09/06/2026
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A Newark man accused of attacking his 70-year-old neighbor while yelling racial slurs appeared in court Tuesday, where a judge increased his bail following a hate crime indictment.
Brandon Watt, 39, was indicted by a Wayne County grand jury on second-degree assault as a hate crime, elevating the charge from a class E felony to a class C violent felony.
Watt pleaded not guilty to two counts during the court appearance. A judge set bail at $25,000 cash or $100,000 secured bond after an attorney representing Johnny White, the alleged victim, requested an increase in bail.
Watt could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
The charges stem from an alleged assault on June 23. Police said Watt yelled racial slurs at White before striking him several times with a 2-by-4 wooden board following an argument between the neighbors.
White suffered several injuries, including fractures to his orbital bone, nose and lower jaw. Allegations presented in court also referenced damage to White's eyes and a potentially long-term prognosis related to his injuries.
Watt was initially charged with second-degree assault, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child.
During Tuesday's court appearance, Watt's attorney argued that White was the aggressor, alleging White approached Watt and struck him first. The defense also said two witnesses were present during the incident.
The case previously drew criticism from White's family after Newark police initially did not categorize the assault as a hate crime.
White's daughter, Lexie White, previously told News 8 she believed the attack was racially motivated and criticized authorities over concerns about her father's safety and the safety of others who may feel targeted.
At the time, the Village of Newark said the investigation remained ongoing and noted that the Wayne County District Attorney's Office would ultimately determine whether hate crime charges were appropriate.
