High-Level Misconduct Rocks Newport News Public Safety Departments
NEWPORT NEWS, VA — The City of Newport News is grappling with two separate, high-profile criminal cases involving members of its public safety departments. Authorities have emphasized that while the arrests occurred in close proximity, the cases of Dustin Coffman and Raheem Massiah Askew are entirely unrelated.
presswhatmatters 
Firefighter Charged in Multi-Count Child Pornography Investigation
Dustin Coffman, a firefighter with the Newport News Fire Department since 2023, was arrested this week following an intensive investigation by the Virginia Beach Police Department. Coffman faces 10 felony counts of possession of child pornography.
The Newport News Fire Department moved swiftly following the notification of charges, placing Coffman on administrative leave without pay. Officials stated they are cooperating fully with Virginia Beach investigators. Coffman, pictured below during a department commendation ceremony, had been with the force for approximately three years.
Former Police Officer Facing Felony Rape Charge
In a separate and equally disturbing case, the Newport News Police Department announced the arrest of former officer Raheem Massiah Askew. Askew has been charged with felony rape.
Unlike the administrative leave granted in the fire department's case, the Police Department confirmed that Askew’s employment was immediately terminated following the emergence of the allegations and subsequent charges.
"The actions of these individuals do not reflect the values of the men and women who serve Newport News with integrity every day," a city spokesperson said in a brief statement. "Public safety employees are held to the highest legal and ethical standards, and we remain committed to transparency throughout these legal processes."
Community Impact
The dual arrests have sparked concern regarding the vetting processes of public servants. City officials have reassured the public that these are isolated incidents involving individual misconduct and do not indicate a systemic issue within the departments.
Both men are currently awaiting further court proceedings. Askew remains in custody, while Coffman’s legal representation has not yet released a formal statement regarding the 10-count indictment.
