Newburgh Man Faces up to 7 Years in Prison After Pleading Guilty to Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree

 Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that Israel Brown, age 23, of Newburgh, pled guilty in Orange County Court to Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.  Under the terms of the plea agreement that was placed on the record at the time that Brown pled guilty, the District Attorney’s Office will recommend that he be sentenced to seven (7) years in prison to be followed by five (5) years of post-release supervision when he returns to court on February 24, 2025. 

As alleged in documents filed and statements made in court, on June 25, 2023 at approximately 2:55 am, members of the City of Newburgh Police Department were dispatched to a location for a report of a burglary in progress.  When they arrived at the location the officers observed Brown and nearby a book bag which Brown denied was his.  Inside of the bag was a loaded .380 pistol with a defaced serial number.  Later DNA analysis of swabs taken from the firearm matched the defendant.  At the plea proceedings, Brown admitted to attempting to possess the loaded firearm

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

“Proactive policing prevents unnecessary violence before it occurs,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “We cannot and will not tolerate the illegal possession of firearms, particularly those that are defaced and often used during the commission of other crimes.  We have been clear to those who illegally possess and use firearms: we are coming for you, you will face felony charges and you will serve prison time.  I commend the dedicated work of law enforcement to support our mission and whose work helps to make our communities safer.”

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Peter Fernandez.

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.