2.9.11: Watson Sentenced for Racially Motivated Assault, Carjacking
February 9, 2011 -- Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Lynn K. Stewart sentenced Zachary D. Watson today to 85 years in prison with all but 10 years suspended for his participation in a racially motivated assault on James Privott, an African-American man who was 76 years old at the time of the attack.
As outlined in the State's Sentencing Memorandum, Watson, Calvin E. Lockner, and Emmanuel Miller attacked and yelled racial slurs at Mr. Privott as he was fishing with his wife at Fort Armistead Park on August 18, 2009. The defendants then fled in Mr. Privott's vehicle. Mr. Privott sustained serious head injuries and lost teeth during the attack.
The victim's vehicle was equipped with an anti-theft system, which enabled law enforcement to quickly track it down. A high-speed chase ensued, concluding when the truck, driven by Watson, ran through a fence and overturned. The defendants then fled on foot before being apprehended.
Watson, 19, pled guilty to armed carjacking, conspiracy to commit assault, robbery with a deadly weapon, and a hate crime.
"the evidence established that James Privott was attacked for no reason other than the color of his skin. The State's Attorney's Office is committed to doing everything in its power to pursue, prosecute, and punish those who engage in violent attacks based on racial animus," State's Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein said.
Lockner was sentenced in September 2010 to 31 years in priosn for the attack. Miller, a juvenile, was adjudicated through the juvenile justice system.