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Name:
Newsome, Michael Frederick
Date of Booking:
03/30/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT – F
FALSE IMPRISONMENT – F
BATTERY – M
PAROLE VIOLATION – F
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
[NARRATIVE #1 on February 17, 2026]
On February 17, 2026, at approximately 2013 hrs, I was dispatched to a domestic violence call that occurred at Georgetown Oaks Apartments, [1000 BLOCK] King George Blvd, in the unincorporated area of Chatham County.
I made contact with the complainant, [VICTIM #1], at Chevron, 1050 King George Blvd, where she fled to for safety. [VICTIM #1] appeared to be in distress and overwhelmed with emotions upon seeing the responding officers. [VICTIM #1] expressed lack of confidence in making the report due to a previous incident that left her displeased with the courts. Due to her lack of confidence in criminal proceedings, she was initially hesitant to provide a statement.
Victim Statement
[VICTIM #1] stated she was reported she was choked several times, by a white male later identified as Michael Newsome (by mail left in the apartment). [VICTIM #1] stated Newsome lost his job today, so they went to have drinks at the nearby bar, Rachel’s. After Rachel’s they wen to the liquor store and returned to her apartment. [VICTIM #1] stated she has been dating Newsome since about November 2025 and he at times, stays over for several nights but they do not live at the same residence.
After [VICTIM #1] and Newsome returned to her apartment, she reporting having the “spins” and laid down on the bed. While in the bed she was looking in Newsome’s phone as he was telling her about how he lost his job. While looking at the message from Newsome and his employer, [VICTIM #1] saw that Newsome had been communicating with his “baby mama”. [VICTIM #1] addressed the texts messages. Newsome became upset with her and then accused her of cheating. [VICTIM #1] stated the argument escalated and they started “scrapping”.
[VICTIM #1] reported being open hand slapped on the right side of her face. [VICTIM #1] stated Newsome then “choked” her, wrapping both hands around her neck while she was lying on the bed. [VICTIM #1] tried to pull his hands from her around her neck and told him to get off her. [VICTIM #1] reported losing consciousness but could not recall for how long. When [VICTIM #1] regained consciousness, she demanded Newsome to leave. Newsome began packing his items and planned to have his brother pick him up.
[VICTIM #1] stated she left the apartment for a brief period and returned. When [VICTIM #1] returned, she returned to her bed. Both parties engaged in an argument that escalated to Newsome putting both hands around [VICTIM #1]’s neck for a second time. While providing this portion of the statement, [VICTIM #1] shut down providing limited details of the incident. However, [VICTIM #1] reported being “choked” three times in total. At one point during the physical altercation, [VICTIM #1] tried to leave the bedroom, and Newsome grabbed her by the shoulders, pulled her back inside the room and put her in a “choke hold”, which she gestured as she put the inside of her elbow around her neck demonstrating a neck restraint.
[VICTIM #1] refused to provide the name of the suspect, stating she did not want to get Newsome in trouble and pursue charges. [VICTIM #1] initially provided the partial name Mike which allowed officers to identify the suspect by mail that was found lying on the floor in the apartment. [VICTIM #1] refused to provide any additional information on the suspect.
I observed red marks on the right side of [VICTIM #1]’s neck. I observed petechiae (tiny red spots from ruptured capillaries) along the front and right side of [VICTIM #1]’s neck. [VICTIM #1] reported pain in her throat and difficulty swallowing. [VICTIM #1] was treated by EMS and refused transport. [VICTIM #1] was advised of the risks following strangulation but refused to leave her dog and cat unattended. I took photos of the injuries and uploaded them to evidence.com via axon capture.
The suspect was no longer on scene; therefore, no arrest was made. I provided [VICTIM #1] with a case report number with instructions on how to receive a copy. According to OCGA 19-13a-1, Newsome and [VICTIM #1] were in a dating relationship that resulted in dating violence therefore a lethality form was completed and attached to this report.
[End of Narrative]
[NARRATIVE #2 on March 30, 2026]
On Monday, March 30, 2026, at approximately 2315 hours, I, Officer Ospina, and Cpl. Howard had previous knowledge that the wanted suspect, Michael Newsome, drives a black Lincoln sedan with Virginia tag [REDACTED]. Knowing Newsome’s address at [1000 BLOCK] King George Blvd., I parked my patrol unit in the former Family Dollar’s parking lot located at 1064 King George Blvd, in front of the apartment complex, with headlights off.
