Serial Prowler and Sex Offender Arrested North of Montana by SMPD

November 10, 2023 - A homeless man who is also a parolee at large and out-of-compliance sex offender has been arrested by the Santa Monica Police Department after getting caught by private security officers trying to gain entry to a home in the 200 block of 24th Street.

At 3:27 am, SMPD responded to a call from two off-duty outside agency law enforcement officers who were providing security services for the homeowner. They had observed a prowler in the backyard trying to get into the house. The private security officers had the suspect detained in the driveway of the residence when SMPD arrived.

The alleged burglar was identified as Charles Marcell Newman, 46. Aside from refusing to register as a sex offender, Newman is already under investigation for burglary and trespassing in Los Angeles. He has been the subject of several previous prowling calls at the same Santa Monica residence in September and October. Surveillance video captured images of him trying doors and windows around the perimeter of the home. An October 31 video showed him trying to open windows of the residence.

Detectives were able to identify him from the video and place a WANT in the system for his detention and questioning.

Newman is not new to the criminal justice system. He has been arrested by SMPD in 2012 and also in 2019 for crimes including burglary, resisting arrest, and violation of parole and probation. Newman was convicted in both of those incidents and served prison time.

SMPD detectives will present the case to the LA County District Attorney's Office requesting that he be charged with a completed burglary, multiple attempted burglaries, and a violation of his sex offender registration conditions. He is currently being held without bail for the parole violation. His first court appearance will be on November 13th.

Anyone with information related to this individual or incident is encouraged to contact Detective Zamfirov at Peter.Zamfirov@santamonica.gov, Detective Sergeant Lozano at Alfonso.Lozano@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427.