Justin Babik convicted after trial of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second and Fourth Degrees
Defendant sentenced to 15 Years in Prison and 5 Years Post-Release Supervision
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that Justin Babik, age 47, of Goshen, was sentenced to fifteen (15) years in prison and five (5) years post-release supervision for possessing a loaded pistol while he was on parole. On January 21, 2025, Babik was convicted after a jury trial in the Orange County Court of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree.
Evidence at the trial proved that on May 8, 2024, at approximately 12:00 p.m., Babik engaged in an argument with his son and sent him threatening text messages. The son called the Village of Goshen Police Department to report the threats which resulted in the police department contacting the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, because Babik was on parole. As a result, parole officers conducted a home visit and searched Babik’s residence that same day and recovered a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun and an unfinished lower receiver which is a part of another gun from Babik’s bedroom. Babik was not permitted to possess either of the items because of his prior criminal convictions. Babik was sentenced to fifteen (15) years in prison and five (5) years post-release supervision for Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and one (1) year in jail for the misdemeanor of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, which will be served concurrently.
District Attorney Hoovler thanked the Village of Goshen Police Department for their investigation which led to the arrest of Babik. District Attorney Hoovler also thanked the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision who assisted during the investigation.
“This defendant was still on parole at the time that he chose to illegally possess a loaded firearm, and as such he deserves a lengthy state prison sentence to keep the community safe,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “Law enforcement remains committed to ensuring the safety of our communities by identifying and holding accountable those who illegally possess and use firearms. I commend the work of the Village of Goshen Police Department and their law enforcement partners whose investigation led to the apprehension and conviction of this defendant.”
District Attorney Hoovler commended Senior Assistant District Attorney Richard Giordano and Assistant District Attorney Kevin Sharp 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.
