Memphis, TN – The life of Kendrick Watson, 44, has been sentenced to a staggering 45 years in federal prison for his involvement in a fentanyl and firearm conspiracy that left a trail of destruction in Memphis. Today, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the 540-month sentence imposed after Watson was convicted at trial.
In February 2024, a jury in the Western District of Tennessee found Watson guilty on drug and firearm offenses. On appeal, Watson challenged the denial of his motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, and exclude certain items from consideration. However, the appellate court ruled that Watson’s sentence stood firm, affirming all convictions and sentences.
The case began when United States Postal Inspectors intercepted a package containing one kilogram of cocaine at Memphis International Airport. A subsequent investigation led to Watson’s arrest. Authorities discovered five firearms, ammunition, cash, fentanyl, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a book titled “I.C.E. Eye See Everything the True Life of Kendrick Watson: All Facts No Fiction,” during a search of his residence.
Despite several pre-trial motions filed by Watson to suppress evidence and dismiss charges, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the denial of these motions. The court ruled that there was substantial evidence to support probable cause for the issuance of search warrants, and Watson’s arguments lacked legal foundation.
The appellate court also found the 540-month sentence substantively and procedurally reasonable, including a mandatory 25-year term due to a prior federal conviction for possessing a firearm during a crime of violence. The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, with support from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Gregory Allen and Naya Bedini prosecuted the case and handled the appeal. Those interested in learning more about this case can contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov or follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or X at @WDTNNews for updates.
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Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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