Repeat Burglar Sentenced to Fifteen Years

DA Charme Allen announces that prosecutors in the Career Gang Unit obtained a fifteen-year sentence against a repeat burglar who was caught in the act by an observant neighbor.  Kevin Ray Newman, 38, was convicted of Aggravated Burglary and Vandalism.  Judge Scott Green sentenced Newman to fifteen years to serve in the Tennessee Department of Correction.

In a four-day trial in December, Assistant District Attorneys TaKisha Fitzgerald and Robert DeBusk explained to the jury that on April 11, 2020, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residential burglary on Burchfield Drive.  Once on scene, Ofc. Bercaw found that the rear door to the home was forced open, and approximately $8,600 worth of items were missing.  Additionally, Ofc. Bercaw learned that a neighbor saw Newman taking items from the victim’s home.  The neighbor followed Newman to Anderson County and notified the Oak Ridge Police Department.  Oak Ridge officers were able to locate Newman and take him into custody.

“Because of the quick thinking of a concerned citizen, this repeat offender was caught in the act,” said DA Allen.

Newman has nineteen prior felony convictions from Cheatham, Davidson, and Robertson Counties for Aggravated Burglary and Theft.  Additionally, he has been identified as a member of the Vice Lords criminal gang.  Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Madison McCroskey aided in the prosecution of this case.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.