According to prosecutors, the two offenses occurred in the City of Oswego on March 28, 2020. Prosecutors alleged that Newton broke into the home of an Army National Guard member who was activated and stationed in New York City to assist with the state’s response to COVID-19. The District Attorney’s Office said that Newton was staying at his brother’s nearby residence at the time.    

The Hon. Walter W. Hafner, Jr. presided over the trial, which commenced last Monday, May 17, 2021.  Senior Assistant District Attorney Matthew Bell was lead counsel for the prosecution. Newton was represented by Attorney Michael Cianfarano of Oswego.

District Attorney Gregory Oakes commended the Oswego City Police Department for their extraordinary work during the investigation. “Officers meticulously processed the scene and recovered DNA evidence that linked Newton to the scene,” Oakes said, adding “OPD also tracked down key witnesses who helped connect the dots.” The District Attorney gave special recognition to Lt. Aldo Bonacchi, who oversaw the investigation, saying, “He poured his heart into this case, just like always.”

According to Oakes, Newton has five prior felony convictions, including violent offenses against women. The District Attorney stated that Newton pleaded guilty to Attempted Assault in the Second Degree in 2016 for an offense against an elderly woman. In 2007, a jury convicted him of Assault in the Second Degree, finding that he slit a woman’s throat with a knife. 

Sentencing is scheduled for June 24, 2021. “Based upon the circumstances of this case and his well-documented history of violence, the People will be asking the court to sentence Newton as a persistent felony offender,” Oakes added. If the court grants the prosecution’s request, it could impose a sentence of up to 25 years to Life.

According to the District Attorney, if the court does not sentence Newton as a persistent felon, he faces a minimum sentence of 7 years and could receive up to 15 years. Noting that Newton was 61-years old at the time of the burglary, Oakes stated, “He is incapable of change. For the safety of the community, he needs to be locked away for the remainder of his life.”