Ellenville man convicted in 20-count domestic violence indictment

KINGSTON, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- On Friday, Nov. 15, an Ellenville man was convicted in a 20-count indictment accusing him of assaulting and strangling the mother of his children. Dominic Sorbara, 46, was found guilty following a three-day non-jury trial.

According to the Ulster County District Attorney's Office, Sorbara assaulted and strangled the woman in their home on May 23, 2023. When she tried to leave the next day, Sorbara threatened to ram her with his car.

When she returned, Sorbara assaulted her with numerous objects in the house, including a cane, a large bag of dog food, a hammer, a broom handle and an air fryer. In addition to the physical assault, Sorbara engaged in additional degrading and humiliating behavior against the victim, some occurring in the presence of their children.

The woman eventually escaped and was later found by a neighbor in a field, unconscious. The neighbor immediately drove her to the Ellenville Regional Hospital.

Sorbara was arrested shortly after. An order of protection was issued and approximately 40 firearms and ammunition were removed from his possession. Sorbara violated the protection order and has been remanded to the Ulster County Jail since July 2023.

Guilty convictions:

• Two counts of attempted assault in the first degree
• Two counts of assault in the first and second degree
• Strangulation in the second degree
• Stalking in the first degree
• Attempted aggravated sex abuse in the third degree
• Unlawful imprisonment in the first degree
• Forcible Touching
• Two counts of aggravated harassment
• Menacing in the second degree
• Five counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree
• Two counts of criminal mischief in the fourth degree
• Reckless endangerment in the second degree

The trial included testimony from family members, doctors, nurses and police. A correctional officer's testimony related to recorded phone calls placed by Sorbara containing multiple admissions about his crime.

"The actions of Dominic Sorbara toward the mother of his children is pure evil – period! I hope that the prosecution and conviction in this case sends a clear message to the next person who is inclined to do so," District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji said. "Special Victims Bureau Chief Jenna Hastings and ADA Sohil Sharedalal are among the bright future of this office; I am grateful for their tenacious commitment to justice for this victim and her children."

Sorbara is scheduled for sentencing on February 14, 2025. He is being represented by Mark Formichelli of the Dutchess County Office of Conflict Defender.