Justin Newman, 51, was arrested after a 15-year-old girl reported missing in Middletown, Connecticut, was found at his Ocean Isle Beach, N.C., home. Investigators say Newman met the teen on the Skout app, allegedly arranged a ride-share to a train station, and the girl traveled by train to North Carolina. He faces first-degree kidnapping and multiple counts of statutory rape and is being held without bond; his next court date is May 14.
51-Year-Old Arrested After Teen Reported Missing Is Found At His North Carolina Home
Justin NewmanCredit: Brunswick County Sheriff's Office
A 51-year-old man, identified by authorities as Justin Newman, was arrested after a 15-year-old girl reported missing in Middletown, Connecticut, was located at his Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, residence, the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office said.
Details of the Investigation
Middletown police first reported the girl missing on April 9. Detectives from a Special Victims Unit traced the case to Newman, who investigators say met the teen about three months earlier on the Skout app—an online platform that connects users through chats and livestreams.
Prosecutors allege Newman arranged transportation for the girl by ordering a ride-share to take her to a train station, where she boarded a train bound for North Carolina. After Middletown police shared a location and description with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, deputies found the teen at Newman’s Ocean Isle Beach home on April 27.
Justin Newman's mugshotCredit: Brunswick County Sheriff's Office
Charges and Custody
Newman has been charged with first-degree kidnapping and statutory rape of a child under the age of 15. Local outlet WTNH reported that additional charges filed on April 28 include two more counts of statutory rape and two counts of sexual offense against a child. He is being held without bond at the Brunswick County Detention Center. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 14.
“This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office said, adding that additional charges may be filed as investigators continue their work.
Support and Resources
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, text STRENGTH to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to connect with a certified crisis counselor. To report suspected child abuse, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free, confidential, and available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
Details are based on statements from law enforcement and local media reports. The teen’s identity has not been released. The investigation is ongoing and charges may be updated as it progresses.
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