Hoovler Announces Domestic Violence Case Update

GOSHEN – Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced on that on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, Sean Doyle, 38, of Cornwall, was sentenced by Orange County Court Judge Craig Stephen Brown to up to ten years in prison in connection with crimes related to domestic violence.

On May 10, 2021, Doyle pled guilty to the crimes of Coercion in the First Degree, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, and three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Doyle had been arrested on March 18, 2019, after his wife, News 12 reporter Blaise Gomez, called police to their Town of Cornwall residence stating that Doyle had assaulted her and placed his hands around her neck. The charge of Coercion in the First Degree was in connection with Doyle having threatened and physically restrained his wife to prevent her from leaving the premises. The three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child were in connection with Doyle’s conduct toward three separate children.

On November 16, 2021, Doyle pleaded guilty to an additional charge of Forgery in the Second Degree for having submitted a forged letter to the Judge Brown in an attempt to have his case adjourned. The forged letter, which looked like it had been signed by a doctor, stated that Doyle was suffering from COVID-19 and could not come to court. In reality Doyle had gone to an amusement park in Florida on the date that he was to have appeared in court and used the forged letter in an attempt to have the judge excuse his absence.

Doyle was sentenced to one and two-thirds to five years in State Prison on the charge of Coercion in the First Degree, and a consecutive sentence of one and two-thirds to five years in State Prison on the charge of Forgery in the Second Degree, and one year in jail on each of the other crimes to which he had pleaded guilty. Orders of protection were issued on behalf of each of the victims in the case, including children, as well as for a witness. The Court noted that the orders of protection are binding on the defendant for eighteen years.

Among the victims, or representatives of victims, who spoke at the sentencing was Ms. Gomez who told the Judge that the defendant was a danger to reoffend and had engaged in a pattern of blaming his victims.

In sentencing the defendant to a total of up to ten years in state prison, Judge Brown told Doyle that, “The excuses stop today.” Judge Brown stated that in his opinion the defendant constituted a “clear and present danger,” but then noted that although the Doyle would continue to be a “clear” danger, he would no longer be a “present danger,” since he would be in state prison. Judge Brown recommended on the record that while in prison that Doyle should not be accepted into the “Shock Incarceration Program.” That program utilizes a boot-camp style environment and allows successful participants to reduce the time they spend in State Prison.

District Attorney Hoovler thanked the Cornwall Police Department for their investigation and the arrest of the defendant.

“This defendant’s actions victimized not only his past domestic partners, but children as well,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “The community will be safer while he is in state prison. Although we normally do not identify victims by name in our statements to the press, Ms. Gomez believes that it is important for those who are subjected to domestic abuse to know about the help that is available for them. I hope Ms. Gomez’ actions in bravely coming forward in this case inspires others who are similarly being victimized to do the same. In this case, as in far too many others, children are victims. I urge all who are aware of instances of domestic violence, or who are themselves victims, to contact law enforcement. Help is also available by calling Fearless Hudson Valley, Inc. (formerly known as Safe Homes of Orange County) at 845 562-5340.”

District Attorney Hoovler commended Senior Assistant District Attorney Michael Milza and Assistant District Attorney Christine Maggiore, who are prosecuting the case.