Judge, Circuit Court | $174,433 |
UPDATE: Now Dead Caroline County Circuit Judge Jonathan Newell didn’t distribute images in child porn rings online, says his former assistant prosecutor and feds – He kept them all for himself…
Baltimore, Maryland – United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Colonel Woodrow W. Jones III, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; and Dorchester County State’s Attorney William H. Jones and Caroline County State’s Attorney Joe Riley provided the following statement regarding the investigation of Jonathan Newell:
A federal criminal complaint was signed on September 9, 2021, and unsealed on September 10, 2021, that charged Jonathan Newell with sexual exploitation of a minor to produce child pornography. Following Newell’s suicide on September 10, 2021, the investigation continued. Investigators have determined that there were no other individuals involved in the alleged exploitation and that Newell did not distribute any of the images.
The criminal complaint is publicly available, Case No. 1:21-mj-02533-JMC.
UPDATE: Judge committed suicide when told to come out and surrender to FBI, State Police and Caroline Deputies
Newell took his own life as Feds arrived to take him into custody on federal charges of sexual exploitation of a child
Statement Regarding the Death of Caroline County Circuit Judge Jonathan Newell
Baltimore, Maryland – Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Colonel Woodrow W. Jones III, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; and Dorchester County State’s Attorney William H. Jones and Caroline County State’s Attorney Joe Riley provided the following statement regarding the death of Jonathan Newell:
This morning agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation went to the residence of Jonathan Newell, age 50, of Henderson, Maryland, to arrest him on a federal criminal complaint filed on September 9, 2021. Upon entering the residence the agents found Newell suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at 6:43 a.m. Maryland State Police will lead the investigation into the apparent suicide.
In some of the videos, Newell is seen setting up the camera in the
bathroom.
AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF APPLICATION FOR A COMPLAINT
I, Rachel S. Corn, a Special Agent (SA) with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),
Baltimore Division, Baltimore, Maryland, being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
- I have been a SA with the FBI since May 2006. Since September 2006, I have
primarily investigated federal violations concerning child pornography and the sexual exploitation
of children. I have gained experience through training in seminars, classes, and daily work related
to conducting these types of investigations. Specifically, I have received FBI Crimes Against
Children training, FBI Innocent Images Online Undercover training, and FBI Peer-to-Peer
Network Online Investigation training. I have participated in the execution of numerous search
warrants, of which the majority have involved child exploitation and/or child pornography
offenses. Many of the child exploitation and/or child pornography search warrants resulted in the
seizure of computers, cell phones, magnetic storage media for computers, other electronic media,
and other items evidencing violations of federal laws, including various sections of 18 U.S.C.
§§ 2252A and 2422 involving child exploitation offenses. I have also participated in the execution
of numerous search warrants for online accounts, such as email accounts, online storage accounts,
and other online communication accounts related to child exploitation and/or child pornography.
In the course of my employment with the FBI, I have observed and reviewed numerous examples
of child pornography (as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 2256) in all forms of media including computer
media and within online accounts. - As a federal agent, I am authorized to investigate violations of laws of the United
States and am a law enforcement officer with the authority to execute warrants issued under the
authority of the United States. - This affidavit is made in support of a criminal complaint and arrest warrant for
Jonathan Gray Newell, born in 1970, for violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a) (Sexual Exploitation of
a Child). - The statements in this affidavit are based in part on information and reports
provided by the Maryland State Police, Special Agents of the FBI, and on my experience and
background as a SA of the FBI. Since this affidavit is being submitted for the limited purpose of
securing a criminal complaint and arrest warrant, I have not included each and every fact known
to me concerning this investigation. I have set forth only the facts that I believe are necessary to
establish probable cause.
PROBABLE CAUSE - On July 23, 2021, investigators from the Maryland State Police responded to a cabin located in Fishing Creek, Maryland, regarding a minor who located a video camera in the bathroom of the cabin. After arriving at the cabin, investigators interviewed two minor males.
- The first minor male, Minor Victim 1, born in 2006, provided the following information: On July 22, 2021, the two minor males spent the night with Jonathan Gray Newell, in Fishing Creek, Maryland. On the morning of July 23, 2021,
Minor Victim 1 entered the bathroom adjacent to After undressing, Minor Victim 1 observed what appeared to be a camera. The camera was on a shelf in the corner of the bathroom, inside a small black utility crate. The lens of the camera was facing the shower. Minor Victim 1 examined the camera and took photographs of it with his cell phone. Minor Victim1 observed a green blinking light on the camera. Minor Victim 1 placed the camera back into its
original position and exited the bathroom.
AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF APPLICATION FOR A COMPLAINT
I, Rachel S. Corn, a Special Agent (SA) with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),
Baltimore Division, Baltimore, Maryland, being duly sworn, depose and state as follows: - I have been a SA with the FBI since May 2006. Since September 2006, I have primarily investigated federal violations concerning child pornography and the sexual exploitation of children. I have gained experience through training in seminars, classes, and daily work related to conducting these types of investigations. Specifically, I have received FBI Crimes Against Children training, FBI Innocent Images Online Undercover training, and FBI Peer-to-Peer Network Online Investigation training. I have participated in the execution of numerous search warrants, of which the majority have involved child exploitation and/or child pornography offenses. Many of the child exploitation and/or child pornography search warrants resulted in the seizure of computers, cell phones, magnetic storage media for computers, other electronic media, and other items evidencing violations of federal laws, including various sections of 18 U.S.C.
§§ 2252A and 2422 involving child exploitation offenses. I have also participated in the execution of numerous search warrants for online accounts, such as email accounts, online storage accounts, and other online communication accounts related to child exploitation and/or child pornography.
In the course of my employment with the FBI, I have observed and reviewed numerous examples of child pornography (as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 2256) in all forms of media including computer media and within online accounts. - As a federal agent, I am authorized to investigate violations of laws of the United States and am a law enforcement officer with the authority to execute warrants issued under the authority of the United States.
- This affidavit is made in support of a criminal complaint and arrest warrant for Jonathan Gray Newell, born in 1970, for violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a) (Sexual Exploitation of a Child).
- The statements in this affidavit are based in part on information and reports provided by the Maryland State Police, Special Agents of the FBI, and on my experience and background as a SA of the FBI. Since this affidavit is being submitted for the limited purpose of securing a criminal complaint and arrest warrant, I have not included each and every fact known to me concerning this investigation. I have set forth only the facts that I believe are necessary to establish probable cause.
PROBABLE CAUSE - On July 23, 2021, investigators from the Maryland State Police responded to a cabin located in Fishing Creek, Maryland, regarding a minor who located a video camera in the bathroom of the cabin. After arriving at the cabin, investigators interviewed two minor males.
- The first minor male, Minor Victim 1, born in 2006, provided the following information: On July 22, 2021, the two minor males spent the night with Jonathan Gray Newell (“Newell”), at Newell’s cabin in Fishing Creek, Maryland. On the morning of July 23, 2021, Minor Victim 1 entered the bathroom adjacent to Newell’s bedroom to shower. After undressing,
Minor Victim 1 observed what appeared to be a camera. The camera was on a shelf in the corner of the bathroom, inside a small black utility crate. The lens of the camera was facing the shower. Minor Victim 1 examined the camera and took photographs of it with his cell phone. Minor Victim 1 observed a green blinking light on the camera. Minor Victim 1 placed the camera back into its original position and exited the bathroom. - Minor Victim 1 then went to find Minor Victim 2, born in 2007, to tell him about the camera. Shortly after Minor Victim 1 exited the bathroom, Minor Victim 1 observed Newell enter the bathroom, then exit the bathroom carrying miscellaneous items, and then proceed directly to his (Newell’s) bedroom. Minor Victim 1 and Minor Victim 2 then reentered the bathroom so Minor Victim 1 could show Minor Victim 2 the camera. Once inside the bathroom, Minor Victim 1 observed that the camera was no longer in the bathroom. Following the above events, Newell, Minor Victim 1, and Minor Victim 2 left the cabin and went on Newell’s boat. While on the boat, Minor Victim 1 and Minor Victim 2 each used their cell phones to inform their parents about the camera in the bathroom. Their parents then contacted law enforcement.
- Minor Victim 1 further advised that another adult male and four minor males also stayed the night at the cabin. On July 23, 2021, when Minor Victim 1 woke up, the five males had already left the cabin.
