NEWBURGH, N.Y. – Ziquan Jenkins, 22, of Newburgh, pleaded guilty on Thursday to criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, marking the latest development in a series of convictions that could extend his prison sentence to 40 years, according to Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler.
Jenkins was previously sentenced in October to 25 years in prison and five years of post-release supervision for convictions of first-degree robbery and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. His latest guilty plea, related to an incident on July 26, 2024, where he was found in possession of a loaded firearm, is expected to add 15 years to his sentence when he appears in court on January 6, 2025.
Jenkins’ criminal history includes a guilty plea earlier this year in connection with a September 2, 2023, armed robbery on Benkard Avenue, where he and accomplices used handguns 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 followed his failure to appear in court in July for the robbery and weapons charges, prompting a warrant for his arrest. He was taken into custody on July 26, 2024, when authorities discovered another loaded firearm in his possession, leading to the current plea agreement.
District Attorney Hoovler commended the City of Newburgh Police Department for their efforts in Jenkins’ arrest and prosecution, calling the case an example of law enforcement’s commitment to reducing gun violence. “This persistent recidivist’s arrest, prosecution, and incarceration will make the streets of Newburgh safer,” Hoovler said in a statement.
Jenkins’ combined sentences serve as a stern warning to others who may consider engaging in violent or gun-related crimes, authorities said.