'Despicable' Boniface Guilty Of All Charges In Crawford Rape Case

ORANGE COUNTY, NY — A jury has found a Hudson Valley man guilty of crimes prosecutors described as "vile" and "despicable."

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that 52-year-old Jesse Boniface, of Middletown, was convicted after a jury trial on Tuesday in the Orange County Court of all charges against him, including first degree rape and related charges in connection with a forcible rape in the Town of Crawford.

Boniface faces 25 years in prison when he is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16. He was remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail after the verdict.

SEE ALSO: Wallkill Man Accused Of Rape, Incest In Crawford

According to court documents, on November 17, 2023, in the Town of Crawford, Boniface engaged in sexual intercourse and oral sexual conduct by forcible compulsion with another person. The incident was reported to the Town of Crawford Police Department who, after conducting an investigation, arrested Boniface.

"The vile allegations, as proven at trial, are as despicable of acts as one can imagine," Hoovler said. "At sentencing, we will seek the maximum sentence permitted, as that is the only appropriate sanction for this defendant’s conduct. I praise the bravery of victim in this case, who is forced to live every day with the awful consequences of this defendant's actions. The conviction will ensure that this predator is no longer free to terrorize another victim. My Office will continue to dedicate all necessary resources to holding violent sexual offenders accountable."

Hoovler thanked the Town of Crawford Police Department whose investigation led to the arrest of Boniface. He also thanked the New York State Police who assisted in the investigation and analysis of forensic evidence.