KINGSTON, NY – On September 1, 2023

William Knox, III, age 29, of Kingston, pleaded guilty to Strangulation in the Second Degree and Assault in the Second Degree, both class D felonies, before visiting Sullivan County Court Judge James Farrell. Knox faces 5 to 7 years in State Prison on each charge.

Knox was first charged for acts of domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend in February and March of 2022. He choked the victim in front of her 4-year-old child, causing injury and loss of consciousness to the victim.

While Knox was remanded to the Ulster County Jail pending prosecution for domestic violence, he assaulted Correction Officers in the jail, resulting in more charges.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant District Attorney Jenna Hastings, of the Special Victims Bureau, said “Sadly, we so often see victims of domestic violence keeping quiet about the abuse they endure. The victim in this case has shown incredible strength and courage. She deserves justice for the criminal acts committed against her by this defendant.” 

Senior Assistant District Attorney Nicholas LaStella who prosecuted the assault case added, “Jail is a difficult place to be; nevertheless, violence in the jail is unacceptable.” 

Chief Assistant District Attorney Nneji added “that domestic violence threatens the safety and wellbeing of everyone in the home; and that violence against Corrections Officers doing their jobs poses a serious danger to the safety of everyone in the facility. Such offenses will not be taken lightly.” 

Sentencing is scheduled for January 11, 2024. 

The domestic violence case was prosecuted by ADA Jenna Hastings and ADA Sohil Sharedalal. The assault case was prosecuted by Senior ADA Nicholas LaStella. The defendant was represented by Timothy Lawson, Assistant Ulster County Public Defender. 

If you or a loved one are experiencing domestic violence or intimate partner violence, please call Ulster County Crime Victims Assistance Program at (845) 340-3443, or 911 if you are in immediate danger.