YOUNGSTOWN 21 News has learned that a Youngstown man awaiting transfer to Florida to face federal charges related to child sexual abuse material has a history as a registered sex offender.

Ronald Pate Newman, 26, waived his right to a detention hearing in the U.S. District Court in Youngstown on Tuesday, clearing the way for his transfer to Florida. Newman, a registered sex offender, was arrested on Oct. 7 on a warrant stemming from a federal indictment.

Newman's case began with an investigation launched by the Levy County Sheriff’s Office in Florida in April 2025. Authorities say the investigation started after a juvenile and her guardian reported that a male had contacted the juvenile on a social media platform, using a screen name to request photos.

Sheriff’s Detectives identified Newman, who lives on Wakefield Ave. in Youngstown, and found he had allegedly requested explicit photos and sexual favors from the juvenile.

Newman’s public records, including a South Carolina sex offender registry listing, shows his offenses include a 2018 conviction in Kentucky for possession/viewing matter portraying sexual performance by a minor and distribution of obscene matter to minors.

Due to the alleged acts crossing state lines, the case was adopted at the federal level.

An indictment was filed in Gainesville, Florida, on Aug. 26, charging Newman with three counts related to the production and interstate transportation of images or videos of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment covers alleged crimes that took place on March 23, 24, and 28 of 2025, according to court documents.

The indictment also includes a criminal forfeiture specification, which allows the government to confiscate property tied to the alleged offenses.

Newman was arrested when Homeland Security executed a search warrant at his home on Oct. 7. He remains held without bond in the Mahoning County Jail.

Authorities are now working to physically transfer him to Florida to face the federal charges in the district where the indictment was filed.