Former West Hartford Man Arrested Near Canadian Border on 18-Year-Old Sexual Assault Charge

Eighteen years ago, former West Hartford resident William Newton, now 51, was a suspect in a sexual assault case in town.

Newton was arrested today — Wednesday, April 30 — in Plattsburgh , N.Y., after police found him walking near the Canadian border around 3 p.m.

“We believe he came over from Canada,” said West Hartford Police Sgt. Eric Rocheleau.

He said that Newton once lived on Arlen Way in West Hartford. The man was taken into custody after determining that the West Hartford Police Department had out a warrant issued in 1996, charging Newton with sexual assault in the first degree.

Detectives responded to Plattsburgh after Newton waived extradition. He was transported to the West Hartford Police Department, where he was processed and charged.

Newton was released on a court-set $75,000 surety bond and is scheduled to appear in Hartford Superior Court on Thursday, May 8.