A 27-year-old New Orleans man, Lawrence Watkins, has been sentenced to 72 months in prison for federal drug and weapons offenses.
According to court documents, on or about June 22, 2023, Louisiana State Police (LSP) Troopers, FBI New Orleans Gang Task Force (NOGTF) members, and other law enforcement personnel were conducting proactive patrols in the Algiers area of New Orleans to combat violent crime.
While attempting to stop and investigate a suspicious Dodge Durango vehicle, it sped off, chased by law enforcement, before striking a utility pole. The Durango’s occupants, including Watkins, fled the vehicle on foot, but were later caught.
After Watkins‘ apprehension, officers recovered his backpack that contained a Century Arms Micro Draco 7.62×39 millimeter pistol, multiple rounds of ammunition, $1,053 in U.S. currency, drug paraphernalia, and quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
The exact criminal charges against Watkins include possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D), and possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).
Watkins will serve 72 months in prison, followed by 4 years supervised release.
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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