NEWPORT — Jeffrey Newbegin, 67, of Derby, was sentenced in Vermont Superior Court, Orleans Criminal Division, after pleading guilty to one felony count of possession of child sexual abuse materials.
Judge Rory Thibault sentenced Newbegin to 18 months to five years in jail, all suspended, with an eight-year probation term. The sentencing follows a plea agreement.
Probation conditions require Newbegin to complete sex offender treatment, restrict access to pornography, limit internet usage, and restrict contact with minors. Violation of these terms could result in up to five years of jail time.
Newbegin must also register as a sex offender for 10 years following the completion of his probation.
The case was investigated by the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC), which focuses on child sexual exploitation cases occurring online.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) provides a 24-hour hotline (1-800-843-5678) for reporting suspected online exploitation of children. NCMEC also offers support services for those recovering from child sexual exploitation, including assistance with content removal and access to mental health professionals.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about child exploitation to report it to NCMEC or local law enforcement.