'Guilty,' Jury Convicts Vassar College Faculty Residence Burglar

TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — A Dutchess County man faces the possibility of life behind bars, after being found guilty in a brazen burglary at a Vassar College residence.

Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi says that on Thursday, a jury convicted 50-year-old Shawn Grey, of Pleasant Valley, of felony second-degree burglary; and felony fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. The verdict followed three days of testimony and two days of deliberations.

Grey is scheduled for sentencing on June 23, when he faces a maximum of 25 years to life on the burglary count as a persistent violent felony offender.

"This conviction reflects the strength of the evidence and the careful attention of the jury," Parisi said. "The defendant unlawfully entered a residential building, caused damage, and stole property, conduct that undermines the safety and security of our community. Thanks to the swift actions of vigilant citizens, the thorough investigation by the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department, and the forensic evidence presented at trial, justice has been served."

According to court documents, on September 20, 2024, Grey unlawfully entered the Orchard Lane Apartments, on Watson Road, in the Town of Poughkeepsie. While inside, he damaged a storage unit and stole property belonging to another person.

At the trial, a Vassar College security officer testified that the building is designated faculty and employee housing, and that Grey had no permission to be at the property.

The jury also heard from civilian witnesses, who intervened and stopped the crime in progress, and who saw Grey right before he entered the building.

Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department members provided testimony about the investigation and arrest of Grey.

In addition, a forensic scientist testified that DNA recovered from the scene matched Grey's DNA.

The Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department was in charge of the investigation, while the case was prosecuted by Unit Chief David Kunca and Senior Assistant DA Dan O'Hare.