MONTICELLO, NY —  Ralph Sparks, 56, of Liberty,  was sentenced to 15 years to life incarceration in state prison upon his conviction for Burglary in the Second Degree, a class C violent felony, before Sullivan County Court Judge Jim Farrell on April 28.

Sparks’ conviction came after a week-long jury trial where it was established that on February 28, 2022, Sparks had unlawfully entered a residence in the Village of Liberty and stole jewelry and U.S. currency. The case was prosecuted at trial by Chief Executive Assistant District Attorney Michael J. Puma. Sparks represented himself as a pro se litigant. Following the trial, my Office requested a hearing to determine whether the defendant would be eligible for lifetime incarceration based on his nine prior felony convictions, including seven of which were for burglaries. After the successful conclusion of the hearing, the court authorized a sentence of 15 years to life incarceration.

“The traumatization that occurs after the sanctity of one’s home is invaded by another is deep and long-lasting. Victims of these crimes are often left without a sense of security. My Office remains committed to ensuring that the residents of Sullivan County know that they will be protected both on the streets as well as in their homes. The imposition of a life sentence here demonstrates that commitment,” Brian P. Conaty, Acting District Attorney of Sullivan County said.

Village of Liberty Police Chief of Police Steven D'Agata said, " I want to thank the Sullivan County District Attorney's Office for their commitment to ensuring justice was served in this case. The defendant in this case chose to violate the sanctity and security of the victim's home by brazenly burglarizing their residence in broad daylight. The victim in this case was home during the commission of the burglary and will have to forever live with the loss of the feeling of safety and well-being that we should all have in our own homes.  Further, the District Attorney's Office's decision to prosecute this defendant as a Persistent Felony Offender ensured that he is incarcerated appropriately based on his many years of criminal behavior. I would also like to commend the hard work of all of the Liberty Police Officers and Detectives that investigated this case and all of the District Attorney Investigators and Assistant District Attorney that saw the case through trial and sentencing."