A first of its kind investigation targeting sex offenders in Orange County led to 12 people being charged. Police are hoping for help in finding eight of the 12.

All 12 failed to register with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and the City of Newburgh Police Department, as they are lawfully required to do, police say.

"Convicted sex offenders must be registered and monitored to keep the public safe," said Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler. "The public has a right to know that convicted sex offenders are not evading the registration requirements that have been enacted to keep the public safe."

Jonathan Massey, 45; 61-year-old Richard McNamara; 25-year-old James Melvin; and 46-year-old Dwayne Cotton, all of Newburgh, were charged with failure to register, a felony. All four are behind bars at the Orange County Jail.

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office and the City of Newburgh Police Department are seeking the public’s help in locating the following defendants who have been charged by an Orange County grand jury and who are currently wanted on arrest warrants.

NameAgeLast Known AddressCharge
Antonio Wilson28NewburghFailure to Register, E Felony
Angel Avila30NewburghFailure to Register, D Felony
John Bologra62NewburghFailure to Register, E Felony
Dwayne Green54NewburghFailure to Register, E Felony
Edmond Parker61NewburghFailure to Register, E Felony
Carl Woodcock48NewburghFailure to Register, E Felony
Jessie Chavez40NewburghFailure to Register, E Felony
Anthony Rodriquez41NewburghFailure to Register, E Felony

"Too many sex offenders attempt to structure the timing of their address changes around reporting deadlines contained within the Sex Offender Registration Act, in order to make enforcement of these laws more difficult," Hoovler said. "I hope this enforcement action induces other sex offenders who are currently not in compliance with registration requirements to register. I also hope to see enforcement actions similar to this one conducted throughout Orange County."

Anyone with information is urged to contact City of Newburgh Detective Erik Eltz at (845) 569-7560, or the Orange County District Attorney’s Office at (845) 291-2050.

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