Tyler Sebesta Previously Pled Guilty to Rape in the First Degree
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that on Monday, February 9, 2026, Tyler Sebesta, age 26, of Newburgh, was sentenced to twelve and one half (12.5) years in prison and twenty (20) years of post-release supervision in connection to his previous guilty plea in Orange County Court to Rape in the First Degree. As part of the sentence, Sebesta will also be registered as a sex offender under the New York Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA).
The defendant previously admitted in Court that on or about November 11, 2024, at a location in the Town of Cornwall, he did engage in sexual contact with another person who was incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless.
District Attorney Hoovler thanked the Town of Cornwall Police Department for their investigation and the arrest of Sebesta. District Attorney Hoovler also thanked the Citrus County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office Digital Forensics Unit for their assistance during the investigation.
“This defendant’s admitted act of sexual assault against a helpless victim stands as a reminder of the pervasive threat of sexual violence in our society,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “We stand in solidarity with the survivor and remain committed to the pursuit of justice. It is through the diligent efforts of the police, working with the victim and our law enforcement partners, that these crimes were uncovered and resulted in a righteous conviction. We will continue to pursue perpetrators of sexual violence that occur in our community.”
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Michael Purcell.
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.