When the black Lincoln with Virginia tag [REDACTED] arrived at [1000 BLOCK] King George Blvd., I followed to confirm Newsome was driving. The vehicle stopped near the mailboxes, and I observed the driver exit and approach the mailboxes. The individual matched the description from his driver’s license on NCIC/GCIC: a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing large gauge earrings.
Newsome was detained while warrants were confirmed. Once confirmed, he was placed under arrest and handcuffed. The handcuffs were properly fitted, double-locked, and I conducted a search of Newsome. He was then secured in the rear driver’s seat of the patrol unit with his seatbelt fastened.
Warrants were served at the Annex, and Newsome was informed they were for Aggravated Assault FV, Battery FV, and False Imprisonment FV. Refer to CRN: 260217027. He was advised that copies would be placed with his belongings at the jail. Newsome was transported to CCDC without incident. Rear-seat of patrol unit was checked before and after arrest.
[End of Narrative]
All information is sourced directly from the official, public court database. Case history is organized and curated by The Georgia Gazette staff. The “What this means:” explanations are written by AI and reviewed by our staff before publishing.
Court records are subject to change at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors or omissions. Nothing here is legal advice. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Case History:
3/30/26
MICHAEL FREDERICK NEWSOME ARRESTED AND BOOKED IN CHATHAM COUNTY
What this means: Michael Frederick Newsome was arrested and booked into custody on the evening of March 30, 2026, at 11:34 PM. He is accused of Aggravated Assault (Family Violence), False Imprisonment (Family Violence), and Battery (Family Violence) — all domestic violence-related charges. At the time of booking, Newsome was informed of his right to remain silent, his right to an attorney, and his right to a preliminary hearing. He requested a court-appointed attorney.
3/31/26
FIRST APPEARANCE HEARING HELD — BOND DENIED FOR MICHAEL FREDERICK NEWSOME
What this means: Michael Frederick Newsome appeared before the Recorder’s Court of Chatham County on March 31, 2026, at 1:30 PM for his first appearance hearing — the initial court proceeding where a judge reviews the charges and decides whether to set bond. Chief Judge Brian Joseph Huffman, Jr. denied bond entirely, finding that Newsome poses a significant risk under O.C.G.A. § 17-6-1(a). Because the charges against him include Aggravated Assault (Family Violence) and False Imprisonment (Family Violence), they fall under Georgia law as offenses that are only bailable before a Superior Court judge — meaning the Recorder’s Court does not have the authority to set bond in this case. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for April 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Courtroom 1B at the Chatham County Courthouse.
3/31/26
RECORDER’S COURT NOTIFIES SUPERIOR COURT OF 17-6-1 CHARGES AGAINST MICHAEL FREDERICK NEWSOME
What this means: On March 31, 2026, Donna Willingham, Senior Director of the Recorder’s Court of Chatham County, sent formal written notification to the Chatham County Superior Court Administrator advising that Michael Frederick Newsome is facing charges — Aggravated Assault (DVA), False Imprisonment (DVA), and Battery (DVA) — that under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 17-6-1(c)(1)) can only be considered for bond by a Superior Court judge. This notification is a required procedural step that transfers bond consideration authority to the Superior Court. Newsome’s next court date was noted as April 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Courtroom 1B.
4/9/26
DEFENSE ATTORNEY CAMERON GOODMAN ENTERS APPEARANCE FOR MICHAEL FREDERICK NEWSOME IN SUPERIOR COURT
What this means: On April 9, 2026, attorney Cameron Goodman of the Chatham County Public Defender’s Office formally filed an Entry of Appearance in the Superior Court of Chatham County, officially notifying the court that Goodman is representing Michael Frederick Newsome in case number SPCR26-00943-J2. A copy was served to the Office of the District Attorney at the Chatham County Courthouse. This is a standard procedural filing that establishes who the defendant’s attorney of record is for all future court proceedings.
