Orange County man sentenced after robbing 10-year-old in Newburgh

A Newburgh man will serve three and one half to seven years in state prison after a jury convicted him of robbing a 10-year-old who was carrying cash to pay a babysitter. The case, prosecuted in Orange County Court, underscores concerns about crimes that target children and the local response by police and prosecutors.

Jamar Murry-El, 32, of Newburgh, was convicted on charges including Robbery in the Third Degree, Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Sentencing took place January 8 in Orange County Court, where judges imposed the aggregate term of three and one half (3.5) to seven (7) years in prison.

Prosecutors described the incident as occurring on October 18, 2024 at approximately 5:00 p.m. The victim, a 10-year-old, was walking to a babysitter’s residence in the City of Newburgh with $200 in cash from the child’s parents to pay the sitter. While the child stood on the porch, Murry-El allegedly approached and asked for $10; when the child said the money was for the babysitter, Murry-El forcibly took the cash and fled. City of Newburgh police officers responded promptly and located Murry-El, who was identified as the perpetrator.

The District Attorney’s office thanked the City of Newburgh Police Department for the investigation that led to the arrest and commended the prosecutors who tried the case. The office said it will continue its "relentless pursuit of justice on behalf of crime victims."

For Orange County residents, the conviction carries several policy and community implications. First, it demonstrates the county’s prosecutorial focus on crimes against children and the willingness of juries to impose multi-year prison terms in such cases. Second, it spotlights public-safety and prevention gaps around routine child movements—walking to a neighbor or babysitter—particularly in early evening hours when families may be vulnerable. Municipal leaders and public-safety officials face choices about investing in community policing, safe-passage programs, street lighting, and neighborhood watch coordination to reduce opportunistic crimes.

The case also raises practical questions for families: how cash is carried and whether digital payment options or adult accompaniment could reduce risk. It highlights the role local police play in rapid response and identification, as well as the importance of prosecutors following through to conviction when evidence supports it.

The takeaway? Keep an eye on how local officials translate this conviction into prevention. Consider using noncash payment methods for childcare and talking with neighbors and the City of Newburgh Police Department about safe routes and community watch options — small steps that can make a big difference. Our two cents? Talk to your sitter, plan safer drop-offs, and report suspicious activity promptly so the next vulnerable walk isn’t a headline.