Orange County News
For Immediate Release Contact: Ryan Greenbaum
Monday, March 6, 2023 845.615.3657, 845.415.0868c
District Attorney Hoovler Details State Prison Sentence in Wallkill Domestic Violence Burglary Case
Defendant Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison with Five Years of Post-Release Supervision
Defendant Previously Pled Guilty to Burglary in the First Degree for Home Invasion Stabbing
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that on Monday, March 6, 2023, Jonathan Harris, 41, of Middletown, was sentenced to ten (10) years in state prison to be followed by five (5) years of post-release supervision in connection with his guilty plea to Burglary in the First Degree for a violent home invasion stabbing.
As admitted during the plea allocution and in charging documents filed in court, on July 16, 2022, Harris broke into the home of his wife in the Town of Wallkill in violation of a previously issued order of protection. Inside, the victim attempted to call 911, but Harris knocked the phone out of her hands. Harris then stabbed the victim in the chest, causing a puncture wound to the victim’s liver. Harris fled the residence before he was apprehended after a traffic stop by police. It was later determined that Harris was an active corrections officer for the City of New York.
District Attorney Hoovler thanked the Town of Wallkill Police Department for their investigation and arrest of Harris.
“The significant sentence imposed in this matter is appropriate in light of the admitted violent conduct of the defendant,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “This type of behavior is reprehensible for anyone, let alone a sworn corrections officer who is entrusted to protect and serve. My Office will continue to support victims of domestic violence by aggressively prosecuting those responsible for these crimes. I urge all victims of domestic violence to seek out the support available to them by contacting law enforcement, my Office or organizations such as Fearless! Hudson Valley who are there to assist.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Nicholas Mangold.
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.