Louisville, Kentucky, December 18, 2025

A woman has been arrested in Florida for allegedly abducting her daughter from Louisville over four decades ago. Debra Leigh Newton, living under an alias, was found due to a Crime Stoppers tip and body camera footage from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. The case involved a child’s abduction in 1983, and the arrest has led to a reunion between the child and her biological father, bringing closure to a long-standing mystery.

Louisville, Kentucky: Decades-Old Child Abduction Case Resolved with Arrest in Florida

Louisville, Kentucky – A woman has been arrested in Florida for allegedly abducting her daughter from Louisville over 40 years ago. The arrest was made possible by a Crime Stoppers tip and body camera footage released by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

Arrest Details

Debra Leigh Newton, who had been living under the alias “Sharon Neely,” was apprehended in Marion County, Florida. Body camera footage shows officers approaching Newton as she was walking her dog. Upon revealing her true identity and the outstanding custodial interference warrant, Newton appeared startled but complied with the arrest. She is currently charged with custodial interference, a felony with no statute of limitations, and is expected back in court on January 23, 2026.

Background of the Case

In April 1983, Newton left Louisville with her three-year-old daughter, Michelle Marie Newton, claiming to be relocating to Georgia for a job. This was the last time Michelle’s father, Joseph Newton, saw his daughter. Over the years, all communication ceased, leading authorities to issue a custodial interference warrant in 1984 and 1985. The FBI later added Newton to its list of top parental-kidnapping fugitives. The case remained unsolved until a recent Crime Stoppers tip in Florida led to Newton’s arrest.

Reunion and Legal Proceedings

Following Newton’s arrest, Michelle Newton was reunited with her biological father, Joseph Newton, whom she had not seen since she was three years old. The reunion was facilitated by the efforts of law enforcement and the information provided by the Crime Stoppers tip. Newton is scheduled to appear in court on January 23, 2026, to face the charges against her.

Use of Body Camera Footage

The release of the body camera footage by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office has provided the public with insight into the arrest process. The footage captures the moment officers identified Newton and informed her of the charges, leading to her compliance and subsequent arrest. This case highlights the importance of body camera footage in documenting law enforcement interactions and ensuring transparency in the justice process.

Implications and Community Impact

The resolution of this decades-old case underscores the persistence of law enforcement agencies in seeking justice, regardless of the time elapsed. It also emphasizes the role of community involvement, as the Crime Stoppers tip was instrumental in bringing the case to a close. The reunion of Michelle Newton with her biological father brings a sense of closure to a long-standing family mystery and serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of such cases on all involved.

Related Incidents in Louisville

Louisville has experienced several high-profile child abduction cases in recent years. In July 2021, a 6-year-old girl was rescued by Louisville Metro Police after being kidnapped. Body camera footage from the incident showed officers locating the suspect’s vehicle and rescuing the child unharmed. The quick response and professionalism of the officers were widely praised. In another incident, a Louisville man faced kidnapping and theft charges after stealing an SUV with a 9-month-old child inside. The child was safely returned to her family, and the suspect was apprehended following a police pursuit. These cases highlight the ongoing efforts of Louisville law enforcement to protect children and ensure public safety.

Conclusion

The arrest of Debra Leigh Newton in Florida has brought closure to a long-unsolved child abduction case from Louisville. The use of body camera footage has provided transparency and insight into the arrest process, reinforcing the importance of such technology in law enforcement. The reunion of Michelle Newton with her biological father after over four decades serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of such cases on families and communities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Key Features of the Case

Feature	Details
Arrest Location	Marion County, Florida
Charges	Custodial interference (felony with no statute of limitations)
Arrest Date	December 2025
Reunion	Michelle Newton reunited with biological father, Joseph Newton
Body Camera Footage	Released by Marion County Sheriff’s Office, documenting arrest process
Next Court Appearance	January 23, 2026

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