A Newburgh man has pleaded guilty to a hate crime in Orange County after targeting a Black police officer and his son back in June.

William Ryan, 60, admitted to menacing as a hate crime and criminal possession of a weapon.

In June 15, Ryan was seen on camera threatening off-duty Wallkill Police Lt. Robert McLymore and his son with a box-cutter in the city of Newburgh. The video also showed Ryan calling McLymore racial slurs.

Ryan falsely claimed to be a New York state trooper and McLymore recorded the incident with his cellphone.

"I left it in the hands of the justice system," McLymore said.

McLymore, who is also a pastor, said he almost let the incident go but his family and friends convinced him to file a report.

He often preaches to his congregation to stand up for their rights. He said his wife told him he needed to do the same.

"I'm glad I did, for the sake of people understanding that there are things like this, and that if they went through it, look at me, I'm a police officer and a pastor, and I went through it," McLymore said.

Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler recommended six months in jail for Ryan when he is sentenced on Nov. 17.

McLymore says he's glad Hoovler took the case seriously. He also wants the public to learn from the incident.

"Anytime that there is an incident like that, there needs to be a clear message that this type of hatred or type of conduct is not tolerated in any community," he said.

Hoovler said in a statement, "This case should serve as a reminder that hate has no place in Orange County. Simply, this type of behavior will not be tolerated."