Homeless Federal Way Man Poses As Washington Child Custody Attorney

A man living out of his car in Federal Way has been charged with two counts of first-degree theft and two counts of unlawful practice of law after allegedly pretending to be a child custody attorney on the internet.

According to Komo News, 55-year-old Arnold Newman Junior, who has also gone by the alias Michael Leonard, has been charged with several felonies after two people claimed that Newman solicited thousands of dollars from them after promising them help regarding their Washington State child custody disputes.

An investigation by the Washington State Bar Association revealed that Newman was running an internet site called Parents Against Parental Alienation (PAPA) and that he told potential customers that he and a team of experts could assist them in child custody cases. However, he did nothing to help his clients and instead told them in emails and over the phone to ignore court dates. The Bar Association has now issued a cease and desist order regarding the website, which is currently still soliciting business.

Newman was just recently release from King County Jail on a civil contempt of court charge.

When choosing a child custody lawyer in Washington State, it is extremely important to make certain that the person representing you is an actual attorney – and one with a history of successfully helping Seattle parents navigate their child custody disputes. Always research your child custody attorney and never send money to an “attorney” after only receiving advice over the phone or email.