- Investigators arrived at Newell’s cabin on the same day; Newell was present when the investigators arrived. Newell waived his Miranda rights and consented to an interview. Newell advised that the cabin had 10 “members” that had access to the cabin and that the members “come and go.” Newell advised the members did not keep a log of the people who accessed the cabin. Newell denied placing a camera in the bathroom and denied noticing a camera in the
bathroom. When presented with the following timeline of events: Minor Victim 1 used the bathroom and saw a camera, Newell used the bathroom, then both minor males entered the bathroom and the camera was no longer there – Newell replied, “Like I said, there was six other people here.” Newell was presented with a picture of the camera and Newell stated he had never seen the camera before. - After the interview concluded, Newell was permitted to go to his bedroom to plug his cell phone into a charger and make phone calls. Newell plugged his phone into a phone charger that was plugged into the wall outlet directly next to the side of his bed. Newell sat on the bed at the head of the bed as he plugged his phone into the wall. While he was on the phone, investigators observed Newell reach under the bed with his right hand on more than one occasion. Each time Newell reached under the bed, an investigator walked around the bed to get a better view of Newell. When the investigator got to Newell, Newell would push the phone charger into the wall outlet. At the time, the investigator believed Newell was holding the charger into the wall due to the short length of the cord and poor electrical connection. As this conduct continued, the investigator noticed Newell reach directly under the bed below the outlet. Newell made these movements for a few seconds and then stretched his lower back by leaning forward. A few
moments later, the investigator observed Newell’s right hand closed in a fist. Newell was still talking on the phone, holding the phone with his left hand to his left ear. Shortly after the investigator noticed Newell’s right hand in a closed fist, Newell placed his right fist to his mouth and covered the bottom of his phone and mouth and began talking quietly. A few minutes later, the investigator heard a loud, distinguishable, “crunch,” sound from the area of Newell’s mouth.
After another minute or two, the investigator heard the same “crunch” again from Newell’s mouth, followed by Newell immediately reaching for and drinking from a cup located on his dresser. - Newell was asked to leave the bedroom and Newell ended his phone call. After Newell walked away from the bed, the investigator observed what appeared to be an object under the bed similar to the picture of the camera taken by Minor Victim 1. The object, a black box, was sitting on top of a white blanket or towel.
- Newell was with a second investigator in the living area. Newell asked the second investigator if he could obtain his cell phone charger from his bedroom. Newell walked into the bedroom and knelt down and removed a pair of shorts and a t-shirt from under the bed. Newell then removed a white blanket from under the bed, stood up, turned around, and produced a small black rectangular box to the second investigator. Newell advised the second investigator something similar to: “This is what you are looking for,” and placed the box on top of the bedroom dresser. The box can be described as a black rectangular box with “Zetta,” and “Made in China” inscribed on the back, with a slot for an SD card, and what appears to be a camera lens. The SD card slot was empty. The device appeared to be the same device Minor Victim 1 photographed in the bathroom earlier that morning.
- On July 24, 2021, investigators escorted Newell to a nearby hospital with a warrant to obtain CT scans of his chest & abdomen/pelvis. The “After Visit Summary” included the following:
“IMPRESSION: 18 mm linear possibly metallic foreign body within the small bowel.”
“Diagnosis: Foreign Body Ingestion.” - To date, seven additional males, all born between 2002 and 2007, have been interviewed by investigators regarding their relationship with Newell. Most of the males have known Newell for years, some since elementary school. Although one of the males is currently 18, all of the males described being at Newell’s residence and/or cabin on at least one occasion.
The males were minors when they were at Newell’s residence and/or cabin. The males described showering at Newell’s residence and/or cabin. Nearly all of the males stated that while in the bathroom, Newell checked their bodies for ticks. At least two of the males stated they were naked when Newell checked them for ticks – one stated that he moved his own genitalia for Newell to look for ticks, and the other initially did not recall if Newell touched his genitalia, but later stated that Newell once or twice moved the minor’s genitalia to look for tick - State search warrants were executed to include searches of Newell’s cabin, residence (Henderson, Maryland), truck, boat, and office. Numerous digital devices were seized from the various locations. The forensic examination of the digital devices is currently ongoing.
- Among other digital items, a Toshiba external hard drive, serial number 83T5T81VTTT1, made in the Philippines, was seized from a safe located in the den of Newell’s residence. A preliminary analysis of the Toshiba external hard drive revealed numerous videos of minor males showering. In some of the videos, Newell is seen setting up the camera in the bathroom.
- The Toshiba external hard drive contained a folder titled, “edited swim”, which contained fifteen subfolders, each titled with two or three letters. Inside each of the subfolders were videos of minor males in a bathroom, disrobing and showering.
- One of the subfolders contained videos depicting Minor Victim 3, and at least one
video depicting Minor Victim 3 and Minor Victim 4 together. The title of the subfolder was Minor
Victim 3’s initials. Minor Victim 3, born in 2004, is one of the seven additional males referenced
above.
1
Minor Victim 3 stated that he has known Newell since he was in kindergarten or the first grade. Minor Victim 3 also stated that he showered at both Newell’s residence and cabin, and that Newell checked him for ticks. Two of the videos from the subfolder titled with Minor Victim 3’s initials include:
a. A video titled, “vlc-record-2014-09-28-21h54m14s-MVI_0106.MOV.avi”.
