A registered sex offender on state supervision has been detained after allegations arose of him traveling to Oregon with the intent to sexually assault a teenager. U.S. Attorney Tessa Gorman announced the arrest of James Harrison Newcomer, 27, citing charges that he assaulted three teens he encountered on Snapchat from February to April 2024. Newcomer, who had been on electronic monitoring after serving a 30-month sentence for child rape, is set to face a federal court in Seattle.
As reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Newcomer's ankle monitor lost connection on January 19, and by the time corrections officers attempted arrest on January 25, he had fled his residence. Subsequent investigations suggest that Newcomer met with teens, whose ages ranged from 14 to 16, provided them with drugs and alcohol, and sexually assaulted them in locations including Snoqualmie, Auburn, and Woodburn, Oregon.
According to the federal complaint, travel with intent to engage in illicit acts with a minor could result in up to 30 years of imprisonment. Newcomer will make his appearance in court later today, where the next steps of legal proceedings will be determined.
It is important to note, as the U.S. Attorney's Office emphasizes, that the charges against Newcomer are merely allegations at this stage. He remains innocent until proven guilty, a standard that upholds the presumption of innocence fundamental to the justice system. Updates on the case will be provided as more information becomes available.
