Press Releases

Delhi, NY – U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (NY-19) today joined Delaware County Acting District Attorney Shawn J. Smith, Delaware County Sheriff Craig S. DuMond, and local officials to announce three felony charges against Cruz Garcia, 43, an illegal immigrant without legal status in the United States.

Cruz Garcia was indicted by the Delaware County Grand Jury for Strangulation in the Second Degree, Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree, and Rape in the First Degree. These events occurred on the evening of July 25, 2023, while the defendant was released on separate unrelated felony charges from Orange County.  Those charges include Felony DWI and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the First Degree.  Due to New York State’s bail reform laws, the defendant was automatically released from custody.

Rep. Molinaro said, “My heart goes out to the victim and her family. I also want to thank the Acting District Attorney and the Delaware County Sheriff’s office for their work to bring this perpetrator to justice. What we are seeing is a preventable tragedy, precipitated by Albany’s bail reform laws and a failed migrant policy. We need to stop accepting failed policies that put families in our communities in-danger. There is nothing controversial or partisan about prioritizing the safety of Upstate New Yorkers. I once again call for bipartisan action.”

Senator Peter Oberacker said, “This case clearly highlights the dual failures of Albany and Washington.  The absence of any practical immigration policy coupled with the proven debacle known as bail reform are endangering the public on a daily basis.  Dangerous criminals continue to receive a pass here in New York State and our police and prosecutors are forced to continually fight upstream just to do their jobs.  I commend Acting Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith and our law enforcement officers for their work on this case.  As a sponsor and co-sponsor of several bills to end bail reform in New York, I will continue to advocate for a return to sanity and safety to our streets.” 

Rep. Molinaro has been an outspoken critic of New York State’s bail reform laws and migrant policy. He is supporting legislation to curb bail reform laws and last month passed a bill to prevent schools from being transformed into migrant shelters.