Middletown High School Custodian Resigns After Weapons Charge on Campus

Ralph Sabater, a 39-year-old Town of Wallkill resident who worked as a custodian at Middletown High School, resigned from his position after being arrested on school grounds with a loaded handgun last month. He had been on paid leave since his arrest on February 26 and stepped down Thursday, according to reports published March 13.

Town of Wallkill police stopped a vehicle on the grounds of Middletown High School at 30 Gardner Avenue around 3:07 a.m. on February 26. During the stop, an officer determined that Sabater appeared to be under the influence of a substance. After taking him into custody, officers searched his vehicle and found a loaded Taurus GC3, a 9mm caliber handgun. One account alleged Sabater was impaired by marijuana while operating his vehicle during his lunch break, though that characterization has not been reconciled with the 3 a.m. stop time reported by the Town of Wallkill Police Department across multiple outlets.

Sabater, a custodial employee for the Middletown City School District, was charged with criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds, criminal possession of a firearm in a sensitive location, driving while ability impaired by drugs, and other vehicle and traffic violations. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Sabater holds an Orange County Concealed Carry Pistol Permit. His defense attorney, Amir Sadaghiani of Goshen, said his client "fully cooperated with the members of law enforcement and the Middletown City School District in their investigations." Sadaghiani added that Sabater "is in the process of voluntarily surrendering his handguns and rifles, as well as his pistol permit, to the Orange County Sheriff's Office."

Sabater is scheduled for arraignment Wednesday, March 18, in Town of Wallkill Justice Court before Judge Peter Green.