By: Richard L. Smith
A West New York man has been sentenced to 18 years in state prison for sexually assaulting and attacking a woman at Newark Liberty International Airport, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel announced today.
Thomassal Watkins, 42, pled guilty to first-degree aggravated sexual assault on December 11, 2023. Union County Superior Court Judge Regina Caufield handed down the sentence, requiring Watkins to serve 85% of the term before being eligible for parole.
In addition to the prison term, Watkins will face lifetime parole supervision and must register under Megan’s Law.
The assault occurred on January 18, 2023, in the Conrac Parking Garage connected to Newark Airport’s Terminal A. Port Authority Police Department officers responded to the scene shortly before 9:00 p.m. after a woman reported being sexually assaulted as she was walking to her car.
The prompt response by officers led to the swift apprehension of Watkins on airport property. An extensive investigation, spearheaded by Union County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit Detective Claudia Diez and Port Authority Police Department Detective Amos Shand, with assistance from the Union County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Unit, resulted in Watkins being identified and charged.
Assistant Prosecutor Caroline Lawlor, who prosecuted the case, commended the coordinated efforts that led to the successful prosecution and sentencing of Watkins.
