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Please find and view the most up to date news and information regarding the Town of New Windsor Police Department listed below.
Orange County News For Immediate Release Contact: Christopher Borek November 6, 2020 845.291.3276, 845.238.4245c
District Attorney Hoovler Announces Murder Charges
In Death of Missing City of Newburgh Woman
Man Indicted for Murdering 36-Year-Old Woman
Victim Missing Since November 3, 2019
Body of Victim Not Recovered
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced on Friday, November 6, 2020, that Matthew Mercado, 37, of Newburgh, was arraigned before Orange County Court Judge William L. DeProspo on charges including Murder in the Second Degree, in connection with the death of 36-year-old Jessica Lopez, a City of Newburgh woman who was last seen on November 3, 2019, at the Windsor Motel in the Town of New Windsor.
Mercado had previously been indicted on charges including Burglary in the Second Degree for breaking into room 32 of the Windsor Motel on November 3, 2019, at about 1:35 AM, and stealing two bags from the three young woman who had been sleeping in the room at the time. Mercado has been continually incarcerated since his arrest on November 6, 2019, in connection with those charges. The District Attorney’s Office superseded that case in the Grand Jury and asked the Grand Jury to consider additional evidence concerning the disappearance of Jessica Lopez, who had been staying with Mercado in room 33 of the Windsor Motel the night of Saturday, November 2, 2019, into the morning of Sunday, November 3, 2019. The Grand Jury indicted Mercado for Murder in the Second Degree for intentionally killing Jessica Lopez in room 33 of the motel as Ms. Lopez was attempting to leave the motel at approximately 5:00 AM on November 3, 2019. The Grand Jury also indicted Mercado for a separate count of Murder in the Second Degree for having killed Ms. Lopez during the commission of a robbery or kidnapping of her. Robbery under the law is forcibly stealing property. Mercado is charged with two counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree for having stolen Ms. Lopez bank card and stealing approximately $1,500 from her account, most of which was taken out in ATM withdrawals starting at approximately 9:00 AM on November 3, 2019.
Mercado is also charged with three felony counts of Tampering with Physical Evidence. One count alleges that he removed Ms. Lopez’s body from room 33, placed her in the trunk of her car, drove the car to an unknown location and concealed the body. Another count alleges that he deleted text messages between her cellular telephone and his cellular telephone, messages that were sent at about 5:30 AM on November 3, 2019. The third count of Tampering with Physical Evidence alleges that he disposed of Ms. Lopez’s cellular telephone so it could not be used as evidence.
The Grand Jury indicted Mercado again for Burglary in the Second Degree for breaking into room 32 and stealing bags from the three young woman, and added a charge of Criminal Impersonation in the Second Degree for Mercado having told the three young woman that he would not give their bags back and that he was an undercover police officer.
Bail was set in the amount of one-million dollars cash, or three-million dollars secured bond, or ten-million dollars partially secured bond. The case is next scheduled for a virtual conference in County Court on December 2, 2020. Mercado faces up to twenty-five years to life in state prison on the charges of Murder in the Second Degree and up to an additional fifteen years in state prison on the charge of Burglary in the Second Degree.
District Attorney Hoovler highly commended the Town of New Windsor Police Department for their investigation and unceasing efforts in the case, as well as the many law enforcement agencies that aided in the investigation, including the Town of Newburgh Police Department, the City of Newburgh Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police, and the New York State Police, as well as the civilian volunteers who have searched for Jessica Lopez.
“By all accounts Jessica Lopez was a remarkable young woman and her loss is being severely felt by her family, friends, and many of her former students,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “While recovering her remains will continue to be a high priority for us, we are fully prepared to litigate this case even without her body being recovered. Murder convictions without bodies are permissible under the law and in fact such convictions have occurred before here in Orange County. My heartfelt condolences go out to Ms. Lopez’s family, and my office will do everything in our power to see that the person responsible for her death faces just punishment.”
Chief Robert Doss of the Town of New Windsor Police Department said, “I would like to thank every member of the New Windsor Police Department that worked so diligently on this investigation. It is because of their hard work, along with the assistance of all the other police agencies, that made a difference in this case. I also want to thank District Attorney David Hoovler and his staff for their unwavering support through the process. We will never forget the family of Jessica Lopez, who have been without her in their lives for over a year now. Her mother, father and brother, all live with the constant pain of her loss. I speak for every member of Law Enforcement that worked on this investigation when I say that we stand with them and we will continue to fight for Jessica every day until justice is brought in this case. Our hearts go out to her family and we will continue to pray for them. It is my hope that the news of this indictment will at least begin the process of closure to Jessica’s family and everyone that knew her.”
