MARTIN COUNTY, KY. MAN REPORTED MISSING BY FAMILY NOW WANTED FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING, ORGANIZED CRIME AND CHILD PORN

A Martin County, Kentucky man reported missing in early September by his family, is now a fugitive after sex charges erupted last week. His was vehicle found abandoned with his belongings in it in West Virginia, is wanted by law enforcement for numerous sexual exploitation 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.

KSP Trooper Michael Coleman,  who is the Public Information Officer for the Kentucky State Police Post 9 in Pikeville, stated that Dustin Newsome’s current whereabouts remain uncertain. Investigations are ongoing, involving federal agencies, to ascertain if Dustin Newsome has left the state or even the country, due to Dustin Newsome having a history of international travel due to missionary work, and that he may have connections overseas.

“We strongly believe that someone knows where Mr. Newsome is,” Trooper 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 the current charges against Dustin Newsome are restricted to Kentucky, this might change if law enforcement identifies crimes in other jurisdictions.

“The investigation is still ongoing,” Trooper Coleman added.

Dustin Newsome’s mysterious disappearance began drawing public attention around September 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 Dustin Newsome’s personal belongings, like his phone and wallet, were found in the car, his passport was absent.

Earlier rumors that a close family member might have been in contact with Dustin Newsome, and had confirmed his safety could not be verified.

Law enforcement officials have made no comments on Dustin Newsome’s family’s missing person campaign.

A few days later, KSP Post 9 obtained a felony warrant for Dustin Newsome in Johnson County. The specifics of the charges on the warrant were initially withheld.

At the time of his disappearance, Dustin Newsome worked as a rural mail carrier for a Lawrence County, KY. post office. Reports from Wayne County, West Virginia suggest that a mailbag, possibly linked to Newsome, was found outside a church on the Tolsia Highway.

Dustin Newsome stands 6 feet tall and has brown eyes, although he occasionally wears colored contact lenses.

Kentucky State Police Post 9 in Pikeville are urging anyone with any information on Dustin Newsome’s location to contact them at 606-433-7711.