Reagan T. Fondren Acting United States Attorney for the Western District Of Tennessee | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee
The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the 45-year federal prison sentence for Kendrick Watson, a Memphis resident convicted on drug and firearm charges. This decision follows Watson's conviction in February 2024 by a jury in the Western District of Tennessee. The announcement was made by Interim United States Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr.
Watson challenged his sentence on several grounds, including issues with the denial of motions to suppress and dismiss, jury instructions, evidence sufficiency, and sentence reasonableness. However, on June 16, 2024, the appeals court confirmed both his convictions and sentence.
The case began when United States Postal Inspectors intercepted a parcel in Memphis containing one kilogram of cocaine. After obtaining a search warrant, investigators delivered the package to an address where Watson took it inside. A subsequent SWAT team operation led to the discovery of various illegal items including firearms, cash totaling approximately $52,000, fentanyl, methamphetamine, digital scales, multiple cell phones, and other incriminating materials.
Watson filed numerous pre-trial motions which were denied by the court. The Sixth Circuit supported these denials citing sufficient probable cause for search warrants and lack of evidence or legal backing for Watson's arguments.
The affirmed 540-month sentence includes a mandatory 25-year term due to Watson's prior federal conviction related to gun possession during a violent crime.
This investigation involved collaboration between the United States Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorneys Gregory Allen and Naya Bedini.
For further information regarding this case or other updates from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Western District of Tennessee (WDTN), media inquiries can be directed to USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov or follow their social media channels.
