Jennifer Ramirez-Castelan Pled Guilty to Assault in the Second Degree

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that Jennifer Ramirez-Castelan, age 19, of Middletown, pled guilty in Orange County Court to Assault in the Second Degree.  At sentencing on October 22, 2025, it is expected that Ramirez-Castelan will be sentenced to five (5) years of probation.

As alleged in documents filed and statements made in court, on March 25, 2025, Ramirez-Castelan and five (5) other students at Middletown High School attacked another student.  During the course of the assault, a teacher at the school intervened to protect the student being attacked.  As a result, both the student and the teacher sustained physical injuries.  An investigation was conducted by the City of Middletown Police Department which resulted in the arrests of Ramirez-Castelan, an eighteen (18) year old co-defendant, and four (4) juveniles whose cases were filed in Orange County Family Court.  At the plea proceedings, Ramirez-Castelan admitted to intentionally causing physical injury to an employee of a school while on school grounds.

District Attorney Hoovler thanked the City of Middletown Police Department for their investigation which led to the arrest of the defendant.  District Attorney Hoovler also thanked the Enlarged City School District of Middletown for their assistance with the investigation.

“Our schools must remain free of violence where students and staff feel safe at all times,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “Where, as here, violent perpetrators cause injuries to others on school grounds, we will leverage our working partnerships with local school districts and law enforcement to make sure these incidents are fully investigated and offenders held accountable.  I thank both the City of Middletown Police Department and the Enlarged City School District of Middletown for their assistance with this case and whose commitment to safety in our schools is paramount.”

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Nicholas Mangold.

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.