Middletown Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison

Defendant Previously Pled Guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that Wayne Battles, age 44, of Middletown, was sentenced to seven (7) years in prison to be followed by three (3) years of post-release supervision in connection with his previous guilty plea in Orange County Court to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree.

As alleged in documents filed and statements made in court, on dates in July, 2020 Battles met with an undercover police officer and exchanged quantities of crack cocaine in exchange for money.  Members of the New York State Police later stopped a vehicle Battles was driving in October, 2020 and he was found to have approximately twenty-seven (27) grams of cocaine on his person.  At the plea proceedings, Battles admitted to knowingly possessing cocaine with the intent to sell it.

District Attorney Hoovler thanked the New York State Police for their investigation which led to the arrest of Battles. 

“Law enforcement will pursue drug dealers using all available resources,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “Where long-term drug investigations uncover evidence of drug crimes, my Office will ensure that these offenders face appropriate justice.  Let me be crystal clear to those considering possessing or selling narcotics in Orange County: you will be caught and you will face severe punishment.  I praise the dangerous work of the police officers responsible for this and other narcotics investigations.  Together, we are ensuring that our communities are safe from the scourge of dangerous drugs.”

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Richard Giordano.

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.