Man Who Drove Car Into River To Escape Cops Pleads In Sex Assault Case

ORANGE COUNTY, NY — A Goshen resident who in February tried to escape from state troopers by driving into the Wallkill River has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a child.

Craig Merlock, 45, of Goshen, was initially charged with six counts of predatory sexual assault against a child and six counts of promoting obscene sexual performance of a child, felonies, and resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental administration and unlawful fleeing, misdemeanors.

In court May 15, Merlock admitted that on July 24, 2023, he engaged in oral sexual conduct with an individual who was less than 13 years old. He pleaded guilty to Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child.

Under the plea agreement, the court agreed to impose a sentence of 18 years to life in prison. Merlock will also be registered as a sex offender. However, at sentencing on Aug. 14, prosecutors will recommend that he be sentenced to 25 years to life in prison, which is the maximum sentence permitted by law, District Attorney David M. Hoovler said in a news release.

“The violation of a child’s innocence by vile sexual acts must be met with the strongest punishments available to the justice system,” Hoovler said. “The only adequate way to address such wicked conduct is to remove offenders such as this one from society. I commend the dedication of the skilled investigators who uncovered this defendant’s crimes."

On Feb. 24, state troopers and members of the Town of Warwick Police Department executed a search warrant at Merlock’s residence. He was not at home, police said, but while searching the area for him, troopers saw his vehicle around 2:30 a.m. Sunday. They attempted to stop him but Merlock sped away.

During the chase, he drove his vehicle off the end of Iris Road and into the Wallkill River. His car became submerged, but he was seen getting out before it was completely underwater.

He was found shortly before 4 a.m. and taken into custody by troopers. Taken to Garnet Health Medical Center, he was arraigned in his hospital bed.

Hoovler thanked the New York State Police and their Computer Crimes Unit for the investigation which led to Merlock's arrest. He also thanked the Orange County Child Abuse Investigation Unit for their assistance with the investigation.