Stayton man charged in July attempted sexual assault case

Stayton police arrested a local man Thursday in a case of attempted sexual assault after witnesses recognized him from a sketch.

Timothy A. Newton, 31, of Stayton, faces a third-degree sex abuse charge. In July, he allegedly grabbed a teenage girl near N 7th Avenue and E Hollister Street.

The victim had been walking on a pathway the morning of July 24 when he allegedly grabbed her, according to police. At least two residents recognized Newton from the sketch.

The suspect was described a white male of medium height with short, reddish-brown hair and a beard, police said. He was described as 30 to 40 years old, wearing a green shirt and jeans.

Newton was taken to the Marion County Jail, though he has been released since then. Police continue to investigate and ask anyone with information to contact the Stayton Police Department at 503-769-3421.

A search of court records showed Newton did not appear to have a previous criminal history in Oregon.