Sex Predator Who Drove Into Wallkill River To Evade Police Sentenced

ORANGE COUNTY, NY — A Goshen man accused of child abuse —who tried to evade arrest by driving into the Wallkill River in February — has been sentenced to 18 years to life in prison, Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced Thursday.

Police said that on Feb. 24, after officers had executed a search warrant at Craig Merlock’s residence, state troopers saw his vehicle and gave chase when he fled. Merlock drove his vehicle off the end of Iris Road and into the Wallkill River, but was seen leaving the vehicle before it was completely underwater. He was found near the river shortly before 4 a.m.

Merlock, 45, was initially charged with six counts of predatory sexual assault against a child and six counts of promoting obscene sexual performance of a child, felonies, and resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental administration and unlawful fleeing, misdemeanors.

He pleaded guilty to one count of predatory sexual assault against a child, admitting during the plea proceedings that he engaged in oral sex with a person who was under the age of 13.

As part of the sentence, Merlock will also be registered as a sex offender under the New York Sex Offender Registration Act.

Prosecutors did not get as long a sentence as they had recommended — 25 years to life — the maximum sentence permitted by law.

“The admitted conduct of this defendant rightfully resulted in one of the strongest punishments available to the justice system,” Hoovler said. “While nothing could ever restore to the victim what was lost by the defendant’s actions, it is nonetheless important to the safety of our community that this offender is removed from society for as long as possible."

Hoovler thanked the New York State Police and their Computer Crimes Unit for the investigation which led to Merlock's arrest. He also thanked the Orange County Child Abuse Investigation Unit for their assistance with the investigation.

SEE ALSO: Man Accused Of Child Sexual Assault Crashes Car Into River During Chase