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NEWBURGH, NY – According to Orange County, Ziquan Jenkins, 22, of Newburgh pleaded guilty Thursday to second-degree criminal possession of a weapon; It was the latest development in a series of convictions that could extend prison terms to up to 40 years. District Attorney David M. Hoovler.

Jenkins was previously sentenced in October to 25 years in prison and five years of post-release supervision for first-degree robbery and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. His latest guilty plea, related to a July 26, 2024 incident in which he was found with a loaded firearm, is expected to add 15 years to his sentence when he goes to trial on January 6, 2025.

Jenkins’ criminal history includes a guilty plea earlier this year in connection with an armed robbery that occurred on Benkard Avenue on Sept. 2, 2023; he and his accomplices used a handgun to steal cash, an iPhone and a gold chain from a victim. He also admitted to discharging a loaded firearm during a separate incident on Broadway on July 6, 2023.

Jenkins’ sentencing in October came after a warrant was issued for his arrest in July after he failed to appear in court on robbery and weapons charges. He was taken into custody on July 26, 2024, after authorities found another loaded firearm in his possession, which led to the current plea agreement.

District Attorney Hoovler praised the City of Newburgh Police Department for its efforts in arresting and prosecuting Jenkins, calling the case an example of law enforcement’s commitment to reducing gun violence. “The arrest, prosecution and incarceration of this dogged criminal will make the streets of Newburgh safer,” Hoovler said in a statement.

Authorities said Jenkins’ combined sentences serve as a stern warning to others who may consider involvement in violent or gun-related crimes.