He Demanded Money, Beat And Knocked Over His Victim, Then Rifled Through His Pockets And Took Valuables

CITY OF NEWBURGH, NY — An Orange County man has been sentenced for robbing and repeatedly punching a pedestrian in October of 2024.

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that on Tuesday, 55-year-old Robert Smith, of Newburgh, was sentenced to 13 years in prison to be followed by 5 years of post-release supervision after being convicted by a jury of felony robbery.

According to court documents, on October 12, 2024, around 1:10 p.m, 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 several times, causing him to fall backwards and hit his head on the pavement, according to prosecutors.

At trial, prosecutors 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. Prosecutors relied on evidence and testimony from other witnesses during the trial.

Hoovler thanked the City of Newburgh Police Department for their investigation which led to the arrest of Smith.

"The appropriately lengthy sentence imposed on this violent recidivist will help to make our community safer," Hoovler said. "I credit the police and prosecutors who were responsible for the investigation and presentation of evidence that secured the conviction in this case. We remain committed to the pursuit of justice, even in the most challenging circumstances."

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