Get to know Ned

“We may struggle, but we are rich in love…” This is the answer my father would give me when, as a little boy, I would ask why he needed to work three jobs and stress over bills. I grew up in a family with two loving parents and seven brothers and sisters. I believe now that the financial struggles turned out to be a blessing, because I had the privilege of being underprivileged…

My Story

I have worked since I was nine years old, and have never had fewer than two jobs. I attended Our Lady of Lourdes High school, and paid my own tuition. I attended LeMoyne College, Dutchess Community College, and ultimately SUNY New Paltz where I graduated with a degree in Political Science. Although I struggled initially with grades, I graduated with honors. I then attended Pace School of Law, where I was a member of the Law Review.

I have been married to my beautiful wife for 33 years, and have raised four children, who now are successful adults serving our community.

For 23 years, I was a trial prosecutor at the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office. I prosecuted thousands of crimes, including homicides, sex offenses, robberies, burglaries, drug and gun crimes, and numerous other felonies. I advocated for hundreds of innocent victims, while holding perpetrators accountable for heinous crimes. I also used the power of that position to strongly motivate addicts to get help and return to their families and civil society.

Lifelong resident of Dutchess County

Married for 33 years with four children

Mock Trial Coach for Our Lady of Lourdes High School, 2009 – 2015

Parishioner of St. Martin de Porres Roman Catholic Church and St, John the Evangelist for 30 years

Member of St. Martin de Porres chapter Knights of Columbus, 3rd Degree.

Notable Prosecutions

People v. Stephen Shand:

Raped and Murdered Katie Filiberti in Hyde Park. 40 to life sentence.

People v. Charlie Gilleo and Mark Serrano:

Murdered the Morey family of five, including three young boys, in Fishkill and then burned their house. Gilleo is serving five consecutive life sentences, and Serrano is serving 35 to life.

People v. Fred Andros:

Convicted for the murder for hire of Susan Fassett in Pleasant Valley. 25 to life sentence.

People v. Albert Fentress:

Murdered and cannibalized eighteen year old Paul Masters in Poughkeepsie. Successfully fought to keep Fentress in a maximum security psychiatric hospital for decades.

I was elected to the Dutchess County Court in 2015, and for ten years have presided over the most violent murders, rapes, robberies and numerous drug and gun felonies. While ensuring the rights of all defendants, I have handed down significant sentences on convicted defendants, responsive to the community and victim’s values.

Notable Cases over which I have Presided

People v. Roy Johnson:

Murdered a father at the Marriott hotel in Poughkeepsie, as he was visiting for parents’ weekend at Marist College. 58 ½ years to life, consecutive to 25 to life with a subsequent Murder.

People v. Paul Senecal:

Murdered Melanie Chianese in Wappingers. Life Without Parole.

People v. Gast:

Committed a Hate crime against an Hispanic victim in Dover. Sentenced as a Persistent Violent Felony Offender to 25 years to life.

People v. Potik:

Attempted Murder of Police Officers. 30 years in prison.

People v. Andrades:

Attempted Rape of his god-daughter. Sentenced as a Persistent Felony Offender to 22 years to Life.

People v. Smith:

Stabbed a Police Officer in the neck with a screwdriver. Sentenced to 20 years in prison with 5 years post release supervision.

People v. Knapp:

Sold multiple ghost assault weapons across from Arlington High School. 40 years in prison.

People v. Gomez:

Raped his next door neighbor, including breaking her back, in the presence of her five year old daughter. Sentenced to 25 to life.

Moreover, there are hundreds of lesser known cases where defendants who struggle with addiction and mental health issues have been forced by the court to get help and return to their families and our community, released from the curse of drugs. These are truly inspiring stories that reflect the positive aspects of our court system. Along with significant sentences in violent cases, these redemptive results are critical law and order outcomes also.

In 2017, I was appointed to serve as an Acting Supreme Court Justice, presiding over hundreds of civil cases, including Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Matrimonial, and Commercial litigation.

As the licensing authority for pistol permits in Dutchess County, I have signed thousands of permits for qualified citizens in the last ten years.

Since 1994, I have taught at least two classes every semester at Marist College in an adjunct capacity, in the Criminal Justice curriculum.

It has been a true honor and blessing to preside in this court, guided by the due process rights of individuals, and the important safety values of our community.