News

FDLE arrests registered sexual predator for failing to report internet identifiers, vehicle information

 
For Immediate Release
December 12, 2023
 
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested registered sexual predator and former law enforcement officer James Howard Newnam, 75, of Tallahassee. Newnam is currently on active sex offender probation with the Florida Department of Corrections for his 2004 Leon County sexual offense convictions. The Leon County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the arrest.
 
Newnam was arrested on two counts for failure of a sexual predator to register an electronic mail address or internet identifier, one count for failure of a sexual predator to report a change in vehicles owned, and four counts for providing false sexual predator registration information by act or omission, all felonies.
 
The investigation began in October when FDLE’s Enforcement and Investigative Support (EIS) bureau located unreported social media accounts for the registrant, a violation of Florida’s Sexual Predator Act. 
 
Through investigative and legal processes investigators also identified an unregistered vehicle. FDLE agents obtained arrest and search warrants. On Dec. 8, agents arrested Newnam at his residence and conducted a search of the home, seizing multiple electronic devices for forensic analysis.
 
Newnam was booked into the Leon County Jail on no bail pending first appearance. Additional charges are pending forensic analysis of evidence. The Office of the State Attorney, Second Judicial Circuit, will prosecute the case.
 
FDLE investigated and arrested Newnam in 2002 for criminal sexual offenses against children, and possession and promotion of child sexual abuse material. He was convicted in 2004 following the FDLE investigation.
 
Please visit the FDLE website to review tips for keeping your children safe online at https://secureflorida.org/Family-Safety/BPParents.htm.
 
Citizens can access Florida’s Sex Offender Registry and sign up to receive alerts on the FDLE website at https://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/sops/home.jsf.
 
For Further Information Contact:
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Priorities

FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. To learn more about these areas, read our Statement of Agency Organization and Operation or visit our Open Government page.