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Please find and view the most up to date news and information regarding the Town of New Windsor Police Department listed below.
The New Windsor Police Department recently achieved agency re-accreditation through the New York State Law Enforcement Accreditation Program. The re-accreditation certification is good through June of 2026. The Police Department has been continuously accredited since 1996. In the first photo, supervisors of the department pose with the newly received NYS Accreditation Certificate. A second photo shows Lt. Daniel J. Valeri, our accreditation manager, receiving the John Kimball O’Neil Certificate of Achievement in recognition of his leadership and dedication to the accreditation program.
What does maintaining NYS Law Enforcement Accreditation mean and why is it important?
The NYS Law Enforcement Accreditation Program provides formal recognition that an agency meets or exceeds general expectations of quality in the field. The program has four principal goals:
In essence, accreditation acknowledges the implementation of policies that are conceptually sound and operationally effective. The cornerstone of the Accreditation Program lies in established standards that contain a clear statement of professional requirements. Agencies participating in the program conduct a thorough analysis of their organization to determine how existing operations can be adapted to meet established standards. When an agency adopts policies and procedures that meet the standards, a team of independent professionals conducts an on-site assessment to verify that all applicable standards have been successfully implemented. This process culminates with a decision by the NYS Law Enforcement Accreditation Council that the agency is worthy of accreditation.
New Windsor Police Chief Robert L. Doss recently hosted several members of the town’s Community Advisory Panel at a training session at the Police Department’s firearms range. The panel was established April 1, 2021 as a result of New York State’s Police Reform and Reinvention process. Part of the mission of the Community Advisory Panel is to plan, attend and participate in certain police trainings to make recommendations to the Police Department on how to better serve and engage the community. This training session focused around officers receiving reality-based situational training and de-escalation techniques. The officers also received use of force training along with pistol proficiency and qualification training. Chief Robert Doss commented, “The experience of having the Community Advisory Panel members at the range and interacting with our officers was such a great thing to see. This is just a first step of many that I have planned to bring the Police Department closer with the community that we serve. It is so important for people to see how we train and understand why we train the way that we do. The panel’s involvement will become a great way to ensure we are meeting the communities needs and expectations.”
On June 15th, 2021, the Town of New Windsor Police Department along with the FBI Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, the City and Town of Newburgh Police Departments, the New York State Police and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Group executed a court authorized search warrant at a residence on Belle Court in the Town of New Windsor. This search warrant was the result of a two month-long investigation into the illegal possession of narcotics by an individual residing at this residence.
This search resulted in the seizure of 197 grams of crack cocaine, 138 grams of powdered cocaine and approximately $15,000 in U.S. Currency.
Bobby J. Allen, age 55 of New Windsor NY, was arrested and charged federally with narcotics crimes. He was transported to the Hudson Valley Office of the FBI and is awaiting presentation to the Southern District Court in White Plains later today. He faces a minimum of 10-years in a federal penitentiary if convicted.
New Windsor Police Chief Robert L. Doss stated, “Today’s arrest further demonstrates the focus of this police department on public safety. Mr. Allen has shown society that he is a very dangerous criminal. He already has six felony convictions on his record and he was out of prison on New York State Parole for a firearm conviction when he decided it would be a good idea to come to New Windsor and deal illegal narcotics. That was a big mistake. He is now facing ten years in federal prison for his actions. The message here is clear. If you are dealing illegal narcotics in New Windsor, we will find you and you will be brought to justice. I want to thank our federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement partners for their support and valued assistance in this case.”
The New Windsor Police Department will not be releasing a booking photograph of Mr. Allen due to it being prohibited under New York Public Officers Law, Section 89, which was amended in mid-2019 to prohibit the release of booking photographs due to it being an “unwarranted invasion of personal privacy” unless it serves a legitimate Law Enforcement purpose.
A criminal charge is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of the criminal law, and it is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the State of New York’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
On Friday, April 9, 2021, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York released the below press release announcing the arrest of Tishawn C. Woods and an accomplice on federal charges relating to two gas station robberies that occurred in the Town of New Windsor. These two-armed robberies occurred in the early morning hours of March 22nd and March 28th, 2021 at two different 24-hour gas stations along Little Britain Road near Stewart Airport.
New Windsor Police Chief Robert L. Doss stated, “These serious crimes that were committed by Mr. Woods and his accomplice put innocent lives in danger. Armed robberies are rare occurrences here in New Windsor because we have shown that they will absolutely not be tolerated and we will not rest until the perpetrators are brought to justice. We are committed to using every resource we have at our disposal to solve serious crimes like these. I want to commend our patrol and detective divisions, both of which played a vital role in this case and the investigation. Our close partnership with the F.B.I. Safe Streets Task Force was a critical component in the success of this investigation. Our membership in the task force has undoubtedly made New Windsor a safer place and this has been proven time and time again. I also want to thank the City and Town of Newburgh Police Departments, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District, the Orange County Crime Analysis Center and the O.C. District Attorney’s Office for their valuable assistance. The teamwork and coordination displayed by all of the agencies involved is indeed commendable.”