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Christopher Borek and Senior Assistant District Attorney Kelle Grimmer.
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.
Jessica Lopez
District Attorney Hoovler: Cornelius Stubbs Guilty of All Counts After Month-Long Jury Trial
Newburgh Man Guilty of Murder in the First Degree for Killing of a Woman in New Windsor
Co-Defendant Previously Pled Guilty to All Charges Against Him
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, Cornelius Stubbs, age 50, of Newburgh, was convicted following a jury trial in the Orange County Court of all charges against him including Murder in the First Degree. Stubbs faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison without parole when he is sentenced on September 20, 2022. Stubbs’s co-defendant in the case, Carlos Rivera, age 49, also of Newburgh, pled guilty to all counts he was facing, including Murder in the First Degree, during the jury selection phase of the trial on May 2, 2022. Rivera is expected to be sentenced to thirty years to life in state prison when he is sentenced on August 22, 2022.
The charges in the case stem from the September 2019 shooting death of a twenty-one-year-old female college student inside a New Windsor residence. The deceased woman was in the apartment visiting her boyfriend, who is the brother of the mother of one of Stubbs’ children. The indictment also charged Stubbs with a pattern of harassment of that same mother, as well as her family.
At trial, Stubbs was convicted of Murder in the First Degree, two counts of Attempted Murder in the First Degree, Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Assault in the First Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, for having broken into the brother’s New Windsor apartment, shooting the brother, and fatally shooting his girlfriend. The brother was seriously injured in the attack.
Stubbs was also convicted of ten counts of Criminal Contempt in the First Degree, Coercion in the First Degree, eight counts of Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree, three counts of Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree, and two counts of Harassment in the Second Degree, for having repeatedly threatened and harassed the mother of his child, as well as her brother.
District Attorney Hoovler thanked the Town of New Windsor Police Department and New York State Police for their investigation and the arrest of the defendants, as well the City of Newburgh Police Department who aided in the investigation.
“The horrific tragedy perpetrated by these defendants stands as a stark reminder of the dangers that escalating domestic and intimate partner violence can pose not only to those who had been directly involved in a relationship with an offender, but to others as well,” said District Attorney David Hoovler. “This case has not only affected the victims and their families but has cast a long shadow over the community. I hope that this verdict will bring some measure of closure to the family and loved ones of the victims who have suffered such unimaginable grief. I highly commend Senior Assistant District Attorney David Byrne, who has been a prosecutor for over twenty years, for working tirelessly to see that these violent felons were brought to justice.”
District Attorney Hoovler highly commended Senior Assistant District Attorney David Byrne and Assistant District Attorney Michael Roche who prosecuted the case.
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.
Jessica Lopez, also known as Yessica Lopez, was reported missing to the City of Newburgh Police Department on November 3, 2019. Investigation into her whereabouts has now shown that the last place she was seen was the Windsor Motel on Rt 9W in the Town of New Windsor in the early morning hours of November 3, 2019. Ms. Lopez has not been heard from since and she is missing under suspicious circumstances.
Ms. Lopez’s silver 2005 Toyota Camry, NY Registration JDC9597, has been located by police at Showtime Cinema on Rt 300 in the Town of Newburgh, as previously reported. Police are now asking for the community’s help in determining where her vehicle traveled on Sunday, November 3, 2019 before it was parked at Showtime Cinema. Anyone having seen Ms. Lopez’s vehicle (see photos) between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on November 3, 2019 is asked to contact police at (845)565-7000. We are also urging local businesses and homeowners to review their security camera footage during this timeframe to see if her vehicle happens to be captured on video. The Town of New Windsor Police Department is now the lead agency investigating this missing person report. Since taking over the investigation, police investigators have followed up on over 200 leads. In addition to following up on leads, over the past several days an extensive ground search has been undertaken in the Northern New Windsor area including areas in the City and Town of Newburgh. Assisting the New Windsor Police in this investigation is: The New York State Police, Town & City of Newburgh Police Departments, FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center, New York State DEC Police and Forest Rangers, DEA, Orange & Putnam County Sheriff’s Offices, Westchester County Police Dept., and the Ramapo Search & Rescue. This matter is still under active investigation and police are continuing to follow up on several leads. Anyone that may know something about Ms. Lopez’s whereabouts is urged to call the New Windsor Police immediately at (845)565-7000. Additional press releases will be distributed by the New Windsor Police Department when more information becomes available. See vehicle photos provided. Thank you.
