Man convicted of years-long sexual assault of young victim in El Paso County

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – A man has been sentenced to 10 years to life in prison for sexually assaulting a minor in El Paso County.

The verdict was announced this week as the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office reported it had “brought justice to a young victim who was sexually abused for three years by an attacker she was forced to see every day.”

Michael Edward Newton was arrested on October 18, 2022, on suspicion of multiple sex crimes against a child under 15 years old after Newton’s victim disclosed the abuse during a therapy session.

“From the beginning of this case, (the child) began his forensic interview and expressed his concerns and fear of prosecution based on his previous interactions,” EPSO Detective Christina Gardener said in court. “Nevertheless, she was brave enough to continue the investigation. Then she took it a step further with a pretext interview on her 16th birthday.”

During the monitored call, Newton reportedly admitted to having sexual contact with the victim. The abuse occurred from 2016 to 2019.

“Our specialist victims unit is specifically designed to protect child victims and hold their perpetrators accountable to the fullest extent of the law. It is an incredibly difficult process for these young victims. It takes remarkable courage to bring a perpetrator to justice, as the victim did in this case,” said Michael Allen, District Attorney for the 4th Judicial District. “I am also proud of the partnerships demonstrated throughout the course of this case in bringing justice to this minor, demanding accountability from the defendant, and ensuring the protection of other community members.”

Newton was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years to life in prison and a 20-year suspended sentence.

Read the full press release from the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office Click here.

If you suspect child abuse or neglect in Colorado, you can call 844-CO-4-Kids.

Copyright 2024 KKTV. All rights reserved.