Goshen, N.Y. – Justin Babik, a 47-year-old resident of Goshen, faces up to 15 years in prison after being convicted on charges of illegal weapon possession. The verdict was delivered following a jury trial in Orange County Court, where Babik was found guilty of criminal possession of a weapon in the second and fourth degrees.
The charges stemmed from an incident on May 8, 2024, when Babik reportedly became embroiled in a heated argument with his son, during which he sent threatening text messages. Alarmed, his son contacted the Village of Goshen Police Department. Babik being on parole at the time, authorities were quick to involve the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
Subsequent to these alerts, parole officers executed a home visit at Babik’s residence on the same day. During the search, they discovered a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun and an unfinished lower receiver, a critical component of another firearm, in Babik’s bedroom. Given his prior criminal convictions, Babik was prohibited from possessing these items.
Following the jury’s verdict, Babik was remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail. His sentencing is scheduled for April 1, 2025.
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler expressed his gratitude towards the Village of Goshen Police Department for their diligent efforts in the investigation. He also acknowledged the assistance provided by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. “Time and again we find illegally possessed, loaded firearms in the hands of criminals who have no business handling them,” Hoovler said. He reiterated the commitment of law enforcement to keep communities safe and hold accountable those who illegally possess and misuse firearms.
The prosecution team, comprised of Senior Assistant District Attorney Richard Giordano and Assistant District Attorney Kevin Sharp, was also commended by Hoovler for their roles in securing the conviction.
This criminal charge, as in all legal proceedings, is an allegation. It does not serve as evidence of guilt. Known as the presumption of innocence, all defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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