Barely Legal Orange County ‘Repeat Offender’ Receives Prison Time

An 18-year-old from Port Jervis, Orange County, who has been referred to as a 'repeat offender' has received a five-year prison term, the Orange County DA announced this week.

Port Jervis Repeat Offender To Serve Prison Sentence

On Tuesday, April 16th, Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that an 18-year-old Port Jervis resident was arrested for a second time while pending sentencing back in the fall of 2023.

Joel Howell was sentenced in Orange County Court on April 16th, receiving five years in prison which will be followed by five years of post-release supervision. Howell entered into a guilty plea for two charges, Menacing a Police Officer and Robbery in the Second Degree.

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Port Jervis Teen Charged with Robbery While Pending Sentencing for Prior Charge

Reports indicate that the first incident took place on October 16, 2023, where Howell was observed running down the street 'with a gun.'

Upon their arrival, Police were informed of Howell's general whereabouts by a witness, and they eventually found him in his vehicle.

When a Sergeant approached Howell in his police car, Howell turned to the officer and pointed what appeared to be a firearm at him before running away. When Howell was apprehended, he was found to be in possession of a BB gun that appeared to be a firearm.

During his court appearance, Howell pled guilty to the charge of Menacing a Police Officer, and while awaiting sentencing, less than a month later, and was arrested a second time.

Police documents indicate that on November 7th of 2023, Howell approached a man he 'believed to be homeless' and allegedly displayed a firearm that was again later found to be a BB gun.

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After brandishing the weapon, Howell then stole items from the victim, with the help of other juveniles who were said to be present. Following the robbery, there was a physical altercation between Howell and the victim.

Regarding the multiple incidents and subsequent arrests, DA Hoolver shared the following:

This defendant’s ill-informed and incredibly dangerous actions have rightfully resulted in a prison sentence being imposed. I commend the professionalism of the Port Jervis Police officer for exhibiting restraint despite having what appeared to be a firearm pointed at him. Notwithstanding the defendant’s young age, his repeated conduct put not only his victims in serious danger, but also created a risk to himself. My Office will continue to see that justice is ultimately done in violent cases such as this one.

Howell will serve five years in prison with five years post-release supervision.