A federal jury has convicted a Newburgh man with a violent criminal history of illegally possessing firearms after he fled from law enforcement wearing only his underwear and attempted to hide in a neighbor’s closet.
Andre Decker, 45, was found guilty Friday following a four-day trial in Albany. Prosecutors said Decker had absconded from federal probation and was wanted on an arrest warrant when U.S. Marshals attempted to apprehend him on November 27, 2023.
According to trial evidence, Decker ran from his apartment during the arrest attempt, broke into a nearby unit, and tried to conceal himself in a closet. Authorities later recovered two loaded firearms from his residence.
“Andre Decker couldn’t hide from the U.S. Marshals, and he couldn’t escape this trial conviction, either,” said U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “Decker’s extensive criminal history and utter disregard for the law warranted zealous prosecution for his conduct in this case.”
U.S. Marshal David McNulty added, “Mr. Decker is a danger to our community. We are proud to have secured his capture.”
Decker now faces up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for October 15 before U.S. District Judge Anne M. Nardacci.
The case was prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Department of Justice’s flagship program to reduce violent crime.
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