FORMER UPSTATE SOLICITOR BUSTED ON POT CHARGES

PICKENS -- A former Upstate prosecutor has been arrested after a half-pound
of marijuana was found growing in a wooded area near his Pickens home,
deputies say.

Pickens County deputies along with state agents, Easley police and other
officers investigated the marijuana field for a month after receiving a tip,
Assistant Sheriff Tim Morgan said.

Robert L. Newton, 37, was arrested after authorities searched his home under
a search warrant, Morgan said.

During the search of Newton's home, three marijuana plants were found,
Morgan said.

Newton worked as a prosecutor in Greenville and Pickens counties for six
years until this past November.

He has been charged with manufacturing marijuana and possession with the
intent to distribute, according to arrest warrants.