Robert Smith Convicted of Robbery in the Second Degree
Defendant Faces up to 15 Years in Prison
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that Robert Smith, age 54, of Newburgh, was convicted after a jury trial in the Orange County Court of Robbery in the Second Degree. Smith faces up to fifteen (15) years in prison when he is scheduled to be sentenced on October 15, 2025. Smith was remanded back to the Orange County Jail without bail following the jury’s verdict.
As alleged at trial, on October 12, 2024 at approximately 1:10 p.m., Smith, while riding a bicycle, approached a man on a street in the City of Newburgh. Smith argued with the man and demanded money from him. When the victim refused to pay and kept walking, Smith got off the bicycle, punched the victim multiple times, causing the victim to fall back and strike his head on the pavement. Smith then went through the victim’s pockets, took property and fled. Prior to the trial, the victim passed away from unrelated causes. As a result, at trial, the case was proven beyond a reasonable doubt by other witnesses and evidence.
District Attorney Hoovler thanked the City of Newburgh Police Department for their investigation which led to the arrest of Smith.
“The use of unprovoked violence is unacceptable and this offender was rightfully held accountable for his crimes,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “I am grateful for the attention of the jury who reviewed all of the available evidence before returning the only verdict consistent with the facts. Even in the most challenging circumstances, such as when the victim to a crime passes away before the case can be brought to trial, my Office remains steadfast in our pursuit of justice. I appreciate the work of the police and prosecutors who saw this case through to a just conclusion.”
District Attorney Hoovler highly commended Senior Assistant District Attorney Christopher Kelly and Assistant District Attorney Anthony Molina who prosecuted the case.
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.
