Deontae David Bernard Watkins, 43, of Perry, Florida, was indicted on April 22 for two counts of possession with intent to distribute illegal drugs, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. United States Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.
Watkins appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee for his arraignment. His jury trial is scheduled for June 2 at 8:30 am before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor in Tallahassee.
If convicted on the drug charges, Watkins faces a minimum mandatory prison sentence of ten years and up to life imprisonment. For carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime, he faces an additional five years’ imprisonment to be served consecutively. He could also face up to fifteen years’ imprisonment if found guilty as a felon in possession of a firearm.
The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Perry Police Department, and the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain is prosecuting the case.
"An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt," said Heekin. "All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial." The case falls under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative that aims to eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida advances community safety and quality of life by upholding the rule of law and protecting civil rights across northern Florida according to its official website. The office operates from facilities located within U.S. courthouses in Tallahassee, Pensacola and Gainesville according to its official website. It forms part of the United States Department of Justice according to its official website.
The office enforces federal laws—including those involving national security—and secures public funds while serving twenty-three counties throughout northern Florida including Tallahassee and parts of the Panhandle according to its official website. It collaborates with other agencies through initiatives such as Project Safe Childhood and participates in joint efforts like the Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee according to its official website.
As this case proceeds toward trial this summer under Operation Take Back America’s framework—focused on combating organized crime—officials continue their efforts alongside local partners "to protect our communities from perpetrators of violent crime."
