Orange County Man Guilty on 12 Counts, Including Stalking, Choking Ex

An Orange County man was found guilty of stalking, choking, pouring oil over his ex-girlfriend’s head and more.

On Wednesday in Orange County Court, a jury found 27-year-old Garfield Bentley of Newburgh guilty of burglary, eight-counts of criminal contempt, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, stalking and falsely reporting an incident.

During the trial, prosecutors argued on October 15, 2016, Bentley was seen peeking through the apartment window of his former girlfriend, which was in violation of an order of protection.

Earlier that day, Bentley was following the victim, another violation of the order of protection.

Around 11 p.m. that night, Bentley found the woman outside of her apartment, grabbed her hair and throat and poured what appeared to be motor oil over her head.

When the victim retreated into her building, Bentley forced his way into the building to continue his attack.

Members of the woman’s family were able to push Bentley out of the apartment building.

Bentley also falsely told police, under a fake name, that his former girlfriend chased children with a machete.

Bentley faces up to fifteen years in prison when he is sentenced.

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