Suspected Serial Prowler Arrested In Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — A homeless man who police officers said frequently tried to break into the same Santa Monica home for months was arrested this week, authorities said.

On Wednesday, Santa Monica Police Department officers received a report of a prowler at the home in the 200 block of 24th Street from private security officers working for the homeowner. The security officers told SMPD they watched the man in the backyard of the home trying to get inside.

The suspect, who was identified as 46-year-old Charles Marcell Newman, was already detained in the driveway of the home when SMPD arrived. According to SMPD, the homeowner reported Newman several times for prowling in September and October prior to his arrest.

"He was captured on surveillance video trying doors and windows around the perimeter of the home as well as trying car door handles. During an incident on October 31st of this year Newman was seen on camera in the backyard trying to open windows," SMPD said in a statement.

According to authorities, Newman is a parolee at large and a registered sex offender. Police said Newman is also under investigation for additional burglary and trespassing charges in Los Angeles.

Newman has been arrested for similar crimes in Santa Monica in 2012 and again in 2019, SMPD said. Both times, Newman was convicted and served prison time according to police.

SMPD detectives will present the case to the LA County District Attorney's Office to request Newman be charged with a completed burglary, multiple attempted burglaries and a violation of sex offender registration conditions. Newman's first court appearance is expected to be Nov. 13.

Anyone who may have additional information about Newman or the incident was urged to contact Detective Peter Zamfirov at Peter.Zamfirov@santamonica.gov or Detective Sergeant Alfonso Lozano at Alfonzo.Lozano@santamonica.gov. Residents can submit reports outside of typical work hours by calling the 24-hour Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.