'Guilty': Jury Convicts 24-Year-Old Of Raping, Holding Victim Captive

NEWBURGH, NY — An Orange County jury has handed down a guilty verdict in a 2024 Newburgh rape case.

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that 24-year-old Ernst Gilles, of New Windsor, was convicted on Tuesday, of third-degree rape and second-degree unlawful imprisonment.

"The guilty verdict announced today affirms how the truth of a brave survivor cannot be silenced," Hoovler said. "We continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute the most challenging cases to achieve a just result. I commend the hard work of the police and prosecutors assigned to this case whose unwavering efforts support victims of sexual crimes every single day. My Office will continue to dedicate all necessary resources to holding sexual offenders accountable."

Gilles was remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail following the jury's verdict, and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 14.

According to court documents, on July 22, 2024, Gilles engaged in sexual intercourse with another person without that person's consent, while also preventing the victim from leaving the location.

The rape was reported to the City of Newburgh Police Department, which then conducted an investigation, and arrested Gilles.

Hoovler thanked the City of Newburgh Police Department for their investigation that led to the arrest of Gilles.