Watts and Karns Plead Not Guilty to Federal Drug Charges, Remain Detained
Former Clallam County Drug Court Coordinator Johnny F. Watts Jr. and his co-defendant, Jonathan E. Karns, entered pleas of not guilty to federal drug distribution charges during their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Tacoma this afternoon.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office told me that both men have set over their detention hearings. They will remain in federal custody at the Federal Detention Center SeaTac until a judge determines if there are conditions under which they can be released prior to trial.
At the upcoming hearings, the judge’s decision will be based strictly on two considerations: whether each defendant poses a flight risk and whether they present a danger to the community.
Watts is scheduled for his detention hearing on Wednesday, June 10, at 3:00 p.m. Karns will appear for his detention hearing on Monday, June 15, at 1:00 p.m.
As we reported earlier today, the initial appearances follow a multi-agency narcotics investigation that culminated in the seizure of large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and multiple firearms.
Both men face severe federal penalties due to the high volume of narcotics seized.
Watts is charged under a statute involving 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture, while Karns faces charges involving 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture.
Both defendants are identified as previously convicted felons, which legally prohibits them from possessing firearms.