The video is five minutes and six seconds in duration, and depicts Minor Victim 4, naked, exiting
1 One of the investigators viewed videos from inside the subfolder titled with Minor Victim 3’s initials. The same investigator also interviewed Minor Victim 3 and viewed a screenshot of the prepubescent male from the video
described in paragraph 18a. The investigator recognized the background of the image as a bathroom from Newell’s
residence in Henderson, Maryland, and indicated that the screenshot appears to be Minor Victim 3. in the shower and dry himself with a towel. The video depicts Minor Victim 4 from his knees to his chest, with his genitalia exposed. At approximately 40 seconds, Newell enters the bathroom and stands facing Minor Victim 4. Their heads are out of the view of the camera, however at some point Minor Victim 4 leans over, consistent with showing his head to Newell. At approximately one minute and twenty seconds, Minor Victim 3, a clothed prepubescent male, enters the
bathroom. As the video continues, Newell appears to run his hands through Minor Victim 3’s hair.
Minor Victim 3’s shirt is removed by a person other than Minor Victim 3, however the video does not depict who removes the shirt. At approximately three minutes and thirty seconds, Minor Victim 4 exits the bathroom, and Minor Victim 3 removes his underwear and is fully naked.
Newell kneels in front of Minor Victim 3 and says, “Lift that up,” pointing toward Minor Victim 3’s genitalia. Minor Victim 3 lifts his genitalia. Newell then tells Minor Victim 3 to turn around
and Newell uses his hands to spread Minor Victim 3’s buttocks. Newell then uses his hand to tap Minor Victim 3’s right buttock. Minor Victim 3 then bends over. Newell places his right hand on Minor Victim 3’s back as Minor Victim 3 is bending over. Newell then runs his right hand down Minor Victim 3’s legs. Minor Victim 3 eventually enters the shower.
b. A video titled, “vlc-record-2014-09-28-21h59m34s-MVI_0106.MOV-.avi”. The video is fifty-one seconds in duration, and depicts Minor Victim 3 exiting the same shower. The video depicts Minor Victim 3 naked from his knees to his neck, with his genitalia exposed, as he dries himself with a towel.
CONCLUSION - Based upon the foregoing information set forth in this application, I respectfully submit that there is probable cause to believe that Jonathan Gray Newell violated 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a) (Sexual Exploitation of a Child).
Special Agent Rachel S. Corn
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Kimberly Maddison Keith posted this on her Facebook page:
Wow, it’s happening finally… at 6:10 this morning the FBI were shouting at the Judges house to come out over loudspeaker . After multiple attempts, we heard a flash bang and them going in. And then what we believe could have been to 2 more gunshots. Now an ambo and more cop cars. Pretty sure he not coming out alive. Ambo just left! Heard through grapevine a bullet to the head! I feel so so sorry for his family and his dogs who were out in the yard
HENDERSON, Md. — FBI, Maryland State Police, and Caroline County Sheriff’s Office surrounded Judge Jonathan Newell’s house on Westbridge Court in rural Henderson, Md., in Caroline County on Friday, September 10, 2021, just after 6 a.m., and announced to the Judge that he was under arrest and demanded he come out over a loudspeaker, according to neighbors, in various reports, including one in the Star Democrat in Easton, Md.
Instead of surrendering, the Maryland State Police Tactical Team set off flash-bang grenades and upon entry reported that they found a male dead of a gunshot wound to the head.
Newell’s leave of absence was extended from September 3, 2021, to September 23, leaving him off the bench for most of the summer.
The Baltimore Sun reported Sept. 3, 2021, speaking to an anonymous law enforcement source, who said the investigation includes “allegations of illicit images of youth.”
The Sun also spoke with a reported victim’s parents, who told the paper that their son allegedly found a camera in the bathroom of a hunting lodge while he was there on a trip with Newell. The parents were also not named in the story.
Numerous police officers have contributed to Newell’s campaigns for states attorney and Judge and Newell was active in online forums of a gun and shooting club, offering advice on the law affecting hunters and acting as an advocate for mentoring youth. His Facebook page was taken down immediately after he took his leave of absence.
Swallowed the Evidence
The initial report of the youth who found the hidden camera in Judge Newell’s cabin bathroom triggered the Maryland State Police investigation. When police surrounded his home and entered with a search warrant, Newell reportedly swallowed a computer thumb drive resulting in police taking him to a hospital to be X-rayed and recovering the evidence. In typical child sex offense cases, such evidence often leads to incriminating evidence against the person with the surveillance images taken without the consent of the person shown, and in many cases, such images are then shown through the internet to others or sold.
The Maryland State Police Computer Crimes and internet crimes against children unit have been very successful in uncovering and bringing to justice many such offenders in the past decade.
