20-Count Conviction In Infamous Domestic Violence Case

KINGSTON, NY — An Ulster County man was convicted of horrific abuse against the mother of his children.

The Ulster County District Attorney says that 46-year-old Dominic Sorbara, of Ellenville, was convicted on Nov. 15 of all counts in a 20-count indictment, after a three-day non-jury trial held before the Honorable James Farrell, visiting judge from Sullivan County.

The counts included two counts of first degree assault, second degree strangulation, first degree stalking, third degree attempted aggravated sex abuse in the third degree, first degree unlawful imprisonment, forcible touching, two counts of aggravated harassment, second degree menacing, five counts of fourth degree criminal possession of a weapon, two counts of fourth degree criminal mischief and second degree reckless endangerment.

Sorbara's sentencing is scheduled for February 14.

According to court documents, on May 23, 2023, Sorbara assaulted and strangled the mother of his daughters at their home in Ellenville. The woman attempted to leave after an argument in the morning but returned when Sorbara threatened to ram her with his vehicle.

After she returned, prosecutors say Sorbara assaulted her with a cane, a large bag of dog food, a hammer, a broom handle, an aerosol can, her own shirt, an air fryer, a sock, and several other household items in various rooms of the home.

In addition to the physical assault, Sorbara engaged in additional degrading and humiliating behaviors against the victim, some of those taking place in the presence of the children.

The woman managed to escape, ultimately losing consciousness in a nearby field for a few hours. A neighbor noticed her and took her to Ellenville Regional Hospital. During that time, Sorbara attempted to pick the daughters up from school.

Soon after, Sorbara was arrested by the New York State Police and arraigned before Judge Dechon who set bail and issued an order of protection. His approximately 40 firearms and ammunition were removed under an Emergency Risk Protection Order. Sorbara posted bail and violated the order of protection, and has been remanded to the Ulster County Jail since July 2023.

The DA's Office says the trial included testimony from family members, physicians and physician’s assistants, New York State Police, and an Ulster County Sheriff’s Department correctional officer whose testimony was related to six recorded phone calls placed by Sorbara containing many incriminating admissions about his crimes.

"The actions of Dominic Sorbara toward the mother of his children is pure evil – period!" District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji said. "I hope that the prosecution and conviction in this case sends a clear message to the next person who is inclined to do so. Special Victims Bureau Chief Jenna Hastings and ADA Sohil Sharedalal are among the bright future of this office; I am grateful for their tenacious commitment to justice for this victim and her children."

If you or anyone you know are experiencing domestic or sexual violence in Ulster County, you are urged to the call Ulster County Crime Victims Assistance Program at (845) 340-3443, or 911 if you are in immediate danger.