Francisco Ceballos-Rosario Previously Pled Guilty to Kidnapping in the Second Degree
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that Francisco Ceballos-Rosario, age 44, of Port Jervis, was sentenced in Orange County Court to thirteen (13) years in prison to be followed by five (5) years of post-release supervision relative to his previous guilty plea to Kidnapping in the Second Degree.
As alleged in documents filed and statements made in court, on December 28, 2024 the victim woke up in her residence in the City of Port Jervis to the defendant covering her mouth and nose and attempting to have intercourse with her. At the time, the victim had an active order of protection against the defendant. The defendant repeatedly struck the victim in the face before ordering her out of the residence at knife-point. The defendant directed the victim to her car, threatening to kill her. While driving, the victim said the car was failing, which caused the defendant to drag her out of the vehicle by her hair, continue to beat her and slam her head into a sign post. A bystander observed the defendant attacking the victim and contacted the police. Law enforcement responded promptly and took the defendant into custody. The victim sustained serious injuries, including broken bones in the face and hearing loss. At the plea proceedings, Ceballos-Rosario admitted to restraining the victim with the intent to prevent her liberation by using or threatening to use deadly physical force.
District Attorney Hoovler thanked the City of Port Jervis Police Department for their investigation which led to the arrest of the defendant. District Attorney Hoovler also thanked the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with the investigation.
“The chilling facts of this case are a reminder of the stark realities of domestic violence,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “But for the selfless actions of the good samaritan, the rapid response of the police, and the bravery demonstrated by the survivor, the outcome would likely have been even more tragic than what unfolded. The lengthy prison sentence imposed in this case is necessary to remove this violent offender from society. We will not stop in our persistent pursuit of violent criminals.”
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Kelle Grimmer.
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.
