Michael Watts, a 40-year-old from Selma, Alabama, is headed to federal prison for 27 months after being caught with two guns following a routine license checkpoint stop—despite having two violent felony convictions on his record.
On December 3, 2018, at around 10:50 p.m., Dallas County Sheriff’s deputies were operating a driver’s license checkpoint on County Road 81 when Watts pulled up in a gray Ford Crown Victoria. Officers asked for his license and immediately caught the stench of marijuana wafting from inside the car. Watts and his front-seat passenger exited the vehicle without resistance.
Before deputies could conduct a standard safety search, Watts blurted out, “I have two guns on me.” Officers reached into his front pockets and pulled out a Smith & Wesson Airweight .38 caliber pistol and an FIE Titan .25 caliber pistol—both loaded and ready to fire.
Watts admitted in court that he knowingly possessed the firearms after prior convictions for Assault in the First Degree and Shooting into an Occupied Building—both disqualifying felonies under federal law. He entered a guilty plea on February 19, 2019, as part of a binding plea agreement.
The case was jointly investigated by the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gina S. Vann in the Southern District of Alabama.
U.S. Attorney Richard W. Moore emphasized that federal law bars felons from possessing firearms, especially those with a history of violent crime. Watts’ sentence reflects the government’s crackdown on armed recidivists who threaten community safety.
Related Federal Cases
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- 14 Montgomery Gang Members Cuffed in Federal Gun Sweep · Alabama
- Richard Allen Canterbury Pleads Guilty in Selma Police Gun Heist · Alabama
- Montgomery Man Cuffed for Gun Possession After Robbery Link · Alabama
- Alabama Woman Caught With Stolen Guns · Alabama
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