Newburgh Man Sentenced to Five Years in Putnam Burglary/Assault

A Newburgh man has been sentenced to five years in prison for the burglary and assault of a Putnam Valley senior citizen in his home.

William Gilligan, 31, was sentenced on Sept. 2 to five years in state prison, five years of post-release supervision, as well an order of protection in favor of the victim until 2028 by Putnam County Judge James Rooney.

“William Gilligan violated the sanctity and safety of a home, assaulted and traumatized a victim, and placed the lives of two Deputies at risk when he willfully disregarded their lawful commands,” District Attorney Adam Levy said in a prepared statement.

According to the DA, on Oct. 12, 2014, Gilligan went to the 69-year-old’’s home, pounding on the door, threatening to break in and kill him. The terrified victim called 911 and Putnam County Sheriff’s Deputies Matthew Monroe and Benjamin Levine quickly arrived on the scene, where they crawled through the broken door panels to find the homeowner struggling to defend himself as Gilligan choked him.

Gilligan ignored the deputies’ order to stop and lie down on the ground, and, instead, began approaching them, ignoring a second command to stop. Monroe was able to subdue Gilligan and take him into custody through the use of his taser device.

Chief Assistant District Attorney Chana Krauss immediately began working with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department on the thorough investigation of the case, to ensure a successful prosecution.

“The exceptional work of my Chief ADA Chana Krauss, together with Deputies Monroe and Levine has ensured that Gilligan is punished and that the victim will be protected for years to come,” Levy said.