Josiah Watkins, Drug Trafficking, Massachusetts 2022

A Boston man, Josiah Watkins, 26, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and cocaine base (crack cocaine) in a federal court in Boston.

According to authorities, Watkins was arrested and charged in April 2021, and the investigation revealed that he and his co-defendant, London Lee, were actively selling cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl in the Boston area.

Between February and April 2021, Watkins sold or arranged the sale of crack cocaine and fentanyl in at least 10 separate controlled purchases, authorities said. His co-defendant has pleaded not guilty and is pending trial.

The charge of conspiracy to distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base provide for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins, Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley, Jr. of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case, which is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence.

The case is part of a larger effort to reduce violent crime and gun violence in Boston, and it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of law enforcement officials in the city.