Former Clallam County Drug Court Coordinator Johnny Fred Watts Jr. pleaded not guilty to federal drug distribution and weapons charges during his arraignment on Tuesday afternoon.
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Grady J. Leupold, Watts was formally advised of the charges and potential penalties stemming from a federal grand jury indictment.
Represented by retained defense attorney John Black, Watts entered a not guilty plea to all charges. According to court records, he remains on bond pending trial.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elyne Vaught appeared on behalf of the federal government during the hearing.
A schedule for the upcoming legal proceedings was also established on Tuesday.
A jury trial is currently set to begin at 9:00 a.m. on August 17, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright.
A pretrial conference is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on August 10, and all pretrial motions must be filed by July 14. Proposed trial exhibits are also due on August 17.
As we reported yesterday, the indictment against Watts outlines allegations stemming from an incident on or about March 11, 2026. The grand jury indicted Watts on two federal counts:
- Count 1: Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute. The grand jury alleges Watts possessed fentanyl and 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture with the intent to distribute.
- Count 2: Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. Watts is accused of illegally possessing a Beretta Model 21A .25 caliber pistol. The document asserts that Watts is legally prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior 2008 felony conviction in Clallam County for second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm.
The grand jury indictment also details three federal counts against co-defendant Jonathan E. Karns, who is accused of possessing 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture with intent to distribute, and possessing a Glock 48 9mm pistol in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The indictment states Karns is legally prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2004 first-degree burglary conviction in Kitsap County.
Additionally, court documents indicate the government intends to seize multiple firearms allegedly recovered during the investigation.
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