Deontae Watkins, 44, of Perry, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court on July 20 to charges including possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The announcement was made by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Heekin said, “The Homeland Security Task Force was launched as a whole-of-government effort to combat the plague of addiction and criminal violence in our country caused by armed drug traffickers, and this successful prosecution demonstrates the impact we are having to improve the safety of our communities. This armed trafficker flooded our streets with deadly drugs, enriching himself on the pain and devastation caused by the narcotics he peddled, but those days are over for him. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute drug traffickers like him to deliver the safe, drug-free streets the citizens of the Northern District of Florida deserve.”
According to court documents, law enforcement began investigating Watkins for selling ounces of methamphetamine in late 2025. On February 10, 2026, officers executed a search warrant at his residence and found multiple pounds of methamphetamine, over half a pound of cocaine, other drugs, and five pistols. As Watkins was previously convicted as a felon, he was prohibited from possessing firearms. After his arrest and subsequent release on bond, authorities stopped his vehicle on February 26 and located approximately two pounds of methamphetamine inside.
Watkins faces at least 15 years’ imprisonment with a maximum possible sentence up to life imprisonment for these offenses. The investigation involved cooperation between several agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration; Perry Police Department; Taylor County Sheriff’s Office; North Star Multijurisdictional Drug Task Force; Suwanee County Sheriff’s Office; and Dixie County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain is prosecuting the case.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 21 at 2:00 pm before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established under Executive Order 14159 aimed at eliminating criminal cartels and transnational criminal organizations operating within or affecting U.S. borders.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida covers 23 counties including Tallahassee and collaborates with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies through initiatives such as Project Safe Childhood, according to its official website. The office advances community safety by upholding federal laws across northern Florida as part of its role within the United States Department of Justice.