Middletown man pleads guilty in attempted burglary case

On Monday, February 24, Jason Simpson, 44, of Middletown pled guilty in Orange County Court to attempted burglary in the second degree, Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced. In his announcement, Hoovler said he expects Simpson to be sentenced to 12 years to life in prison when he is sentenced on April 9, 2025, since this is Simpson’s third violent felony conviction and fourth felony conviction in total.

According to Hoovler, on October 13, 2024, at about 11:20 p.m., the victim “was asleep in her residence in the City of Middletown and was awakened by the defendant turning on the light, placing his hand on her mouth and telling her to be quiet or that he would kill her.” Simpson then allegedly started to pull her shirt down but fled after hearing people approaching. Simpson was found by police around the block and allegedly confessed to them. At the plea proceedings, Simpson admitted to attempting to enter the residence with the intent to commit a crime.

“The admitted conduct of this defendant is terrifying and the worst nightmare of every resident,” said Hoovler. “In light of his repeated, violent criminal history, this defendant will face a life sentence, which is an appropriate punishment. The residents of Orange County deserve to feel safe in their homes, and the long incarceratory term expected to be imposed in this case will help to make our communities safer. I commend the work of the City of Middletown Police Department who ensured this defendant was held to account for his crimes.”