Link to Press Release from United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York: CLICK HERE
On March 26, 2021, police detectives from the Town of New Windsor & City of Newburgh Police Departments, along with members of the FBI’s Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, Orange County Sheriff’s Office – Special Operations Group and Federal Probation Officers executed a court authorized search warrant at 80 Continental Drive in the Town of New Windsor. This search warrant was the result of a several month long investigation into the illegal possession of narcotics by an individual residing at the residence.
This search resulted in the seizure of over 500 grams of fentanyl, 125 grams of crack / cocaine and approximately $50,000 in U.S. Currency.
Wilfredo S. Gonzalez Jr., age 41 of New Windsor, was arrested and charged federally with drug possession violations, as well as violation of the terms and conditions of his Federal Probation. He was transported to the Hudson Valley Office of the FBI and is awaiting presentation to the Southern District Court in White Plains later today. He faces a minimum of 10-years in a federal penitentiary if convicted.
New Windsor Police Chief Robert L. Doss stated, “I want to thank our federal, county and municipal law enforcement partners for their assistance in this case. I want to make it clear to the New Windsor community that we are fully committed to aggressively pursuing dangerous drug dealers like Mr. Gonzalez, who chose to supply dangerous drugs like fentanyl to people in our town."
On February 8, 2021, Police Officer Christopher D. Deets retired from the Town police force. Officer Deets was recognized with a Service Achievement Award by Town Supervisor George J. Meyers III and Police Chief Robert L. Doss at a walk out ceremony. Supervisor Meyers stated, “Officer Deets is leaving the Police Department in a better place than when he found it and anytime you can say that, it means the officer did a good job. I wish the best for Officer Deets and his family”. Chief Doss stated, “Officer Deets has been awarded for saving 4 lives over the course of his career here. I think that says it all about his hard work and dedication to serving the community. I commend him for his service to the Town and we will miss him.” Also, on hand for the ceremony was Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus and Orange County Commissioner of Emergency Service Brendan Casey who recognized Officer Deets for his military service with the U.S. Army and his police service to the County.
On January 15, 2021, Town Supervisor George J. Meyers III and Police Chief Robert L. Doss recognized Deputy Chief Michael C. Farbent and Lieutenant Frederick R. Fayo III for their completion of 35-years of dedicated service to the Town of New Windsor Police Department. Supervisor Meyers stated, "We are all appreciative of the many dedicated years of service these command staff members have provided to the Town of New Windsor." Congratulations to them on this achievement.
On December 15, 2020, members of the New Windsor Police Department in partnership with the Orange County Sexual Assault Response Team, participated in the ‘Start by Believing Campaign’ by signing pledges to ‘start by believing’ anyone who tells them that they were raped or sexually assaulted. The New Windsor Police Department has long been a partner with the Orange County Sexual Assault Response Team. Members of the Police Department have received special training to investigate sexual crimes and continue to take any reports of these types of crimes very seriously.
If you need to report a sexual assault please contact the Police Department at (845)565-7000.
If you or someone you love is a survivor of sexual violence in need of support, contact Orange County Rape Crisis Team 24/7 by calling 311.
Orange County News For Immediate Release Contact: Christopher Borek November 6, 2020 845.291.3276, 845.238.4245c
District Attorney Hoovler Announces Murder Charges
In Death of Missing City of Newburgh Woman
Man Indicted for Murdering 36-Year-Old Woman
Victim Missing Since November 3, 2019
Body of Victim Not Recovered
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced on Friday, November 6, 2020, that Matthew Mercado, 37, of Newburgh, was arraigned before Orange County Court Judge William L. DeProspo on charges including Murder in the Second Degree, in connection with the death of 36-year-old Jessica Lopez, a City of Newburgh woman who was last seen on November 3, 2019, at the Windsor Motel in the Town of New Windsor.
Mercado had previously been indicted on charges including Burglary in the Second Degree for breaking into room 32 of the Windsor Motel on November 3, 2019, at about 1:35 AM, and stealing two bags from the three young woman who had been sleeping in the room at the time. Mercado has been continually incarcerated since his arrest on November 6, 2019, in connection with those charges. The District Attorney’s Office superseded that case in the Grand Jury and asked the Grand Jury to consider additional evidence concerning the disappearance of Jessica Lopez, who had been staying with Mercado in room 33 of the Windsor Motel the night of Saturday, November 2, 2019, into the morning of Sunday, November 3, 2019. The Grand Jury indicted Mercado for Murder in the Second Degree for intentionally killing Jessica Lopez in room 33 of the motel as Ms. Lopez was attempting to leave the motel at approximately 5:00 AM on November 3, 2019. The Grand Jury also indicted Mercado for a separate count of Murder in the Second Degree for having killed Ms. Lopez during the commission of a robbery or kidnapping of her. Robbery under the law is forcibly stealing property. Mercado is charged with two counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree for having stolen Ms. Lopez bank card and stealing approximately $1,500 from her account, most of which was taken out in ATM withdrawals starting at approximately 9:00 AM on November 3, 2019.
