Ernst Gilles Convicted of Rape in the Third Degree and Unlawful Imprisonment in the Second Degree

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Ernst Gilles, age 24, of New Windsor, was convicted after a jury trial in the Orange County Court of Rape in the Third Degree and Unlawful Imprisonment in the Second Degree.  Gilles was remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail following the jury’s verdict and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 14, 2026.

As alleged at trial, on July 22, 2024 in the City of Newburgh, Gilles engaged in sexual intercourse with another person without that person’s consent.  During the incident, Gilles prevented the victim from leaving the location.  The incident was promptly reported to the City of Newburgh Police department who, after conducting an investigation, arrested Gilles. 

District Attorney Hoovler thanked the City of Newburgh Department whose investigation led to the arrest of Gilles.

“The guilty verdict announced today affirms how the truth of a brave survivor cannot be silenced,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “We continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute the most challenging cases to achieve a just result.  I commend the hard work of the police and prosecutors assigned to this case whose unwavering efforts support victims of sexual crimes every single day.  My Office will continue to dedicate all necessary resources to holding sexual offenders accountable.”

District Attorney Hoovler highly commended Senior Assistant District Attorney Michael Purcell and Assistant District Attorney Ralph Anthony 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.