Jury Says Newburgh Man Broke Into Relative's Home, Brandished Machete

NEWBURGH, NY — An Orange County man who broke into a relative’s home and threatened her with a machete was convicted by a jury.

District Attorney David Hoovler announced Monday that Angel Lahoz, 35, of Newburgh, was found guilty of second-degree burglary and fourth-degree criminal mischief.

He faces up to 15 years in prison when he is sentenced Feb. 5.

Prosecutors said, on Jan. 2, a city of Newburgh woman was home alone when she heard noises coming from her living room. She saw a man in her living room going through her purse.

As the man walked through the house, the woman saw the man was a relative of hers.

Lahoz grabbed a machete, approached the woman and threw her to the floor.

He went back to the living room and dropped the weapon which allowed the woman to call the police.

The woman’s husband and brother arrived and took Lahoz outside where the police took him into custody.

It was later determined that Lahoz had entered the home by breaking a bedroom window.

Hoovler said everyone deserves to feel safe in their home.

“This defendant’s terrifying proven conduct shattered the sanctity of the victim’s home,” he said. “Thankfully, no one was injured as a result of the defendant’s actions.”