FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
ULSTER COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY
DATE: OCTOBER 27, 2015
SUBJECT: PRESS RELEASE – JOSEPH LALIMA AND ESSIE BAKER
On October 26, 2015, after brief deliberations, a jury returned a verdict finding Joseph Lalima, age 43, of Kingston, New York, guilty of Obstructing Governmental Administration and Resisting Arrest. Co-defendant, Essie Baker, age 45, of Kingston, New York, guilty of Obstructing Governmental Administration.
The case stemmed from an incident which took place on February 14, 2015 when members of the Kingston Police Department were dispatched to 62 Linderman Avenue in Kingston as a result of a 911 call of domestic violence. When the first officer arrived he confirmed that there was an ongoing dispute. When he attempted to investigate Lalima and Baker interfered with the officers. Lalima was placed under arrest at which time Baker physically assaulted the officers.
The trial was presided over by Judge Lawrence Ball. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Timothy Lawson. Lalima was represented by Raymond Sprowls of Orange County and Baker was represented by Jeffrey Provenzano of the Public Defender’s Office. Sentencing has been adjourned to December, 2015.