Jury Convicts Newburgh Man Accused Of Torching Barricaded Ramada Hotel Room

NEWBURGH, NY — A jury on Wednesday convicted a man who was charged with setting fire to a local hotel room last summer.

Jason Conn, 49, of Newburgh, was found guilty on all counts, including second-degree arson, second-degree criminal mischief, first-degree reckless endangerment, and obstructing firefighting operations, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s office.

Conn potentially faces up to 25 years in prison, and his sentencing is scheduled for July 9 in Orange County Court.

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler credited first responders with preventing any loss of life.

“But for the prompt and professional work of the Town of Newburgh Police and the bravery of the responding firefighters, the grave risk posed by this dangerous fire might very well have claimed the lives of other occupants of the hotel,” Hoovler said.

The fire happened on July 24, 2025. Police at the time said they responded to the Ramada Inn on Rt. 300 after receiving a 911 hang-up call.

Responding emergency personnel smelled smoke and determined a fire was burning inside a locked hotel room, according to prosecutors.

Conn refused to leave the room, and when responders tried to gain entry, Conn tried to stop them from extinguishing the fire, prosecutors said.

“The police found the door to the room barricaded in addition to being locked so they forced entry through an adjoining room,” the district attorney’s office said. “Officers were unable to successfully enter the room because of the fire, but responding firefighters, wearing protective gear, made entry.”

Conn “physically engaged” with firefighters before ultimately capitulating, and firefighters finally were able to douse the blaze. Prosecutors said the fire caused extensive damage.

At the time, police said Conn had to be treated at Montefiore St. Luke's Hospital for smoke exposure.

Conn is being held without bail at the Orange County Jail pending his sentencing.

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Arson Suspect Arrested After Fire In Ramada Hotel Room: Police