Girls death

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - In addition to being charged with the murder of 19-year-old Melissa Hanson, Charles "Chad" Newport may be charged with having unlawful sexual intercourse with two teenage girls, South Lake Tahoe Police Detective Martin Hewlett said.

Hewlett said he learned about Newport's sexual encounters with a 15-year-old and 17-year-old girl while investigating Hanson's death and that both incidents occurred earlier this year.

The two new cases pending against Newport have been sent to El Dorado County District Attorney's Office in Placerville. Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Nelson is reviewing the cases and has not yet filed additional charges against Newport.

Hanson, known to many as Melissa Monoogan, was found dead in her bedroom closet by her mother June 10. Police said asphyxiation caused her death, but they are waiting for the results of toxicology tests.

Newport, 19, pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges June 14.

In August he was sentenced to three years of probation and seven months in El Dorado County Jail for his involvement in a home invasion Jan. 31, 1999 at the 3100 block of Oakland Avenue. He was released Dec. 21, after serving four months of his sentence.

If he is convicted on the murder charges Newport could be sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. His preliminary hearing is scheduled July 27 at 8 a.m. in El Dorado County Superior Court.