DOMINIC SORBARA CONVICTED OF 20 COUNTS IN SERIOUS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASE FOLLOWING NON-JURY TRIAL
Kingston, NY—On November 15, 2024, Dominic Sorbara, age 46, of Ellenville, was convicted of all counts in a 20-count indictment including two counts of Attempted Assault in the First Degree, two counts of Assault in the First Second Degree, Strangulation in the Second Degree, Stalking in the First Degree, Attempted Aggravated Sex Abuse in the Third Degree, Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree, Forcible Touching, two counts of Aggravated Harassment, Menacing in the Second Degree, five counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, two counts of Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree, and Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree. The convictions followed a three-day non-jury trial held before the Honorable James Farrell, visiting Judge from Sullivan County. Sentencing is scheduled for February 14, 2024.
On May 23, 2023, Sorbara assaulted and strangled the mother of their daughters in common at their home in Ellenville. The victim attempted to leave following an argument in the morning but returned when Sorbara threatened to ram her with his vehicle. When she returned, Sorbara assaulted her with a cane, a large bag of dog food, a hammer, broom handle, aerosol can, her own shirt, an air fryer, a sock, and various other household items in various rooms of their home. In addition to the physical assault, Sorbara engaged in additional degrading and humiliating behaviors against the victim, some of those occurring in the presence of her children. The victim managed to escape, ultimately losing consciousness in a nearby field for a few hours. A neighbor noticed her and immediately drove her to Ellenville Regional Hospital. During the intervening time, Sorbara attempted to pick their daughters up from school.
Sorbara was arrested by the New York State Police soon afterwards and arraigned before Judge Dechon who set bail and issued an order of protection. Sorbara’s approximately 40 firearms and ammunition were removed pursuant to Emergency Risk Protection Order. Sorbara posted bail and violated the order of protection and has been remanded to the Ulster County Jail since July 2023.
The trial included testimony from family members, physicians and physician’s assistants, New York State Police, and Ulster County Sheriff’s Department Correctional Officer whose testimony related to recorded phone calls placed by Sorbara containing many incriminating admissions about his crimes. The trial included testimony from family members, physicians and physician’s assistants, New York State Police, and Ulster County Sheriff’s Department Correctional Officer whose testimony resulted in the inclusion of six phone calls placed by Sorbara who made numerous admissions during those calls.
District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji said, “The actions of Dominic Sorbara toward the mother of his children is pure evil – period! I hope that the prosecution and conviction in this case sends a clear message to the next person who is inclined to do so. Special Victims Bureau Chief Jenna Hastings and ADA Sohil Sharedalal are among the bright future of this office; I am grateful for their tenacious commitment to justice for this victim and her children.”
SVU Bureau Chief Hastings and ADA Sohil Sharedalal are prosecuting this case. Mark Formichelli of the Dutchess County Office of the Conflict Defender represents the defendant.
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If you or a loved one are experiencing domestic or sexual violence, please call Ulster County Crime Victims Assistance Program at (845) 340-3443, or 911 if you are immediate danger.
