YCSO Promotes Tom Newell to Detention Services Lieutenant

Published on January 13, 2026

Tom Newell has spent nearly a quarter century in YCSO Detention Services and now he has achieved the rank of Lieutenant. The promotion became official Dec. 23rd during a ceremony in Prescott where Sheriff David Rhodes commended Newell for his dedication and commitment to a vital part of the agency's operation. 

Lt Newell began working at the Camp Verde jail 24 years ago, telling those gathered at the ceremony that he first wanted to be a pilot, but when that didn't work out, he chose YCSO because "I wanted to be in a career where I could help people and serve my community." Sheriff Rhodes told the gathering that keeping and maintaining the jail is a very important constitutionally mandated responsibility of his agency, and "the criminal justice system doesn't function without the men and women who work in Detention Services." He said the jail system is not only about accountability for those who break the law, but also about opportunity for inmates to get help to be in a better position to become productive citizens when they are released back into the community, rather than to reoffend and go back to jail. YCSO has seen a huge decrease in repeat offenders in recent years largely due to the agency's Reach Out program that coordinates care for root causes like mental health and substance abuse issues.

Lt Newell was praised by family members who spoke at the ceremony for his "integrity, loyalty, and dedication." And many of his co-workers echoed that, saying his commitment to the job and the agency had earned him this promotion.