JUDGE JONATHAN NEWELL’S SECRET SPY CAMERA IN HIS CABIN
This is the secret camera a boy found set up by an Eastern Shore judge, who took his own life Friday as authorities moved in to arrest him. “I’m scared,” he texted his mom. https://baltimoresun.com/news/crime/bs-md-cr-newell-victim-20210914-l5nqplsg7vfibbz6zoppzxi6je-story.html
POLICE WERE OFTEN CONTRIBUTORS TO NEWELL CAMPAIGNS
CAMPAIGN SIGNS WERE PLASTERED WITH “Corrupt” SIGNS IN 2018
The “corrupt” stickers were placed on signs promoting Caroline County Circuit Court Judge Jonathan Newell, according to Maryland State Police.
Newell, a former Caroline County state’s attorney appointed to the Circuit Court by Gov. Larry Hogan in 2016, said that many of his signs had been stolen or vandalized over the course of the campaign but this one was a bit different.
“…one of these signs is right across from the public school where my kids and their friends attend,” Newell posted on Facebook.
ST. MARY’S SHERIFF TIM CAMERON SAYS JUDGE NEWELL NOT IN HIS CUSTODY IN ST. MARY’S COUNTY JAIL — MAYBE
The St. Mary’s Sheriff’s Office received your Public Information Act (PIA) Request on August 6, 2021, regarding Circuit Court Judge Jonathan Newell being in our custody, now or at any time since July 24, 2021.
For public safety reasons we cannot confirm nor deny if we are holding any inmate in our facility, on behalf of another agency. However, we have not processed Judge Newell at our facility for any criminal charges made through the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.
JUDGE NEWELL CONTINUES TO BE ABSENT FROM CAROLINE COUNTY COURTHOUSE ON PAID LEAVE, SAYS MARYLAND JUDICIARY SPOKESMAN
His current status continues for an additional two weeks.
Thanks,
Bradley Tanner
Public Information Officer
Maryland Judiciary
Government Relations and Public Affairs
DISORDER IN THE COURT: Caroline Circuit Judge Jonathan Newell Under Police Investigation; Cops Raid Home at 5 am; Judge Newell Went To Western Maryland To Divorce Wife
DENTON, MD. – The Circuit Court Judge for Caroline County, who spent over a decade putting offenders behind bars before being appointed to the bench in 2016 by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, has been placed on a two-week leave of absence. Various press reports state that the leave of absence is due to an investigation by the Maryland State Police.
The Star Democrat reported that neighbors of Judge Newell on Westbridge Court told the newspaper that eight police cars surrounded the Newell home at 5 am on Saturday, July 24, 2021. The police cannot raid a home without first obtaining a search warrant from a Judge.
Judge Newell obtained a divorce in Allegany County
Jonathan G. Newell and Amanda L. Newell purchased a residential property located at 15218 Westbridge Court, Henderson, Maryland composed of 5.46 acres and improved with a house built in 1996 that is 1,456 square feet in size.
Maryland land records state that the property is their principal place of residence. The couple purchased the property on August 29, 2000, for $170,000, and as part of their marital property settlement on April 21, 2020, the property was transferred from both of their names to only Jonathan Newell’s name at no cost or consideration.
Court records in Allegany County show that Allegany County Circuit Judge Jeffrey S. Getty held a hearing for an absolute divorce of Jonathan G. Newell from Amanda L. Newell in the proceeding he brought against his wife on August 20, 2020.
On September 28, 2020, via a zoom hearing with Family Magistrate James T. Speis Jr., it was agreed that a divorce be granted due to mutual consent.
Circuit Court Judge Michael O. Twigg, who served since 2002 as the States Attorney for Alleghany County, for much of the same time as Newell was States Attorney for Caroline County was scheduled to hold the final divorce hearing on March 28, 2021, and the hearing was postponed.
While court records show that the divorce was final on October 5, 2020, that entry by a clerk is questionable due to the hearing before Judge Twigg in 2021 which was canceled.
In any event, there were many other counties a lot closer to Caroline County where Judge Newell could have filed to divorce his wife, than heading to the hills of Western Maryland.
Amanda Newell is a poet and teacher at the Gunston School. At the time of the filing of the divorce action in Allegany County, an address in a small apartment over a store on the main street in Frostburg was shown for Amanda Newell.
Cambridge Mayor Speaks Out Amidst Investigation
WBOC-TV 16, Delmarvas News Leader, FOX 21 –
WMDT REPORTS ON SECRET INVESTIGATION OF CAMBRIDGE MAYOR ANDREW BRADSHAW
CAMBRIDGE, Md. – 47 ABC has learned that Cambridge Mayor Andrew Bradshaw is under investigation.
