Former Holmes County Commissioner Brandon Newsom found guilty on two felony counts following trial

Former Holmes County District 2 Commissioner Brandon Newsom was found guilty on Tuesday, August 4, on two felony charges following a two-day jury trial in Holmes County Circuit Court.

A Holmes County jury convicted Newsom of:

• Unlawful Bail Bond Agents or Employees in violation of Florida Statute 648.44(2)
• Aiding or Abetting an Unlicensed Bail Bond Agent in violation of Florida Statute 648.30.

The verdict concludes the Holmes County criminal case that began in June 2025 after an investigation by the Florida Department of Financial Services. Prosecutors alleged that Newsom unlawfully engaged in bail bond activities prohibited under Florida law and aided an individual who was not licensed as a bail bond agent.

Over the course of two days, jurors heard testimony from multiple witnesses called by both the State and the defense regarding Newsom’s status as a law enforcement officer, his work in the bail bond industry, and the operation of his private bail bond business.

Holmes County Sheriff John Tate testified that Newsom held the required law enforcement certifications, took the oath of office, and was listed as a deputy sheriff with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office. Tate testified, however, that Newsom served only as a deputy “on paper” and did not perform the traditional duties of a sworn deputy.

Washington County Chief Prosecutor Megan Ford argued that Florida law does not recognize a distinction between serving as a deputy “on paper” and serving as a deputy in practice, telling jurors during trial, “You cannot serve as a deputy on paper only.”

Defense attorneys Stephen Webster and Nathan Prince argued that the State failed to prove Newsom was actually employed as a deputy sheriff within the meaning of Florida law. The defense contended that Newsom was never issued a duty weapon, was not assigned patrol duties, and did not actively serve in a law enforcement capacity. The defense maintained that simply maintaining law enforcement certification did not establish that Newsom was serving as a deputy while operating as a bail bond agent.

The State also presented testimony from a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigator, who testified that Newsom signed licensing documents when becoming a bail bond agent indicating that he was not a law enforcement officer. Prosecutors argued that Newsom’s continued status on the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office roster as a sworn deputy conflicted with those representations and violated Florida law.

The defense countered that Newsom was not functioning as a law enforcement officer but merely maintained his certification, arguing the State failed to prove he was actively serving as a deputy.

Jurors also heard testimony from bail bond agent Brian Schultz, who testified that he previously worked alongside Newsom in the bail bond industry. Schultz told the jury the two discussed whether a person could simultaneously remain a law enforcement officer while serving as a bail bond agent. According to Schultz, he allowed his own law enforcement credentials to lapse because he believed the positions were incompatible. Schultz testified that Newsom questioned whether he could legally maintain both roles and stated he intended to seek legal advice, allegedly responding, “We’ll see.”

Defense attorneys challenged Schultz’s credibility, arguing he had a motive to testify because he operated a competing bail bond business in the same area. Schultz rejected that suggestion, testifying, “This is Holmes County. Trust me, there’s enough business for everyone.” The defense also questioned Schultz regarding a previous disagreement with Newsom. Schultz acknowledged the disagreement but testified that the relationship had since been repaired and that the two remained cordial.

Former Holmes County Board of County Commissioners employee Whitney Milburn also testified for the State. Milburn testified that while employed by the county, she accepted cash payments related to Newsom’s bail bond business, including one payment from what she described as a “hard, rough-looking individual.” She further testified that she assisted with paperwork for Newsom’s private bail bond business while working as a county employee.

Prosecutors introduced evidence they argued showed Newsom requesting Milburn’s county computer password on multiple occasions and paying her to assist with paperwork for his private business.

Defense attorneys argued Milburn’s testimony did not establish that the payment she described was for a bail bond transaction, noting that a person’s appearance is not evidence of the purpose of a payment. The defense further argued that Milburn testified Newsom never instructed her beforehand to accept bail bond payments on his behalf and noted that she also accepted payments on occasion for Newsom’s dumpster business, conduct they argued was unrelated to the criminal charges.

The State also called Sheila Steverson, a former clerk for the Holmes County Board of County Commissioners. Steverson testified that while working for the county, she accepted a bail bond payment from an individual she recognized from her previous employment with the State Attorney’s Office. During cross-examination, Steverson acknowledged she could not recall the exact date of the transaction.

Defense counsel challenged the reliability of her recollection, arguing statements she previously provided to investigators referenced a date after the individual who allegedly made the payment had died. Prosecutors responded that documentary evidence associated with the bond transaction corresponded with the period during which Steverson was employed by the county.

After the State rested, the defense called one witness, attorney Christine D. Smallwood Miranda. Miranda testified that she previously discussed with Newsom whether he could legally maintain his law enforcement credentials while also being licensed and working as a bail bond agent. According to Miranda, she advised Newsom that, based on her interpretation of Florida law at the time, he could legally maintain both credentials.

During cross-examination, prosecutors questioned Miranda regarding the absence of documentation memorializing that legal advice. Miranda testified she searched her emails, electronic files, and office records but was unable to locate documentation, explaining that many records had been lost during a hurricane.

Following the presentation of evidence, both sides rested. Circuit Judge Jared Patterson instructed jurors on the applicable law before attorneys delivered closing arguments. The jury then deliberated before returning guilty verdicts on both felony counts.

Immediately after the verdict was announced, Newsom requested that the court proceed directly to sentencing rather than schedule a future hearing.

Before imposing sentence, the court heard from members of Newsom’s family. His wife, Megan Schack Newsom, testified that Newsom was needed at home following the birth of the couple’s child approximately four months ago. The court also heard from Newsom’s brother, who testified that Newsom serves as the primary caregiver for their mother.

After considering the evidence presented during trial, the arguments of counsel, the testimony offered during sentencing, and the applicable sentencing guidelines, Judge Jared Patterson sentenced Newsom to 24 months of state probation and ordered him to pay $1,960 in fines and court costs.

“This case has always been about public trust,” Washington County Chief Prosecutor Ford said. “The people of Holmes County have the right to expect that those entrusted with public positions will comply with the same laws they are charged with enforcing. This case reaffirms that the law applies equally to everyone, regardless of position or title.”

The felony convictions carry consequences beyond the sentence imposed by the court. Under Florida law, a person convicted of a felony is not qualified to hold public office unless his or her civil rights have been restored. Because of the convictions, Newsom is ineligible to qualify for or serve as a county commissioner unless his eligibility is restored through Florida’s executive clemency process or another lawful means authorized by the state.

The convictions also affect Newsom’s ability to work in the bail bond industry. Florida law prohibits individuals convicted of a felony from obtaining or maintaining a bail bond agent license, effectively preventing Newsom from being licensed as a bail bond agent unless he becomes legally eligible under Florida law in the future.

The convictions stem from the same investigation that resulted in felony charges being filed against Newsom in June 2025 by the Florida Department of Financial Services. Following the filing of those charges, Governor Ron DeSantis suspended Newsom from the Holmes County Board of County Commissioners while the criminal case remained pending.

Monday’s verdict concludes the Holmes County prosecution, though Newsom still faces a separate criminal charge pending in Walton County. That matter was not part of the Holmes County trial and remains unresolved. As with any pending criminal case, Newsom is presumed innocent of the Walton County charge unless and until proven guilty in court.