4/27/26
MICHAEL FREDERICK NEWSOME BOUND OVER TO SUPERIOR COURT — FELONY DOCKET HEARING HELD
What this means: On April 27, 2026, Michael Frederick Newsome appeared for his scheduled preliminary hearing at the Recorder’s Court of Chatham County. Following that hearing, the case was “bound over” — meaning the Recorder’s Court determined there was sufficient probable cause for the felony charges to move forward, and the case was transferred up to the Chatham County Superior Court, where felony cases are tried. A law enforcement officer was required to be present at this hearing. The case will now proceed at the Superior Court level.
6/10/26
SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE DENIES BOND APPLICATION FOR MICHAEL FREDERICK NEWSOME
What this means: On June 10, 2026, Judge Timothy R. Walmsley of the Superior Court of the Eastern Judicial Circuit denied Michael Frederick Newsome’s application for bond in case number SPCR26-00943-J2. The judge considered factors including the seriousness of the charges, Newsome’s character and reputation, his prior criminal history, and whether he may be a probationer. The court found two grounds for denial: that Newsome poses a significant threat or danger to persons, the community, or to property; and that he poses a significant risk of committing any felony while pending trial. Newsome remains held without bond.
6/24/26
GRAND JURY RETURNS INDICTMENT — 3 COUNTS FILED AGAINST MICHAEL FREDERICK NEWSOME
What this means: During the June 2026 term of the Superior Court of Chatham County, a grand jury returned a true bill of indictment against Michael Frederick Newsome, meaning the grand jury reviewed the evidence and agreed there was enough to formally charge him. The indictment was filed in open court on June 24, 2026, under case number SPCR26-00943-J2. Michael Frederick Newsome is accused of three counts stemming from events alleged to have occurred on or about February 17, 2026, in Chatham County:
Count 1 — Aggravated Assault (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21): Newsome is accused of knowingly making an assault upon the victim by placing both hands around the victim’s neck and applying pressure, using his hands as objects which when used offensively are likely to result in strangulation.
Count 2 — False Imprisonment (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-41): Newsome is accused of unlawfully detaining the victim without legal authority, in violation of the victim’s personal liberty.
Count 3 — Battery (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-23.1): Newsome is accused of intentionally causing visible bodily harm to the victim.
6/24/26
STATE FILES NOTICE OF INTENT TO SEEK RECIDIVIST PUNISHMENT AGAINST MICHAEL FREDERICK NEWSOME
What this means: Also on June 24, 2026, District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones filed a formal notice that the State of Georgia intends to seek recidivist — or repeat offender — punishment against Michael Frederick Newsome if he is convicted on the current charges. Under O.C.G.A. § 17-10-7(a), Georgia law allows for enhanced sentencing when a defendant has prior felony convictions. The State is citing a prior conviction from Effingham County Superior Court, Case No. 22cr00147, sentenced November 3, 2022, for Aggravated Assault (2 counts), False Imprisonment, Terroristic Threats/Acts, and Cruelty to Child 3rd Degree (3 counts). This notice means that if Newsome is convicted in the current case, the judge could impose a harsher sentence based on that prior record.
6/26/26
MICHAEL FREDERICK NEWSOME FILES ELECTION TO PROCEED UNDER OCGA 17-16-1 AND MOTION TO RESERVE RIGHT TO FILE ADDITIONAL MOTIONS
What this means: On June 26, 2026, defense attorney Cameron Goodman filed two motions on behalf of Michael Frederick Newsome. The first is an Election to Proceed under O.C.G.A. § 17-16-1, which is a formal notice that the defense is invoking Georgia’s reciprocal discovery rules — meaning both sides are required to share evidence and witness information with each other ahead of trial. The second is a Motion to Reserve the Right to File Additional Motions, which is a standard request asking the court to allow the defense to file further motions later as the case develops, even if deadlines have passed. Both filings are routine steps in preparing a felony case for trial.
9/2/26
CALENDAR CALL AND ARRAIGNMENT SCHEDULED FOR MICHAEL FREDERICK NEWSOME
What this means: Michael Frederick Newsome is scheduled to appear in Chatham County Superior Court on September 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM for a Calendar Call and Arraignment. An arraignment is the formal court proceeding where the defendant is read the charges from the indictment and enters a plea of guilty or not guilty. A calendar call is when the court schedules upcoming hearings and trial dates. This will be one of the next significant steps in the case.