Newburgh Man Sentenced to 8 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 Raul Paz, age 34, of Newburgh, was sentenced to eight (8) 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.

As alleged in documents filed and statements made in court, on May 14, 2023, a man returned to his residence in the City of Newburgh.  As the man entered his home, Paz was waiting outside, pulled out a gun and fired at the man, nearly missing him.  The incident was captured on surveillance video.  When Paz was apprehended by the police, he identified himself in still photos from the video and admitted to the shooting.  At the plea proceedings, Paz admitted to illegally possessing a loaded firearm.

District Attorney Hoovler thanked the City of Newburgh Police Department for their investigation which led to the arrest of Paz. 

“Dangerous weapons in the hands of dangerous offenders are a recipe for disaster,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “While thankfully no one was injured in this case, an irreversible outcome was perilously close to reality.  The City of Newburgh Police conducted a careful and thorough investigation which led to the conviction and sentence imposed in this case.  We will continue our dedicated pursuit of illegally possessed guns and the criminals who choose to wield them.”

The case is being prosecuted by Executive Assistant District Attorney Leah Canton.

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.