Columbia, SC — A 19-year-old Columbia resident, Javares Montel Watkins, was handed a sentence of over three years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a mentally defective individual. United States Attorney Peter M. McCoy, Jr., announced the verdict.
Watkins had been caught on Instagram live streaming himself with a firearm and narcotics. After fleeing from ATF agents, he barricaded himself for 50 minutes before surrendering. Authorities found a Tippmann Arms M4-22 rifle in his possession.
Watkins’ criminal history includes Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature, along with multiple firearm-related offenses, including armed robberies. He faced nine outstanding state charges and was identified as a gang member. The court also noted that Watkins had seven firearms, two stolen, in his possession from 2017 to 2019.
Despite federal law prohibiting him from owning firearms due to a prior commitment order, Watkins was found competent in state and federal systems for the instant case. United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs sentenced him to 41 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, with no parole available.
This investigation was a collaborative effort between the ATF and the City of Columbia Police Department. Prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime, it underscores the commitment to community safety and effective law enforcement strategy.
Assistant United States Attorney Elliot B. Daniels handled the prosecution. Learn more about the Department of Justice’s 150th anniversary celebration at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Key Facts
- State: South Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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