WEST NEW YORK MAN SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR NEWARK AIRPORT ASSAULT

Thomassal Watkins, 42, has been sentenced to 18 years in state prison for the aggravated sexual assault of a woman at Newark Liberty International Airport, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel announced today. Watkins pled guilty on December 11, 2023, and must serve 85% of his sentence before being eligible for parole. He will also face lifetime parole supervision and must register under Megan’s Law.

The assault occurred on January 18, 2023, in the Conrac Parking Garage of Terminal A. Port Authority Police responded swiftly, leading to Watkins' immediate apprehension. The investigation was led by Union County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit Detective Claudia Diez and Port Authority Police Department Detective Amos Shand, with support from the Union County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Unit.

Assistant Prosecutor Caroline Lawlor praised the coordinated efforts that resulted in Watkins’ conviction and sentencing.

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