Local Therapist, Former Staples Peer Advisors Leader Michael Newman Arrested on Child Pornography Charges; Released on $250,000 Bond
Westport Police Department Photo. Following a Westport Police Department investigation that began on December 12, 2020 - local therapist and former advisor to the Staples High School Peer Advisor program, Michael Newman, was arrested on Friday for:
Possession of child pornography in the third degree [possession of less than 20 images/videos containing pornography of children. Class D felony; prison sentences up to five years; fine of up to $5,000]
Obscenity
Promoting a minor in obscene performance.
The investigation found the illegal content downloaded to devices at both his Westport home and business addresses. He was released on $250,000 bond and was scheduled for a court hearing this morning.
Newman founded the Peer Advisors group at Staples High School in 1995, explaining in a 2011 Staples’ Inklings News interview that “It is a very open and honest environment where students can talk in total confidence about any issues that they want.” The extra curricular activity was de-funded by the Board of Education in 2011, being converted into a school club that the non-profit Education and Prevention Institute of Connecticut agreed to fund.
Newman had also served as a prominent therapist and counselor for youth in the community, with an office in Westport.
Westport Police Department Press ReleaseOn December 12, 2020, the Westport Police Department’s Detective Bureau received information that a town resident was possibly downloading child pornography onto his electronic devices. The detective investigating the matter was able to determine that the IP address of the device(s) being utilized to download the suspected images did in fact come back to a home in Westport.
A search warrant was applied for and granted to search the computers and electronic devices at the address in question. A second search warrant was granted to search the computer and electronic devices at the suspect’s office which is also located in Westport. During an examination of the devices that were seized, images of suspected child pornography allegedly downloaded by Michael Newman were located. Based upon the investigation, a warrant for Mr. Newman’s arrest was completed and signed by a Superior Court Judge.
On the evening of May 21, 2021, Mr. Newman turned himself in at the Westport Police Department. Per the warrant, he was charged with Obscenity, Possession of Child Pornography in the Third Degree, and Promoting a Minor in Obscene Performance. Mr. Newman was released after posting a $250,000.00 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned the morning of Monday, May 24, 2021.