Newburgh Man Admits The Gun In The Backpack Was His, Cuts A Deal

NEWBURGH, NY — DNA evidence helped tie an Orange County man to a gun he claimed wasn't his.

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that 23-year-old Israel Brown, of Newburgh, pled guilty on Wednesday in Orange County Court to second degree attempted criminal possession of a weapon. The DA's Office will recommend that he be sentenced to seven years in prison to be followed by five years of post-release supervision when he returns to court on February 24.

According to court documents, on June 25, at 2:55 a.m., City of Newburgh police officers were dispatched to a location after a report of a burglary in progress. Once on the scene, they saw Brown and a bookbag near him, which Brown denied was his. Inside of the bag was a loaded .380 pistol with a defaced serial number. A DNA analysis of swabs taken from the firearm later showed a match for Brown. At the plea proceedings, Brown admitted to possessing the loaded firearm.

"Proactive policing prevents unnecessary violence before it occurs," Hoovler said. "We cannot and will not tolerate the illegal possession of firearms, particularly those that are defaced and often used during the commission of other crimes. We have been clear to those who illegally possess and use firearms: we are coming for you, you will face felony charges and you will serve prison time. I commend the dedicated work of law enforcement to support our mission and whose work helps to make our communities safer."