Joseph Rico Pled Guilty to Robbery in the First Degree
Defendant Faces up to 15 Years in Prison
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that Joseph Rico, 50, of Poughkeepsie, pled guilty in Orange County Court to Robbery in the First Degree. Under the plea agreement announced on the record at the time that Rico pled guilty, the People will recommend he be sentenced to fifteen (15) years in prison to be followed by five (5) years of post-release supervision when he is sentenced on October 14, 2025.
As alleged in documents filed and statements made in court, on March 27, 2025, Rico entered a fast-food restaurant in the Town of New Windsor by following employees entering the building prior to the business opening. Inside, Rico displayed what appeared to be a pistol and directed the employees to the ground. Rico directed an employee to the office, threatened her with what appeared to be a pistol and demanded she open the safe. When the employee refused and attempted to call 911, Rico pistol-whipped her, stole her phone and fled. An investigation by the Town of New Windsor Police Department identified Rico as the suspect and resulted in his arrest. At the plea proceedings, Rico admitted to forcibly stealing property and, in the course of the commission of the crime or of immediate flight therefrom, using or threatening the immediate use of a dangerous instrument.
District Attorney Hoovler thanked the Town of New Windsor Police Department for their investigation which led to the arrest of Rico. District Attorney Hoovler also thanked the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department who assisted in the investigation.
“This defendant’s admitted conduct was both violent and senseless,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “While, thankfully, the victim did not sustain serious injuries, this defendant nonetheless demonstrated a callous and perilous disregard for the employees who were just doing their job. The careful work of law enforcement led to the arrest and conviction of a dangerous offender. Our community will be safer during the pendency of the lengthy prison sentence expected in this case.”
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Trial Assistant District Attorney Richard Moran.
A 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.