The Town of New Windsor Police Department arrested a man today in connection to the September 21, 2019 murder of 21-year old Chelsea Debidin that occurred at The Knox Village Apartments, 835 Blooming Grove Turnpike, New Windsor, New York. This arrest is a result of the ongoing investigation into this shooting incident by the New Windsor Police Department, along with the New York State Police, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the O.C. District Attorney’s Office and the Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center.
New Windsor Police Chief Robert L. Doss stated, “The arrest of this coward is a result of our ongoing investigation into this shooting that has not stopped since the day it occurred. The multi-agency team of investigators assigned to this case deserve the credit for taking Mr. Rivera off the street today and it is a direct result of their hard work and tenacity. Chelsea has been in all our thoughts and prayers and I hope this arrest helps bring some closure to her amazing family.” Arrested today was: Carlos A. Rivera, 47 years old, of the City of Newburgh. He was charged with Murder 2nd Degree and Attempted Murder 2nd Degree, both Felonies. Rivera was arraigned this evening before Town Justice George J. Meyers and sent to Orange County Jail on no bail. He is scheduled back in New Windsor Town Court on Thursday, November 14, 2019 for further court action. This incident is still under active investigation and this case is NOT closed. Anyone that may know something about this incident is urged to call the New Windsor Police at (845)565-7000. Additional press releases will be distributed by the New Windsor Police Department when more information becomes available.
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
On June 15th, 2021, the Town of New Windsor Police Department along with the FBI Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, the City and Town of Newburgh Police Departments, the New York State Police and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Group executed a court authorized search warrant at a residence on Belle Court in the Town of New Windsor. This search warrant was the result of a two month-long investigation into the illegal possession of narcotics by an individual residing at this residence.
This search resulted in the seizure of 197 grams of crack cocaine, 138 grams of powdered cocaine and approximately $15,000 in U.S. Currency.
Bobby J. Allen, age 55 of New Windsor NY, was arrested and charged federally with narcotics crimes. He was transported to the Hudson Valley Office of the FBI and is awaiting presentation to the Southern District Court in White Plains later today. He faces a minimum of 10-years in a federal penitentiary if convicted.
New Windsor Police Chief Robert L. Doss stated, “Today’s arrest further demonstrates the focus of this police department on public safety. Mr. Allen has shown society that he is a very dangerous criminal. He already has six felony convictions on his record and he was out of prison on New York State Parole for a firearm conviction when he decided it would be a good idea to come to New Windsor and deal illegal narcotics. That was a big mistake. He is now facing ten years in federal prison for his actions. The message here is clear. If you are dealing illegal narcotics in New Windsor, we will find you and you will be brought to justice. I want to thank our federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement partners for their support and valued assistance in this case.”
The New Windsor Police Department will not be releasing a booking photograph of Mr. Allen due to it being prohibited under New York Public Officers Law, Section 89, which was amended in mid-2019 to prohibit the release of booking photographs due to it being an “unwarranted invasion of personal privacy” unless it serves a legitimate Law Enforcement purpose.
It is with great sadness that we announce the recent passing of retired New Windsor Police Detective Peter DiGregorio, age 85.
At the age of 18, Peter DiGregorio joined the United States Army, where he served for 4 years. He then became a Police Officer in the Village of Washingtonville before joining the New Windsor Police Department.
Peter DiGregorio served the Town of New Windsor for 21 years and he was the first plainclothes Detective in the Town’s history. He held that rank until he retired in 1988.
Peter DiGregorio was also the father retired New Windsor Police Detective Lawrence DiGregorio.
Our sincere condolences go out to the whole DiGregorio family.
On August 2, 2022 New York State Senator James Skoufis held a press conference in the Town of New Windsor to announce funding for select area police agencies to be used towards National Night Out events. The Town of New Windsor Police Department received $6,250. of this funding. Thank you Senator Skoukis!
Pictured are (L-R): Lt. Robert McLymore (Wallkill PD), Chief John Rader (Warwick PD), Chief Robert Doss, Supervisor George Meyers, Senator James Skoufis, Chief Paul Ricard (Mount Hope PD), and Lt Jeffrey Thoelen (Middletown PD).