Burglar Who Awakened, Threatened To Kill NY Woman In Her Bed Sentenced: DA

MIDDLETOWN, NY — A man who broke into a sleeping woman’s home, put his hand on her mouth and threatened to kill her if she made any noise faces up to life in prison.

Jason Simpson, 44, of Middletown, was sentenced to between 12 years and life imprisonment during a proceeding in Orange County Court on Wednesday, according to District Attorney David M. Hoovler.

Simpson, who Hoovler described as a “repeat burglar,” previously entered a guilty plea to second-degree attempted burglary.

The incident happened on October 13, 2024 around 11:20 p.m., when the woman was asleep in her Middletown residence. According to prosecutors, Simpson turned on a light, awakening her. Simpson then placed his hand on the woman’s mouth and told her to be quiet, or he would kill her, prosecutors said.

Simpson proceeded to start pulling the woman’s shirt down, but he fled the scene when he heard people approaching, according to the D.A.’s office.

Police located Simpson around the block, and prosecutors said he confessed to police.

This was Simpson’s third violent felony conviction and fourth felony conviction, according to the district attorney’s office.

“Repeat offenders, especially violent recidivists, require the most significant punishment,” said Hoovler, in a press release. “We will do everything in our power to seek lengthy sentences for those who reign terror on their victims. The residents of Orange County deserve to feel safe in their homes.”