Man pleads guilty to attempted arson, fraud

March 22--GOSHEN -- A New Windsor man pleaded guilty Tuesday to attempted arson and insurance fraud in a 2016 fire at a Town of Newburgh eatery he leased.

Khaled Baroud, 61, admitted in Orange County Court to attempted arson in the March 13, 2016 fire that damaged USA Waffle, a waffle and bagel store at 440 South Plank Road. Baroud had opened the business less than a month earlier -- on Feb. 28, 2016. He also admitted to falsifying "proof of loss" paperwork for the insurance company, claiming that the fire destroyed items that were not at the location and omitting his role in the fire. He intended to collect more than $50,000 in insurance payments, prosecutors said.

In exchange for the guilty plea to attempted third-degree arson and third-degree insurance fraud, Assistant District Attorney Lara Morrison told Judge Robert Freehill, prosecutors will recommend a sentence of one to three years in prison.

Freehill said he'll cap the sentence there and consider less. Baroud must also pay $4,100 in restitution to the New York State Insurance Fund and $64,136 to the insurance company of property owner John J. Lease. Baroud will also forfeit any claim filed with his own insurance on the fire, as well as a Worker's Compensation claim related to the Bright Star Diner.

Baroud's lawyer, Rory Brady, noted that his client hired counsel and surrendered to police as soon as he learned of the criminal investigation. Baroud is a U.S. Citizen, with five children who all live in the Hudson Valley.

Baroud was arrested on Monday following an investigation by town police and fire investigators, the FBI, state agencies and the district attorney's office.

Baroud is being held at Orange County Jail on $15,000 bail or $25,000 bond, awaiting sentence on April 19.

hyakin@th-record.com

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