Zachary Scott Watson, 33, of Connelly Springs, pleaded guilty to two counts of first degree kidnapping, possession of firearm by convicted felon, and admitted his status as a habitual felon during Caldwell County Superior Court on Monday, April 15, 2019.
The Honorable Eric C. Morgan, Superior Court Judge from Forsyth County, sentenced Watson to an active prison term of 12 to 16 years that will be served in the North Carolina Division of Adult Corrections. Watson’s sentenced was enhanced by his criminal record and habitual felon status.
Lenoir Police received a report on August 30, 2017, that a pregnant woman and her daughter had been kidnapped by Watson. Watson and the woman had a prior romantic relationship. Upon investigation, police discovered that Watson had tracked down the victim’s Toyota Tundra and approached it at gunpoint. While trying to flee, Watson then jumped into the bed of the victim’s vehicle, busted through the back windshield, and took control of the truck.
An Amber Alert was issued describing the Toyota Tundra. Using phone records, law enforcement was able to quickly locate the Toyota Tundra in Mocksville with the assistance from the Mocksville Police Department. Both victims were found unharmed and the defendant was apprehended shortly thereafter.
Lt. Mark Barlow led the investigation for the Lenoir Police Department. Assistant District Attorney Nancy Lee prosecuted the case for the State.
CONTACT: Nathan Key
Phone: 828-695-6193
Email: Nathan.D.Key@nccourts.org