Fallsburg man arrested after investigation into reported domestic dispute

SOUTH FALLSBURG, NY — On June 17, Fallsburg Police responded to a location on State Route 42 in South Fallsburg for a report of a domestic dispute. Upon arrival, police made contact with a female victim who reported that she was involved in an argument with her ex-boyfriend, identified as James Pugliese, and that a physical altercation ensued.

It is alleged that Pugliese shoved the woman during the argument and then grabbed her by the neck with both hands. Pugliese, who left the scene on foot before police arrived, was shortly afterward located by New York State Police and transported to the Fallsburg Police Department, where he was taken into custody and charged with obstructing breathing or circulation, a misdemeanor. Pugliese was then arraigned by the Honorable Judge Kaminski in the City of Fallsburg Court, where an order of protection was issued. Pugliese will be required to appear in the City of Fallsburg Court again at a later date.

Criminal charges are merely allegations that a defendant has committed criminal violations and are not proof of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial in which it is the burden of the State of New York to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.