A Wayne County grand jury has indicted a Newark, New York, man on a hate-crime charge after he was accused of attacking his 70-year-old Black neighbor with a 2-by-4 following weeks of alleged racial harassment.
Brandon Watt, 39, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges including second-degree assault as a hate crime in connection with the June 23 attack on Johnny White, according to local reports.
The judge set Watt’s bail at $25,000 after prosecutors requested $20,000 cash bail. Watt was also ordered to have no contact with White and signed a stay-away order of protection.
The hate-crime charge marks a significant development in the case.
When Watt was initially arrested, Newark police said the attack was not being investigated as a hate crime, despite allegations that racial slurs were used during the attack and in an earlier confrontation involving White. At the time, officials said the investigation was ongoing and charging decisions were ultimately up to the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors now allege that Watt repeatedly targeted White with racial slurs and threats in the weeks leading up to the attack.
“It’s been a heck of a burn, stressful mentally, physically, in every way possible,” White said after court. “But thanks to God, my mother, my family, my wife — I’m standing strong.”
Prior Harassment
The alleged harassment dates back at least to June 1, when Newark police responded to the 300 block of Siegrist Street for a harassment complaint.
White told officers he had been involved in a verbal confrontation with an unknown man who threatened to “kick his a–” while using racial slurs, according to police reports.
The suspect was not identified at the time.
But after White was attacked later that month and was able to speak with investigators, police identified Watt as the suspect in the earlier harassment complaint.
White later told WHAM that he never expected the alleged harassment to escalate into violence.
“When he saw me, it was always addressed to me, the only Black person there,” he said. “I never thought in my life that it would go to this level. Otherwise, I never would have turned my back.”
The Attack
Atlanta Black Star previously reported that police were called to White’s home in the village of Newark, located in New York’s Finger Lakes region, on June 23.
Officers arrived to find White severely injured and staggering, according to police.
Investigators said Watt and White, who lived in the same neighborhood, knew each other. Police alleged that Watt struck White from behind as the 70-year-old was retreating toward the side yard of his home before striking him several more times with his fists.
Police also recovered a 2-by-4 with blood splatter from the scene as evidence.
White suffered extensive injuries, including a fractured eye socket, broken nose and fractured lower jaw. He also suffered deep lacerations and significant facial swelling, while injuries to his ears were severe enough to require stitches.
Watt was initially charged with two counts of second-degree assault, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child. Police said Watt’s daughter was present during the alleged assault.
Family Shows Support
White’s family, including his sisters, mother, nieces and daughters, showed up in solidarity with him during Tuesday’s court hearing.
“It was serious, and for this guy that don’t know my brother, why would you do something like that?” White’s sister, Donna, told WHAM. “My brother don’t even know you. My brother don’t speak evil. He’s about peace.”
Watt has pleaded not guilty. He faces up to 15 years in prison with this new charge.
