BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
MARTIN COUNTY, Ky. — A Martin County man reported missing in early September is wanted by law enforcement for human trafficking, organized crime and child porn charges.
Dustin E. Newsome, 34, of Debord, faces five charges of failure to report victims of human trafficking, a class B felony charge of engaging in organized crime, possession of child pornography and other related charges. He allegedly encouraged, elicited and engaged in unlawful activities with five juveniles and traded drugs for nude photos and explicit videos of juveniles engaging in sexual acts.
Trooper Michael Coleman, the Public Information Officer for the Kentucky State Police Post 9 in Pikeville, stated that Newsome’s current whereabouts remain uncertain. Investigations are ongoing, involving federal agencies, to ascertain if Newsome has left the state or even the country. Newsome has a history of international travel due to missionary work and may have connections overseas.
“We strongly believe that someone knows where Mr. Newsome is,” Coleman remarked. “We are hopeful that those who care about him and fear for his safety will reach out and encourage him to do the right thing and turn himself in to face these charges. The longer this goes on, the chances increase for more problems to arise – and no one wants to see that happen.”
While current charges against Newsome are restricted to Kentucky, this might change if law enforcement identifies crimes in other jurisdictions.
“The investigation is still ongoing,” Coleman added.
Newsome’s mysterious disappearance began drawing public attention around Sept. 1 when family and friends reported him missing on social media. This was after the discovery of his abandoned vehicle on U.S. 52-Tolsia Highway in Wayne County, West Virginia, by the West Virginia State Police. While Newsome’s personal belongings, like his phone and wallet, were found in the car, his passport was absent.
A few days later, KSP Post 9 obtained a felony warrant for Newsome in Johnson County. Specifics of the charges were initially withheld.
At the time of his disappearance, Newsome worked as a rural mail carrier for a Lawrence County post office. Reports from Wayne County suggest that a mailbag, possibly linked to Newsome, was found outside a church on Tolsia Highway.
Newsome stands 6 feet tall and has brown eyes, although he occasionally wears colored contact lenses.
Kentucky State Police urge anyone with information on Newsome’s location to contact them at 606-433-7711.