Blaise Gomez

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Sep 7, 2023, 8:30 AM

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Updated

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A man released without bail on felony charges in Orange County is now charged with strangling and raping a woman in the Town of Middletown in Pennsylvania while his charges in New York were pending. 

Cruz Garcia, 43, was indicted in Delaware County on Aug. 10 on charges of strangulation, unlawful imprisonment and rape. The Delaware County District Attorney’s office says Garcia’s female victim suffered serious injuries and was strangled to the point of nearly losing consciousness inside a residence on July 25. 

Garcia was arraigned in Orange County on June 12 for felony DWI and aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree. According to prosecutors, he was released from custody due to New York state’s bail reform laws. 

The Delaware County District Attorney’s Office says Garcia lacks legal status in the United States and was wanted by U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement due to a separate criminal conviction. 

They say Garcia is currently in ICE custody in Batavia, New York and is awaiting deportation proceedings.  

“I commend the New York State Police for their thorough investigation into this case, and I am grateful to the staff at Safe Against Violence for the strong support for the victim. I will work to make sure this defendant is held accountable for their crimes before any deportation proceedings are completed,” said Delaware County Acting District Attorney Shawn Smith. 

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office says Garcia is due back in Orange County Court on Sept. 7 for a conference regarding his pending charges in New York.