District Attorney Hoovler Details Prison Sentence for Newburgh Gun Offender
Ernie Prospere Previously Pled Guilty to Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree
Defendant Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that on Thursday, April 4, 2025, Ernie Prospere, 50, of Newburgh, was sentenced in Orange County Court to six (6) years in prison to be followed by five (5) years post-release supervision relative to his previous guilty plea to Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.
As alleged in documents filed and statements made in court, police responded to a 911 call of an individual with a gun at a location in the City of Newburgh. When the police arrived at the residence, they saw Prospere, who matched the description of the individual. Prospere ran inside of the residence and hid a gun, which the police recovered. The firearm was later confirmed to be both loaded and operable. At the plea proceedings, Prospere admitted to attempting to possess the loaded firearm.
District Attorney Hoovler thanked the City of Newburgh Police Department for their investigation which led to the arrest of Prospere.
“Prison is the appropriate sanction for dangerous offenders who illegally possess dangerous weapons,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “Through strategic policing and dedicated legal action, we can ensure that these individuals face justice for their actions. Law enforcement remains committed to addressing the threat of unlawfully possessed weapons, working tirelessly to prevent them from being used in violent crimes.”
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Richard Giordano.
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.