Newburgh man pleads guilty in gun case

On Monday, January 27, 2025, Ernie Prospere, 50, of Newburgh pled guilty in Orange County Court to attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler announced. Under the plea agreement, Prospere faces a sentence of six years in prison to be followed by five years post-release supervision when he is sentenced on April 3, 2025.

According to Hoovler’s announcement, police responded to a 911 call claiming that someone with a gun was seen at a location in the City of Newburgh. When the police arrived at the residence, they saw Prospere, who allegedly matched the description of the individual. Prospere ran inside of the residence and allegedly 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.

“We see, time and again, that dangerous, loaded firearms are found to be illegally possessed by recidivist offenders,” said Hoovler. “Through proactive and responsive policing, as well as focused prosecution, we can ensure that these offenders are held accountable for their crimes. Law enforcement will continue the zealous pursuit of illegally possessed guns before they can be used by criminals in perpetrating violent crimes.”