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An Orange County man, Justin Babik, aged 47, faces up to 15 years in prison following his conviction for criminal possession of firearms. The conviction stems from an incident in May 2024 when Babik allegedly threatened his son, prompting a police investigation. On May 8, 2024, the Village of Goshen Police Department, along with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, searched Babik's residence after his son reported receiving threatening text messages from him. During the search, authorities discovered a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun and an unfinished lower receiver, which is part of another gun, in Babik's bedroom. Due to his prior criminal convictions, Babik was prohibited from possessing these items.
District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced Babik's conviction on Tuesday (January 21), following a jury trial in the Orange County Court. Babik was found guilty of criminal possession of a weapon in the second and fourth degrees. He was remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail and is scheduled for sentencing on April 1, 2025.
District Attorney Hoovler commended the efforts of the Village of Goshen Police Department and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision for their roles in the investigation. He emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for illegally possessing firearms to ensure community safety.
Babik's case is part of a broader investigation, as authorities continue to look into how he acquired the weapons. Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation progresses.