Details are limited at this time, but City Commission President Lajan Cephas has confirmed that a search and seizure warrant was executed on the mayor’s office Wednesday morning as part of an ongoing investigation. We are told that the mayor is under investigation for personal matters and that it has no involvement with the City.
The City’s official statement is as follows:
“We can confirm that a search and seizure warrant was executed at the mayor’s office in City Hall on the morning of August 4th in connection with an ongoing investigation by the Maryland State Police and the Office of the State Prosecutor. The city intends to cooperate fully with the investigation.”
Cephas says the mayor is continuing to work and that there is no change organizationally or in terms of responsibilities at this time.
FROM WBOC:
CAMBRIDGE, Md.- Cambridge Mayor Andrew Bradshaw is under investigation.
In a statement, City Commission President Lajan Cephas confirmed the Maryland State Police and state prosecutor conducted a search and seizure warrant at the mayor’s City Hall office on Wednesday.
Cephas continued “The city intends to cooperate fully with the investigation.”
City Manager Patrick Comiskey says the investigation centers around the mayor and not the city itself.
City officials say the mayor is not on leave, and remains an employee of the city.
On Thursday afternoon, the mayor’s vehicle was not seen at either city hall or his Glenburn Avenue home.
Neighbors on his street say they saw authorities conducting a search of his home early Wednesday morning.
Brandie Robinson, who lives a few doors down, said, “All of a sudden all of these cars came up, unmarked vehicles, they had regular personal tags.”
Robinson continued, “All of a sudden, everybody got out with bulletproof vests, they had the ramming bar, they had the riot shields that they use. They had them and they were all going to the mayor’s house.”
The reason for the investigation remains unclear. No charges have been filed at this time.
DISORDER IN THE COURT: Caroline Circuit Judge Jonathan Newell Under Police Investigation; Cops Raid Home at 5 am; Judge Newell Went To Western Maryland To Divorce Wife
DENTON, MD. – The Circuit Court Judge for Caroline County, who spent over a decade putting offenders behind bars before being appointed to the bench in 2016 by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, has been placed on a two-week leave of absence. Various press reports state that the leave of absence is due to an investigation by the Maryland State Police.
The Star Democrat reported that neighbors of Judge Newell on Westbridge Court told the newspaper that eight police cars surrounded the Newell home at 5 am on Saturday, July 24, 2021. The police cannot raid a home without first obtaining a search warrant from a Judge.
Judge Newell obtained divorce in Allegany County
Jonathan G. Newell and Amanda L. Newell purchased a residential property located at 15218 Westbridge Court, Henderson, Maryland composed of 5.46 acres and improved with a house built in 1996 that is 1,456 square feet in size.
Maryland land records state that the property is their principal place of residence. The couple purchased the property on August 29, 2000, for $170,000, and as part of their marital property settlement on April 21, 2020, the property was transferred from both of their names to only Jonathan Newell’s name at no cost or consideration.
Court records in Allegany County show that Allegany County Circuit Judge Jeffrey S. Getty held a hearing for an absolute divorce of Jonathan G. Newell from Amanda L. Newell in the proceeding he brought against his wife on August 20, 2020.
On September 28, 2020, via a zoom hearing with Family Magistrate James T. Speis Jr., it was agreed that a divorce be granted due to mutual consent.
Circuit Court Judge Michael O. Twigg, who served since 2002 as the States Attorney for Alleghany County, for much of the same time as Newell was States Attorney for Caroline County was scheduled to hold the final divorce hearing on March 28, 2021, and the hearing was postponed.
While court records show that the divorce was final on October 5, 2020, that entry by a clerk is questionable due to the hearing before Judge Twigg in 2021 which was canceled.
In any event, there were many other counties a lot closer to Caroline County where Judge Newell could have filed to divorce his wife, than heading to the hills of Western Maryland.
Amanda Newell is a poet and teacher at the Gunston School. At the time of the filing of the divorce action in Allegany County, an address in a small apartment over a store on the main street in Frostburg was shown for Amanda Newell.
Drug dealer sent to jail by Judge Newell makes allegations on Star Democrat Facebook page of child porn possession; newspaper allows allegations to remain on their official Facebook page
Charles Lee Outland Jr. made claims in a Facebook post on the Facebook page of the STAR DEMOCRAT newspaper about a police investigation into allegations of Judge Newell recording children in his cabin. Outland is a convicted drug user in numerous cases prosecuted by Newell as States Attorney and sentenced by Newell as Judge, with the most recent case that started with the arrest by the Maryland State Police of Outland in 2019.
