Debra Newton, also known as Sharon, was recently arrested in Florida on charges of parental abduction dating back to 1983. The bodycam footage of her arrest shows the moment when police approached her, with a neighbor jokingly mistaking her for someone else. Newton, now 66, is accused of abducting her daughter Michelle Marie Newton, who is now 46 years old and was raised under a different name. The case was reignited by a tip to police, leading to Michelle’s reunion with her father, Joe Newton.
The incident took place when the Newton family was planning to move to Georgia. Debra left with Michelle in one vehicle, while Joe followed separately. However, upon reaching their new house, Debra and Michelle were nowhere to be found. This disappearance led to a decades-long search for Michelle, which finally came to an end last year when a tip was called into a Florida Crime Stoppers line.
Michelle was informed by the police that she was a missing person and her true identity was Michelle Marie Newton. This emotional revelation led to a heartwarming reunion with her father Joe, who described the moment as seeing her for the first time. Despite the years of separation, Joe expressed his joy at finally having his daughter back in his life.
The investigation into the case was a collaborative effort between law enforcement and a Crime Stoppers tipster, ultimately leading to Debra Newton’s arrest and extradition to Kentucky. The lack of a statute of limitations on non-custodial parent abductions in Kentucky allowed for legal action to be taken against Newton.
Michelle, who is still adjusting to her new reality, expressed her desire to focus on healing rather than blaming. She emphasized the importance of supporting both her father and herself through the process of reconciliation. The family is now looking towards a future of healing and forgiveness.
The story of Michelle’s abduction and subsequent reunion with her father is a rare occurrence in law enforcement, as expressed by Chief Deputy Colonel Steve Healey. The determination of detectives and the courage of the tipster were instrumental in bringing Michelle back to her family after four decades.
As the Newton family continues to process the events of the past and work towards healing, they remain grateful for the support and closure that has come with Michelle’s return. The long-awaited reunion of father and daughter on Joe’s front porch marked the beginning of a new chapter for the family, filled with hope and healing.
