News release from the Newport PD. On January 15, 2015 Newport Police Officers took a report of criminal mischief to the ATM machine located outside the Bank of America at 10 S. Coast Highway. Although the ATM machine was heavily damaged, the suspects were not able to access or take any cash. The investigating Officer received digital photos from the bank security cameras. The photos were published on the Newport Police Department’s Facebook page, along with an appeal to the public for help identify the two suspects. On January 26, 2015, Newport Police Officers received an anonymous tip leading to the residence of Mitchell Lee Higgins, age 61 of Newport, and Judith A. Higgins, age 64 of Newport. Officers contacted the Higgins and positively identified them from the security photos. Both confessed to damaging the ATM machine in an attempt to retrieve the money inside. The Higgens were both taken into custody and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on a charge of Criminal Mischief in the 1st Degree. Their bail was set at $100,000 for Judith Higgins, and $50,000 for Mitchell Higgins.
