Taunton Man Sentenced in Attack on Store Clerk

FALL RIVER — A Taunton man who violently attacked a store clerk last year has been sentenced in Fall River Superior Court.

Wayman McCassie, 31, pleaded guilty last week to indictments charging him with aggravated assault and battery and assault and battery, according to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn III's Office.

McCassie was sentenced to serve two years in state prison followed by one year of supervised probation.

On April 27, 2018, Taunton Police responded to the Taunton Mini Mart for a report of an assault on the store's clerk. The caller told police that the suspect had fled in a small white car on Plain Street.

Witnesses to the attack told police that McCassie had entered the store and appeared under the influence of some kind of substance. McCassie demanded a discount on cigarettes and told the clerk he wanted to talk to him outside after his request was denied. When the clerk exited the store, McCassie punched him multiple times in the face.

The clerk suffered a broken nose along. His jaw was also broken in two places, which required surgery that resulted in the victim's mouth being wired shut for about four months.

The clerk was able to positively identify McCassie as the suspect using a photo array provided by police. McCassie was arrested in July 2018.

“This was an unprovoked and brutal act of violence against a store clerk just doing his job.  While the defendant may have a drug problem, he deserved a longer sentence based on the violence and injuries he inflicted.  The defendant is a career criminal, who has a history of committing crimes,” District Attorney Quinn said.