A 61-year-old Ocala man convicted in 1993 for attempted first-degree murder is back behind bars after a confrontation with a woman who badmouthed him to her family.
Michael Anthony Newgent was arrested Tuesday and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and simple battery. Florida Department of Corrections records show Newgent was sentenced to 22 years in June 1993 for attempted first-degree premeditated murder and robbery with a gun or other deadly weapon in Miami-Dade County.
The victim in the latest incident told a Marion County sheriff’s deputy that she lives with Newgent, who is her caretaker, and a male friend who witnessed the altercation. She said Newgent got mad at her for telling her family he was a “piece of (expletive deleted),” according to the sheriff’s office report.
The victim said Newgent became more belligerent and argumentative throughout the day as he continued to drink. She said during one of the altercations, Newgent went into the kitchen, grabbed a knife, and sat back down in the living room. The victim said at one point during an argument, Newgent stood up and started walking towards her while holding the knife, the report said.
The victim said her friend stopped Newgent, who eventually surrendered the knife. She said no verbal threats were made, but she feared for her life while he was walking towards her. The victim said several hours later, while she was napping on a chair, Newgent grabbed her by the face and yelled at her, calling her a liar, according to the report.
The victim’s friend corroborated her story. He said he was also in fear for the victim and that’s why he intervened. He said Newgent was trying to pass him and walk towards the victim while he was holding the knife, the report said.
The deputy spoke with Newgent, who was belligerent and smelled of alcohol. He denied all of the allegations. Newgent was taken to the Marion County Jail, where he remains held on $2,000 bond and awaits a Jan. 14 appearance in Marion County Court.