Mercado is also charged with three felony counts of Tampering with Physical Evidence. One count alleges that he removed Ms. Lopez’s body from room 33, placed her in the trunk of her car, drove the car to an unknown location and concealed the body. Another count alleges that he deleted text messages between her cellular telephone and his cellular telephone, messages that were sent at about 5:30 AM on November 3, 2019. The third count of Tampering with Physical Evidence alleges that he disposed of Ms. Lopez’s cellular telephone so it could not be used as evidence.
The Grand Jury indicted Mercado again for Burglary in the Second Degree for breaking into room 32 and stealing bags from the three young woman, and added a charge of Criminal Impersonation in the Second Degree for Mercado having told the three young woman that he would not give their bags back and that he was an undercover police officer.
Bail was set in the amount of one-million dollars cash, or three-million dollars secured bond, or ten-million dollars partially secured bond. The case is next scheduled for a virtual conference in County Court on December 2, 2020. Mercado faces up to twenty-five years to life in state prison on the charges of Murder in the Second Degree and up to an additional fifteen years in state prison on the charge of Burglary in the Second Degree.
District Attorney Hoovler highly commended the Town of New Windsor Police Department for their investigation and unceasing efforts in the case, as well as the many law enforcement agencies that aided in the investigation, including the Town of Newburgh Police Department, the City of Newburgh Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police, and the New York State Police, as well as the civilian volunteers who have searched for Jessica Lopez.
“By all accounts Jessica Lopez was a remarkable young woman and her loss is being severely felt by her family, friends, and many of her former students,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “While recovering her remains will continue to be a high priority for us, we are fully prepared to litigate this case even without her body being recovered. Murder convictions without bodies are permissible under the law and in fact such convictions have occurred before here in Orange County. My heartfelt condolences go out to Ms. Lopez’s family, and my office will do everything in our power to see that the person responsible for her death faces just punishment.”
Chief Robert Doss of the Town of New Windsor Police Department said, “I would like to thank every member of the New Windsor Police Department that worked so diligently on this investigation. It is because of their hard work, along with the assistance of all the other police agencies, that made a difference in this case. I also want to thank District Attorney David Hoovler and his staff for their unwavering support through the process. We will never forget the family of Jessica Lopez, who have been without her in their lives for over a year now. Her mother, father and brother, all live with the constant pain of her loss. I speak for every member of Law Enforcement that worked on this investigation when I say that we stand with them and we will continue to fight for Jessica every day until justice is brought in this case. Our hearts go out to her family and we will continue to pray for them. It is my hope that the news of this indictment will at least begin the process of closure to Jessica’s family and everyone that knew her.”
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Christopher Borek and Senior Assistant District Attorney Kelle Grimmer.
Jessica Lopez
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE #20-12 Issued on: 11/03/20 @ 11:00 a.m. Man Arrested for Stealing a Car and for Stealing Items out of Parked Vehicles
New Windsor Police arrested a man yesterday after being alerted that he had been seen rummaging through a parked car on Continental Drive at 3:30 a.m. in the morning. The man had run off after realizing the owner of the car may have saw him. Officer Christopher Deets located the man running through a nearby yard on Cannon Drive attempting to flee the area. After a foot pursuit, Officer Deets was able to arrest the man and recover much of the property that had been stolen, including keys to a car that he had stolen just hours before. The man was also found to be wearing a jacket that he had stolen the night before from a car on Canterbury Lane. Officers were able to locate the stolen vehicle nearby and recover it for the owner.
Further investigation by New Windsor Police Detectives linked this same man to at least 10 additional thefts from vehicles that occurred during the overnight hours from October 31, 2020 – November 2, 2020 on the following streets in New Windsor: Rt 9W, Forge Hill Road, Sloop Hill Road, Canterbury Lane, Continental Drive and Provost Drive. Additionally, he was identified as the perpetrator in similar incidents that occurred on Daniher Avenue during the overnight hours of October 10, 2020 and on Lafayette Drive during the overnight hours of August 1, 2020.
Arrested was: Gustavo G. Rosa, 30 years old of Newburgh, New York. He was charged with Grand Larceny of a Motor Vehicle 4th degree (1 count) and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th degree (2 counts), all felonies. He was arraigned by Judge Nancy Brenner-DeAngelo of the Town of Warwick Court and sent to Orange County Jail with no bail, because he qualifies as a persistent felony offender. More criminal charges are expected to be lodged against Mr. Rosa as additional incidents are investigated.
All of the vehicles involved, including the car that was stolen, had been left unlocked by their owners. Additionally, the car that was stolen had its keys in it at the time of the crime. The Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in helping prevent these types of crimes from occurring by locking your car and by removing any valuables from inside it.
Anyone with additional information regarding these crimes can contact Detective John Vasta of the New Windsor Police Department at (845)563-4680.