Eric Williams, 53, of Newburgh was convicted Friday, Oct. 2, following a jury trial in Orange County Court on two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree and unlawful fleeing of a police officer in a motor vehicle in the third degree.

According to Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler, the charges stem from an April 15 incident in which New York State Police attempted to stop a vehicle speeding on Washington Street in Newburgh.

Police said the vehicle fled, failed to stop at stop signs and traveled the wrong way on a one-way street before stopping. Williams allegedly fled on foot and entered a residence, where he was taken into custody.

An eyewitness told police Williams threw a plastic bag over a fence during the foot pursuit. Police recovered the bag and found a significant quantity of fentanyl inside.

Williams was remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail following the verdict. He faces up to 15 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 16.

Hoovler credited the State Police with the investigation and the Newburgh Police Department with assisting in the case.