Robert Smith Convicted of Robbery in the Second Degree
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that Robert Smith, age 55, of Newburgh, was sentenced in the Orange County Court to thirteen (13) years in prison to be followed by five (5) years of post-release supervision after having been convicted after a jury trial of Robbery in the Second Degree.
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 appropriately lengthy sentence imposed on this violent recidivist will help to make our community safer,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “I credit the police and prosecutors who were responsible for the investigation and presentation of evidence that secured the conviction in this case. We remain committed to the pursuit of justice, even in the most challenging circumstances.”
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.
