Petition to Urge San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins to Request Unsealing of Bronwyn Newport's 2021 Criminal Case
To: The Honorable Brooke Jenkins, District Attorney of San Francisco

We, the undersigned, respectfully urge San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins to formally request that the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, unseal the records of Bronwyn Newport's 2021 criminal case (Case No. CRI-0252631). This action would promote transparency, accountability, and equal justice under the law for all residents of San Francisco, regardless of wealth or status. By unsealing the case, we can ensure that the public has access to factual information, reducing harmful speculation and confirming that the justice system operates fairly and without favoritism.

Why This Matters
Bronwyn Newport, a public figure and cast member on the reality television show The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, was charged in 2021 with five counts of felony grand theft under Penal Code 487(b)(3)—involving theft by an employee aggregating more than $950 over 12 months—and one count of felony identity theft under Penal Code 530.5(a). These charges, which could have carried significant prison time if pursued, were—per Ms. Newport's own public claims—ultimately dismissed, and the case was sealed. While Ms. Newport has the right to privacy in resolved legal matters, her decision to enter the public spotlight through reality TV has led to widespread awareness of the case's existence via publicly available court indices and media reports. This partial information has fueled unchecked speculation among fans and the public, including theories that she may have benefited from San Francisco's primary caregiver diversion program—a valuable initiative designed to support parents and caregivers but one that should be applied equitably.

Ms. Newport's own public statements have contributed to the confusion and underscored the need for clarity. In interviews and on the show, she has made claims that appear inconsistent with available records:

• She has implied that she was never charged with any crimes, stating in a producer interview, "There were never any charges against me," despite court documents listing her as the defendant.
She has described her involvement as merely assisting in an investigation, not as a defendant, saying she "worked with the police" and that the charges were "not against me."
• She has emphasized that the events occurred "almost 10 years ago" (around 2015-2016), not recently, yet the charges were filed in 2021, raising questions about the timeline and resolution.
• Importantly, Ms. Newport has publicly stated that she did not request the sealing of the case, noting at the Season 6 reunion, "A case being sealed does not mean that I’m barred from talking about it if I was the one who asked for it to be sealed. I was not the one who asked for it to be sealed." This admission suggests the sealing may have occurred through other means, potentially highlighting disparities in how cases are handled.
• These contradictory statements have not only perpetuated misinformation but also eroded public trust in the fairness of the San Francisco justice system. As Ms. Newport herself has acknowledged making restitution to a former employer in finance—a detail that aligns with the theft allegations—full transparency would allow her to address these matters directly and honestly, benefiting her, her fans, and the broader community.

The Broader Benefits of Unsealing
Unsealing this case would serve the public good in several ways:

• Reducing Speculation and Promoting Truth: Partial leaks and online rumors have led to "wild speculation" about the case, as Ms. Newport's visibility on a national TV show has amplified public interest. Unsealing would provide accurate details, allowing everyone—including Ms. Newport—to move forward based on facts rather than conjecture.
• Ensuring Equal Justice: San Francisco's justice system should treat all individuals equally, without a two-tier structure where outcomes depend on one's ability to afford high-profile legal representation or leverage diversion programs. By reviewing and unsealing this case, we can confirm that programs like primary caregiver diversion are applied consistently, helping to build confidence that justice is blind to wealth and status.
• Supporting Transparency for Public Figures: Ms. Newport chose to join a reality show after the case's resolution, inviting scrutiny into her life. As she has gained citizenship this year and publicly asserted that "they’re not giving those out to people with any kind of felonious past," unsealing would verify these claims and demonstrate accountability for those in the public eye.
• Benefiting the Community: Greater openness in resolved cases like this can educate the public on diversion programs, restitution processes, and rehabilitation, ultimately strengthening community trust in the DA's office and the courts.We believe this request aligns with District Attorney Jenkins' commitment to transparency and reform in San Francisco's criminal justice system. Unsealing would not punish Ms. Newport but rather ensure that all parties— including the public—benefit from clarity and fairness.

Thank you for considering this petition. Let's work together to uphold equal justice for everyone.