Pueblo Man Convicted on Multiple Drug and Firearms Charges Following Traffic Stop Discovery

David Wayne Watkins, a 45-year-old Pueblo resident, recently found himself on the losing side of a legal battle, with a federal jury convicting him on multiple charges. As reported by the

U.S. Department of Justice

, Watkins was found guilty on counts of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of a weapon and ammunition, possession of a weapon in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle.

The tale of Watkins’ downfall began in December of 2023 when Pueblo Police pulled him over due to a forged temporary license plate tag. During his effort to flee from the authorities, Watkins was found with $52,000 in cash, 378 fentanyl pills, 25 grams of pure methamphetamine, and a loaded handgun seemingly strapped to his waistband. Having searched his car, officers found an additional handgun along with various firearm magazines and ammunition, alongside a further stash of 375 fentanyl pills. During a subsequent examination of his hotel room, officers discovered a short-barreled rifle and more ammunition.

“Violent drug dealers have no place in our communities, and we are proud of the team effort that was involved in getting this repeat offender off the street,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch, as per

U.S. Department of Justice

. The sentiment was echoed by FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek, who reinforced the interagency cooperation, “This felon was responsible for bringing weapons and drugs into the Pueblo community, and neighborhoods are safer with him behind bars,” he told the public.

Pueblo Police Department Chief of Police Chris Noeller, witnessing his team’s persistent efforts coming to fruition, applauded the successful outcome: “This conviction is testament to the hard work and perseverance of the Pueblo Police Department’s Investigations Division, and more specifically the gang and narcotics unit,” he said, praising the jurors and the US Attorney’s Office for their decisive roles in Watkins’ prosecution, according to the

U.S. Department of Justice

. Found in his hotel room, the discovery of the ammunition and the short-barreled rifle played a crucial part in his conviction.

U.S. District Court Judge S. Kato Crews presided over the gritty details of the trial. Watkins’ eventual conviction marks another strategic victory under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program uniting law enforcement across all levels to curb violent crime and gun violence, ensuring the safety of communities. Indeed, this case underscores the May 26, 2021, violent crime reduction strategy that leverages fundamental principles like fostering trust with the public, supporting community organization’s proactive measures, setting focused enforcement priorities, and measuring these initiatives’ impact.

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