A Newark man accused of severely beating his 70-year-old neighbor has been indicted on a hate crime charge and second-degree assault, according to the Finger Lakes Times.
Brandon Watt, 39, pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Wayne County Court, where bail was set at $25,000.
Newark police said Johnny “Tat” White was attacked June 23 after weeks of alleged harassment, with Watt accused of using racial slurs before striking White from behind with a piece of lumber.
White suffered severe jaw and orbital fractures, and the case prompted rallies and criticism after Watt wasn’t initially charged with a hate crime.
Watt is scheduled to return to court Sept. 22 for a pretrial conference.
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