WHEN MARYLAND OFFICIALS DISAPPEAR: Cecil County prosecutor Rollins went to the beach for conference and then to jail after balcony sexcapade; Chief Clerk for Court of Special Appeals Robert Greenleaf who was Caroline County States Attorney was disbarred after convicted for child porn but still hasn’t made it on the sex offender registry; top Hogan official Mathew Palmer vanished until he was indicted for using state computers for child porn; now Circuit Court Judge Jonathan Newell suddenly takes leave without explanation admid reports he is under investigation.
Cecil Prosecutor Edward Rollins Guilty Sentenced to 90 days in jail and mental treatment in Balcony SEXscapade at Maryland States Attorney Convention
“Dogging” is a term long applied to those having public sex, in the view of others, undoubtedly referring to the copulation of dogs.
Did Maryland Prosecutors Cover-Up the Confessed Child Molestation by Disbarred Lawyer Harry M. Walsh Jr?
EASTON, MD. — The conviction of Harry M. Walsh Jr., a former Talbot County attorney, for possession and exchanging of thousands of images of child pornography in Florida raises serious questions about a possible cover-up in Easton.
Walsh, 60, who was disbarred in Maryland in 2006 was convicted in Florida; last month was sentenced to more than 63 years in prison.
COURT NEWS: KEY HOGAN OFFICIAL MATHEW PALMER PLEADS GUILTY TO USING MARYLAND GOVERNMENT INTERNET FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY DISTRIBUTION; SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS IN PRISON FOR DISTRIBUTION OF CHILD PORN FROM HIS STATE OFFICE
JUDGE JONATHAN G NEWELL served as the State’s Attorney for Caroline County and filled a vacancy on the Circuit Court for Caroline County in 2016 when appointed by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan. He served as State’s Attorney since 2003, where he has personally handled more than a dozen murder cases and has overseen hundreds of drug felonies, sexual offenses, child abuse, robbery, and vehicular manslaughter cases. Newell served as a Deputy State’s Attorney for Kent County, an Assistant Public Defender for Caroline County, and a judicial clerk in Caroline County’s Circuit Court. Newell graduated from the Washington and Lee University School of Law.
RECENT CASES PRESIDED OVER BY JUDGE NEWELL BEFORE HIS UNEXPLAINED LEAVE OF ABSENCE:
According to a report from Caroline States Attorney Joe Riley: DRUG DEALER SENTENCED TO 8 YEARS
The state of Maryland vs Ricky Alvin Haynes — As a result of a search warrant executed on 9/27/2019 at 222 Brooklyn Ave. in Federalsburg, Caroline County Maryland Ricky Alvin Haynes was arrested for possessing with the intent to distribute 205 grams of cocaine and related charges.
On July 16, 2021, Haynes by pleading guilty to Possession with the Intent to Distribute was sentenced to 20 years in the division of correction with all but eight years suspended by Judge Jonathan Newell. $43,265 dollars and a vehicle were forfeited to Caroline County Drug Task Force. Deputy State’s Attorney Zach Reid prosecuted the case and the Office of the State’s Attorney would like to acknowledge the hard work of the Caroline County Drug Task Force and their contributing agencies who assisted on this investigation.
Drug dealer sent to jail by Judge Newell makes allegations on Star Democrat Facebook page of child porn possession; newspaper allows allegations to remain on their official Facebook page
Charles Lee Outland Jr. made claims in a Facebook post on the Facebook page of the STAR DEMOCRAT newspaper about a police investigation into allegations of Judge Newell recording children in his cabin. Outland is a convicted drug user in numerous cases prosecuted by Newell as States Attorney and sentenced by Newell as Judge, with the most recent case that started with the arrest by the Maryland State Police of Outland in 2019.
Maryland State Police Arrest Caroline County Man On Child Pornography Charges
DENTON, MD – Investigators with the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division, Upper Shore Region, arrested a Caroline County man on October 15, 2020, on child pornography charges.
The suspect, Daniel Provencal, 47, of Denton, Maryland, is charged with 11 counts of distribution of child pornography, 11 counts of possession with intent to distribute child pornography, and 18 counts of possession of child pornography. He is being held without bond at the Caroline County Detention Center.
The investigation stemmed from information received regarding Provencal having distributed and being in possession of child pornography through various social media outlets. Investigators obtained a search warrant for Provencal’s residence which was served on Thursday. Provencal was subsequently arrested at his residence during the serving of the search warrant.
The Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division, Upper Shore Region, is comprised of investigators assigned to the region. The region consists of Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline, and Dorchester counties. Troopers assigned to the unit investigate the most serious while also providing investigative support to allied agencies in and throughout this area.
