POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — A 25-year-old woman with a record of repeated parole violations has once again been remanded to Dutchess County Jail, following her sixth violation since her release from prison in 2021.
Courtney Burke, a convicted felon from Poughkeepsie, appeared before Dutchess County Court Judge Edward McLoughlin on Wednesday for the latest parole violation. The judge ordered her held in jail pending a June 5, 2025 parole hearing with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS).
Burke originally served time for an attempted robbery conviction in 2019. She spent 30 months of a three-year sentence behind bars before being released on parole in November 2021.
Six Parole Violations in Less Than Four Years
Since her release, Burke has struggled to comply with the conditions of her parole. According to court records:
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She violated parole three times in 2023
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She committed another violation in 2024
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In February 2025, she violated parole yet again
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Most recently, in March, Burke was arrested during a drug raid
The March violation came after Burke was caught in a raid conducted by the Dutchess County Drug Task Force at a known drug location on South Clinton Street. During the operation, she was arrested on a warrant issued out of Albany County.
Burke was initially processed at the Dutchess County Jail and released to DOCCS custody. But with her repeated offenses, state officials brought her back before the court to determine whether she should remain free while awaiting the parole board’s next decision.
Courtroom Frustration and a Plea for Treatment
During Wednesday’s hearing, Burke’s defense team, represented by the Dutchess County Public Defender’s Office, acknowledged that she is battling substance abuse issues. They urged the court to consider treatment instead of incarceration.
The defense requested that Burke be sent to a rehabilitation program rather than jail, emphasizing the opportunity for intervention and long-term recovery.
However, Judge McLoughlin was unconvinced. He cited her consistent failure to comply with parole terms and the need for accountability.
“I have very little faith that I won’t see you again,”
McLoughlin told Burke during the proceedings.
He added that while the court encourages rehabilitation and support for individuals facing addiction, Burke’s repeated disregard for parole conditions left the court with limited options.
Parole Officer Labels Burke a “Persistent Violator”
The judge’s decision came after a parole officer—visibly frustrated—spoke bluntly in court, describing Burke as a “persistent violator” who has not shown a meaningful effort to stay on the right path since her initial release.
With this context, McLoughlin chose to remand her back to Dutchess County Jail. However, he did encourage Burke to participate in addiction recovery programs available within the jail system, suggesting it might be her best chance to break the cycle before her upcoming hearing.
Looking Ahead: Parole Hearing Set for June
Burke’s fate now rests in the hands of the New York State Parole Board, which will evaluate her case on June 5, 2025. They will consider her full criminal history, repeated violations, and any progress made toward rehabilitation while in jail.
If the board determines she is unfit to remain under supervised release, Burke could be ordered to serve additional time in custody.
Broader Issues: Substance Abuse and Recidivism
Burke’s case reflects a growing concern in the criminal justice system: how to balance public safety, rehabilitation, and accountability for individuals who struggle with addiction and repeat offenses.
While some advocate for treatment-first approaches, others point to cases like Burke’s as examples of why enforcement and supervision remain essential.
As the June hearing approaches, the question remains whether Burke will take advantage of the programs now available to her—and whether the system will offer a path forward beyond jail.
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