ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. — A multi-agency investigation into allegations that several people were stalked over a period of years led to the October 8 Wallkill stalking arrest of a 58-year-old Town of Wallkill man, according to New York State Police.
This incident marks a significant moment in ongoing efforts to address stalking and related crimes in the region, highlighting the seriousness of the Wallkill stalking arrest.
Patrick V. Panaro was charged by State Police investigators with third-degree stalking and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance after authorities executed a judicially authorized search warrant. Police have not publicly detailed the substance involved, the evidence recovered, or the specific allegations concerning individual complainants in their October 9 announcement.
Which agencies were involved in the investigation?
The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation at Middletown worked with the Town of Warwick Police Department, Town of Goshen Police Department, Orange County District Attorney’s Office and Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators described allegations involving multiple victims and conduct spanning years. The Town of Warwick Police Department brought additional charges arising from a separate but parallel investigation, but the State Police release did not identify those charges.
What charges were announced and what happens next?
State Police announced charges of third-degree stalking and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. These are allegations, not findings of guilt. Panaro was arraigned in Middletown City Court and released with instructions to appear at later dates in Town of Warwick Court and Town of Wallkill Court. The State Police announcement did not provide those court dates or describe the conditions of his release.
Under New York law, stalking charges concern specified patterns of conduct, while seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance generally concerns knowingly and unlawfully possessing a controlled substance. The prosecution must prove the elements of any charge in court. Panaro is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Why are police asking potential victims to come forward?
Authorities said the investigation remains active. Anyone who believes they may have experienced stalking or harassment by Panaro is encouraged to contact the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Middletown or the Town of Warwick Police Department Detective Division. The request is an invitation to share possible information; it does not establish that any additional crime occurred.
Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigation Captain Brad Natalizio credited cooperation among the agencies, saying information sharing and coordinated investigative resources can reveal connections that might otherwise be missed.
What should someone experiencing stalking do?
Anyone in immediate danger should call 911. People who believe they are being stalked can preserve relevant messages, document incidents with dates and times, avoid confronting a suspected stalker alone, and contact local law enforcement or a victim-support organization for help with a safety plan. Whether particular behavior meets the legal definition of stalking depends on the facts and applicable law.
Source: New York State Police news release, October 9, 2026. This report is based on the information publicly released by investigators; the investigation is ongoing.