DIRTBAG ROUNDUP: James Sleasman indicted on scores of criminal counts of child pornography
DIRTBAG ROUNDUP: James Sleasman was indicted on scores of criminal counts of child pornography
CENTREVILLE, MD – Maryland State Police report that a Caroline County man has been indicted and arrested on more than 100 child pornography and related child sex charges following a months-long investigation by Maryland State Police. The suspect is identified as James […]
HIGH COURT LABELS FORMER CAROLINE COUNTY STATES ATTORNEY ROBERT GREENLEAF
“SEXUAL PREDATOR”
COURT OFFICIAL, EX-PROSECUTOR ROBERT GREENLEAF CONVICTED OF CHILD SEX OFFENSE & DISBARRED; ALLOWED TO RETIRE AND SKIP INCLUSION IN SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY
Chief Deputy Clerk for Court of Appeals and former States Attorney in Caroline County Disbarred as Sex Offender in Solicitation of Minors Using Court Computer
THE CHESAPEAKE TODAY
ANNAPOLIS, MD.- Following three years of court actions after he was discovered to have been soliciting sex from who he believed were minor females, the Maryland Court of Special Appeals Chief Deputy Clerk, Robert John Greenleaf has been disbarred.
In the criminal charges brought in Caroline County by States Attorney Jonathan Newell, Greenleaf was accused of multiple communications with an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old girl, from a computer located in his home.
In the series of internet communications, Greenleaf repeatedly attempted to get the “girl” to leave her home and meet him for a sexual encounter and to produce a sex video.
JUDGE: Greenleaf engaged in dishonesty, fraud, deceit, and prejudicial conduct in the administration of justice.
The Bar Counsel for the Attorney Grievance Commission filed a “Petition for Disciplinary or Remedial Action” on March 14, 2013, and the case was assigned to Kent County Circuit Court Judge Paul M. Bowman for a hearing which was held on July 24, 2013. Judge Bowman issued an opinion on Sept. 19, 2013, concluding that Greenleaf had violated rules of conduct for attorneys in Maryland, specifically those dealing with dishonesty, fraud, deceit, and prejudicial conduct in the administration of justice.
On April 8, 2014, the Court of Appeals heard oral arguments and disbarred Greenleaf who had been admitted to the bar in 1979.
The posts he had held include:
Assistant States Attorney for Dorchester County
Assistant States Attorney for Caroline County
States Attorney for Caroline County
Senior Assistant States Attorney for Dorchester County
Chief Deputy Clerk of the Court of Special Appeals
Greenleaf had been appointed States Attorney in 2000 for Caroline County and had previously served as assistant state’s attorney. In 2002, he ran for election as a Democrat and lost.
After becoming the Chief Deputy Clerk of the state’s highest court, Baltimore Police undercover officers working on the state’s burgeoning internet sex solicitations of minors began an online relationship with Greenleaf. The cop was posing as a 13-year-old girl, according to court records.
On March 8, 2010, Sgt. Louis Gary Yamin of the Baltimore Police Department was working undercover for the Cyber and Electronic Crimes Unit. Sgt. Yamin created a Yahoo messenger account with the alias of “ravens_girl2003” which was connected to a female profile with the name of “Beth”. On March 8, 2010, as “Beth”, Sgt. Yamin entered a Yahoo chat room entitled “Maryland Romance” and made contact with a person with the user name of “delmarvan199901”. “Beth” sent a message “14/f/blato.md” which court records describe as internet shorthand for a fourteen-year-old female in the Baltimore area.
Court records indicate that Greenleaf, using the moniker “delmarvan19901” began discussing sexual topics, and photos were exchanged between the two.
Court records reveal that emails were exchanged between the undercover cop-minor child and Greenleaf and examination of the IP address showed that Greenleaf was using a computer set up on the Maryland Judiciary.
Sgt. Yamin then matched up the photos sent by Greenleaf to the cop-child with the photo on Greenleaf’s Maryland driver’s permit.
Court records show that even after he was exposed, Greenleaf attempted to spin his sleazy conduct using a State of Maryland Court of Appeals computer as being conducted with an adult.
Court records show that even after he was exposed, Greenleaf attempted to spin his sleazy conduct using a State of Maryland Court of Appeals computer as being conducted with an adult.
“Greenleaf believed that “Beth” was a fourteen-year-old or fifteen-year-old girl. “Beth” repeatedly referred to her age and stated that she was a high school student. The hearing judge expressly rejected Greenleaf’s allegation that he believed that “Beth” was an adult who was “role-playing” by posing as a fourteen-year or a fifteen-year-old girl.”
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