⏱ 2 min read
Antonio DeWayne Watkins, a 32-year-old member of the Gangster Disciples street gang, was sentenced to 36 years in prison for a string of crimes including meth trafficking, assault, and firearm offenses in Chattanooga, Tennessee. On June 24, 2026, Watkins was handed down the sentence after a four-day trial. The charges stemmed from an encounter with Chattanooga Police Officers in July 2024, where Watkins was found in possession of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and a loaded firearm.
Watkins’ troubles didn’t end there. After his arrest and release on bond, he twice sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant. Following his federal indictment, Watkins was ordered to be detained pending trial, during which time he punched a Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy in the face.
The court found Watkins to be a Career Offender under the United States Sentencing Guidelines, due to previous convictions for possession of cocaine for resale and voluntary manslaughter. This classification contributed to his lengthy sentence. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee.
Watkins’ sentence serves as a reminder of the severity of drug trafficking and violent crimes in the United States. The Gangster Disciples, a notorious street gang, have been involved in various criminal activities across the country. The sentence handed down to Watkins reflects the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat organized crime and protect communities.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Drug Trafficking
- Defendant: Tennessee
- Location: TN
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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