New York man acquitted by Pike jury

MILFORD — A Pike County jury returned a verdict of not guilty late Tuesday afternoon at the trial of John Orefice. Orefice 32, a Brooklyn native, was charged with theft of an engagement ring valued at $5,500. The theft allegedly occurred at the home of Orefice’s cousin in Bushkill. The jury deliberated for one-half hour before returning its not guilty verdict in favor of Orefice, who did not take the stand on his own behalf. Orefice’s attorney, Michael E. Weinstein, of Milford, argued to the jury that the evidence presented during the trial was insufficient to convict his client. Weinstein stated after the trial that, “I believe the jury followed the law in finding that the Commonwealth did not sustain its burden of proving guilt, beyond a reasonable doubt. After the trial President Judge Joseph F. Kameen ordered Orefice, who had been incarcerated for six months awaiting trial, released from custody. Orefice walked out of the courtroom arm in arm with his fiance who stated, “This is the best moment of my life.” The Commonwealth was represented by First Assistant District Attorney Bruce DeSarro.