Registered WA sex offender uses Snapchat to assault again: docs

Registered sex offender accused of more crimes

Convicted child rapist James Harrison Newcomer is accused of doing it all again.

SEATTLE - A 27-year-old registered sex offender, James Harrison Newcomer, was taken into federal custody on accusations of traveling to Oregon to sexually assault a teenager, U.S. Attorney Tessa Gorman announced Thursday.

A 27-year-old registered sex offender, James Harrison Newcomer, was taken into federal custody on accusations of traveling to Oregon to sexually assault a teenager. (Washington Department of Corrections)

According to the criminal complaint, Newcomer, who was under Washington state supervision and electronic monitoring following a 30-month sentence for two counts of rape of a child, is charged with assaulting three teens he connected with on Snapchat between February and April 2024.

The monitoring device Newcomer was required to wear as part of his supervision lost its signal on January 19. When corrections officers attempted to apprehend him six days later, they discovered he had vacated his residence and could not be found.

Over the following months, Newcomer is alleged to have met with several teenage girls through social media, then arranging in-person meetings where he is accused of providing them with drugs (meth) and alcohol and committing sexual assaults. The allegations include assaults against teens from Snoqualmie and Auburn, and most recently, Woodburn, Oregon, ranging in age from 14 to 16. According to court documents, Newcomer tried to get at least one of his victims to make online pornography for money, and tried to teach another 15-year-old girl how to sneak out of her house without setting off the alarm.

The 28-year-old, also known as "Jake," made an appearance in U.S. District Court in Seattle on Thursday, speaking to his attorney throughout the hearing and answering the judge's questions.

Image 1 of 4

▼

James Harrison Newcomer made an appearance in U.S. District Court in Seattle, Wash., on June 20, 2024, speaking to his attorney (pictured left) throughout the hearing and answering the judge's questions. (AJ Janavel/FOX 13 Seattle)

Newcomer remains behind bars with no bail or bond, and has a preliminary hearing scheduled in July.

Travel with the intent to engage in sexual acts with a minor can result in a sentence of up to 30 years in prison.

The investigation involves the FBI, Woodburn Police Department, Marion County District Attorney's Office, Auburn Police Department, Snoqualmie Police Department, Kent Police Department and assistance from the Department of Corrections.

Authorities are seeking information on other potential victims and ask anyone with relevant information to contact the Seattle FBI Field Office at 206-622-0460.

Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson is managing the prosecution of the case.