Man convicted for masturbating in UGA library sentenced to prison

Dwayne Watson

By Joe Johnson

A homeless man who was convicted on charges that he exposed himself and masturbated in the University of Georgia Main Library has begun serving a one-year prison sentence.

Dwayne Watson, 42, on Aug. 15 pleaded guilty to a single count of public indecency, an offense that usually is a misdemeanor, but was charged as a felony in this case because Watson had two previous convictions for the same crime.

In accordance with a negotiated agreement with the District Attorney’s Office, a judge handed Watson a five-year sentence, the first year of which to be served in confinement and the balance on probation. The judge also barred him from all UGA properties.

Watson began serving his sentence on Aug. 20 at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison in Butts County.

In addition to the sex crimes, Watson has a criminal history that includes a conviction for aggravated assault.

According to court records, Watson was arrested in May of this year after he performed the sex act while seated next to a female student in the UGA library.

Records indicate that he was in possession of a knife at the time.