February 26, 2024
New York State Police announce the arrest of Craig Merlock, age 45 from Goshen, NY for Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child (6 counts), Promoting Obscene Sexual Performance of a Child (6 counts). He was additionally charged with the following misdemeanors, Resisting Arrest, Obstruction of Governmental Administration, and Unlawful Fleeing.
On February 24, 2024, at approximately 9:30 p.m., New York State Police and Town of Warwick Police Department executed a Search Warrant at the residence of Craig Merlock. The suspect, Merlock, was not at home. While searching the area for Mr. Merlock, Troopers observed Merlock’s vehicle at approximately 2:28 a.m. A traffic stop was initiated, Merlock failed to comply and fled the area. During the pursuit, Merlock drove his vehicle off the end of Iris Road in the town of Goshen and crashed into the Wallkill River with his vehicle becoming submerged. Merlock was observed leaving the vehicle before it became submerged. He was located at approximately 3:54 a.m. in the area of the river and taken into custody by Troopers on scene. Merlock was transported to Garnet Health by Pine Island EMS where he was provided medical attention.
Craig Merlock was arraigned at his hospital bed and remanded to the custody of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. He is scheduled to return to the Town of Warwick Court on February 29, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.