Man gets at least 8 years for child sex crimes

By Dave Clark

Monday, Dec. 22, 2008 | 5:39 p.m.

A man accused of attempting sexual acts with two children under the age of 14 was sentenced today to a minimum of eight years in prison, but not before repeatedly criticizing his lawyer and requesting that his guilty plea be withdrawn.

Robin Newberg, 35, was sentenced on one count of attempted sexual assault of a minor under 14 and two counts of attempted lewdness with a child under 14. The sexual assault charge carries a sentence of eight to 20 years, while the lewdness charges, running concurrently, carry sentences of two to five years.

The plea agreement also stipulated that Newberg undergo lifetime supervision as a sex offender, and he was ordered to pay $600 restitution.

Newberg told District Judge James Bixler that he wished to withdraw his guilty plea, saying his trust in his attorney Terrence Jackson had been frayed.

He alleged that Jackson refused to do what he asked of him, including maintaining Newberg’s telephone call recordings from the Henderson Detention Center as well as video conferences.

Newberg also told Bixler that Jackson pronounced him guilty in front of Newberg’s fellow inmates, pressured him into taking a plea deal and had repeatedly told Newberg that he needed psychiatric evaluation.

“I requested certain things in the investigation, and he outright refused,” Newberg said. “I couldn’t trust anything he was saying, whether he was acting in my best interest.”

However, Chief Deputy District Attorney James Sweetin said he was not aware of the recordings Newberg referred to, and only planned to use the ones turned over to Jackson in the event of a trial.

Jackson disputed Newberg’s accusations, and he advised Newberg against attempting to withdraw his plea.

“If he withdraws his plea he’s looking at potential life sentences in this matter, and I think it’s a big mistake,” Jackson said. “I don’t think he’s computing well today. I think Mr. Newberg may not be aware of the gravity of the situation, and also not aware of the facts against him.”

Bixler chastised Newberg, noting officials had made special accommodations for him, including a psychiatric evaluation of the two victims, as well as a special noon sentencing time so he would not appear before fellow inmates.

“Way back last spring, it was very apparent to the court that you were a difficult client for a lawyer to handle,” Bixler said. “I searched long and hard to find Mr. Jackson. It was important to have an attorney who was thorough and would bend over backwards and make sure his client was represented completely and fully.”

He also reminded Newberg that Jackson had negotiated what he believed to be a very favorable plea agreement on his behalf.

“I can’t honestly believe that you actually got a deal like this,” Bixler said, noting Newberg’s criminal history of five prior felony convictions, including burglary. “Considering your background and the facts in this case that have been testified to, for Mr. Jackson to say this is in your best interest is a severe understatement. This is a gift you’re getting. The worst thing that could ever happen to you is to have a trial in this case.”

Following the sentencing, Jackson withdrew as Newberg’s attorney. Newberg received credit for 327 days served.

Dave Clark can be reached at 990-2677 or [email protected].