James Watts, Methamphetamine Possession, Louisiana 2021

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – James Watts, age 50, a resident of Amite, Louisiana, has been taken into custody after pleading guilty to a one-count superseding bill of information charging him with possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, on March 8, 2021, Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office deputies initiated a traffic stop on Watts in Independence, Louisiana after they received a report that Watts had assaulted a female victim. Upon stopping Watts, deputies saw drug paraphernalia in plain view in the rear passenger seat. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed 397 grams of methamphetamine.

During a subsequent interview with agents from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Watts acknowledged the methamphetamine found during the search of the vehicle was his. He further admitted that he had sold approximately one pound of methamphetamine between March 6th and March 8th, 2021, and that he obtained two pounds of methamphetamine from his source of supply approximately every two weeks.

Watts faces a mandatory minimum term of five years, up to forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers.

The charges against Watts carry serious penalties. The mandatory minimum term of imprisonment highlights the severity of the crime. The fine of up to $5,000,000 is also a significant consequence of the defendant’s actions.

It is essential to note that the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office played a crucial role in this investigation, and their efforts are to be commended. The cooperation between law enforcement agencies is vital in bringing criminals to justice.

Related Federal Cases