'Guilty': Jury Convicts Parolee Who Sent Text Threats To Son

GOSHEN, NY — A Hudson Valley parolee is back behind bars, in large part because of his temper, according to prosecutors.

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that 47-year-old Justin Babik, of Goshen, was convicted on Tuesday, after a jury trial, of second degree criminal possession of a weapon and fourth degree criminal posssession of a weapon. He faces up to 15 years in prison when he is sentenced on April 1. Babik was remanded back to the Orange County Jail without bail after the verdict.

According to court documents, on May 8, 2024, around noon, Babik had an argument with his son and sent him threatening text messages. The son called the Village of Goshen Police Department to report the threats which resulted in police contacting the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision due to Babik being on parole.

Parole officers then conducted a home visit that day and searched Babik's residence. They found a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun and an unfinished lower receiver which was part of another gun from Babik's bedroom. He was not permitted to possess either of the items because of his prior criminal convictions.

"Time and again we find illegally possessed, loaded firearms in the hands of criminals who have no business handling them," Hoovler said. "Law enforcement remains committed to ensuring the safety of our communities by identifying and holding accountable those who illegally possess and use firearms. I commend the work of the Village of Goshen Police Department and their law enforcement partners whose investigation led to the apprehension and conviction of this defendant."

District Attorney Hoovler thanked the Village of Goshen Police Department for their investigation which led to the arrest of Babik. He also thanked the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision who assisted during the investigation.