Craig Merlock Previously Pled Guilty to Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, Craig Merlock, age 45, of Goshen, was sentenced in Orange County Court to eighteen (18) years to life in prison relative to his previous guilty plea to Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child.  At the sentencing proceedings, the People recommended that he be sentenced to twenty-five (25) years to life in prison, which is the maximum sentence permitted by law.  As part of the sentence, Merlock will also be registered as a sex offender under the New York Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA).  At the plea proceedings, Merlock admitted that on July 24, 2023, being eighteen (18) years old or more, he did engage in oral sexual conduct with an individual who was less than thirteen (13) years old.

District Attorney Hoovler thanked the New York State Police and their Computer Crimes Unit for their investigation which led to the arrest of the defendant.  District Attorney Hoovler also thanked the Orange County Child Abuse Investigation Unit for their assistance with the investigation.

“The admitted conduct of this defendant rightfully resulted in one of the strongest punishments available to the justice system,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “While nothing could ever restore to the victim what was lost by the defendant’s actions, it is nonetheless important to the safety of our community that this offender is removed from society for as long as possible.  I thank the dedicated investigators for their hard work which uncovered this defendant’s crimes.  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 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.