Hoovler highly commended Executive Assistant District Attorney Michael Milza and Assistant District Attorney Aragon Vicenty who prosecuted the case.

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.