Ohio Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Gun Crimes

 CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that an Ohio man was sentenced for drug and gun crimes.  Keenan Watson, 24, of Dayton, was sentenced to 12 years -- 144 months -- in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. After completing his prison sentence, he will serve five years of supervised release. 

“209 grams of meth. 135 grams of fentanyl. Two guns. Dangerous and deadly combination,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Watson posed a significant threat to public safety.  Meth and fentanyl are leading causes of addiction and overdose deaths, while drug dealers with guns most often lead to violent crime in our communities.  Great work by DEA and the Parkersburg Police Department in bringing Watson to justice.”  

Watson had previously pled guilty on June 2, 2020, and admitted that on August 27, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant in Parkersburg, West Virginia.  Watson was inside that residence, and ran outside when the officers entered.  He ran from the officers until ultimately they were able to catch up and arrest Watson.  Officers removed two handguns from Watson and also recovered approximately 209 grams of methamphetamine, and approximately 135 grams of what later proved to be fentanyl from a bag that he was carrying.  Watson admitted that he possessed both guns to protect himself, the quantity of methamphetamine and fentanyl that he possessed, and any proceeds from the sales of those drugs. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Parkersburg Police Department conducted the investigation.   United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney L. Alexander Hamner handled the prosecution.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00002.