GREENVILLE — A Winchester, Indiana, man was arraigned Monday in Darke County Common Pleas Court on a variety of offenses.
Christopher Newman, 31, was arrested May 6, by Darke County Sheriff’s deputies after attempting to rob a barn, then brandishing a shotgun at a Greenville man and his 3-year-old son. The father of the child was able to disarm Newman, who then fled and crashed his vehicle into a creek. Newman is also accused of robbing and setting fire to a nearby residence, and in doing so, caused the death of a service dog at the home.
He was originally charged with aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony. However, the Darke County Prosecutor’s Office is pursuing an additional charge of aggravated robbery, as well as counts of fifth-degree felony receiving stolen property, second-degree felony burglary, third-degree felony grand theft of a firearm, two first-degree felony counts of aggravated arson, a fifth-degree felony charge of causing harm to a companion animal, and a first-degree felony charge of kidnapping.
Newman also faces prior charges of burglary, theft, counterfeiting, and drug possession in neighboring Randolph County, Indiana.
If convicted on all eight counts, Newman faces up to 57 years in prison and more than $100,000 in fines. Defense attorney Dave Rohrer, representing Newman, entered pleas of “not guilty” to all charges.
Darke County Common Pleas Court Judge Jonathan P. Hein continued Newman’s bond of $100,000. His next court appearance is July 6. A jury trial has been scheduled to begin August 8.
