Jury Convicts Newburgh Man In Street Robbery: DA

NEWBURGH, NY — A jury on Thursday convicted a man accused of robbing and repeatedly punching a pedestrian last October.

Robert Smith, 54, of Newburgh, was found guilty in Orange County Court of second-degree robbery.

Smith faces up to 15 years in prison when he is sentenced Oct. 15.

After the verdict, Smith was remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail.

The charge stemmed from an attack on Oct. 12, 2024.

Prosecutors said Smith, while riding a bicycle, approached a man on a street in Newburgh and demanded money.

The victim refused to pay and kept walking, according to police. Smith got off his bicycle and punched the man multiple times, causing him to fall backwards and hit his head on the pavement, according to prosecutors.

At trial, the state claimed Smith then went through the man’s pockets, took his valuables and fled.

Before the trial began, the victim died due to unrelated causes. The state had to rely on evidence and testimony from other witnesses in prosecuting the case.

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler said Smith will be “rightfully held accountable for his crimes.”

“Even in the most challenging circumstances, such as when the victim of a crime passes away before the case can be brought to trial, my office remains steadfast in our pursuit of justice,” Hoovler said.