A former coordinator of the Clallam County Drug Court program, Johnny F. Watts Jr., regained his freedom on Wednesday afternoon when federal prosecutors withdrew their motion to hold him in custody prior to his trial on federal drug-related offenses.
During a detention hearing at the U.S. District Court in Tacoma, the prosecution notified Chief Magistrate Judge Theresa L. Fricke that it no longer sought to detain the defendant. Following this update, Assistant U.S. Attorney Elyne Vaught and defense counsel John Black concurred on a series of release conditions proposed by U.S. Pretrial Services. Judge Fricke accepted these recommendations and issued a formal Order of Release.
The Port Angeles resident was granted release on an appearance bond that requires rigorous oversight. Court filings indicate that Watts must complete evaluations for substance abuse and mental health issues, adhere to all prescribed treatment plans, and undergo unannounced drug and alcohol screenings. He is strictly forbidden from drinking alcohol or holding any controlled substances that have not been prescribed to him.
Additional mandates include surrendering all valid and expired passports, securing or maintaining employment, and limiting his travel to the continental United States. Watts is also prohibited from any direct or indirect communication with case witnesses or his co-defendant, a Port Angeles man identified as Jonathan E. Karns.
The two men were taken into custody during a coordinated narcotics investigation involving multiple agencies. That probe resulted in the seizure of significant amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, along with several firearms. At their initial appearances on June 5, both defendants entered not guilty pleas to federal charges of drug distribution.
Watts faces charges related to a methamphetamine mixture weighing 500 grams or more. His co-defendant is charged with offenses involving a fentanyl mixture weighing 40 grams or more. Court records identify both men as prior felony convicts, a status that legally bars them from possessing firearms.
While Watts has been released, his co-defendant remains incarcerated at the Federal Detention Center in SeaTac. A detention hearing for the co-defendant is set for Monday, June 15, at 1:00 p.m., where a judge will assess potential release conditions regarding flight risk and community danger. Watts is expected to return to the federal courthouse in Tacoma on Thursday, June 18, at 3:00 p.m., for his next scheduled hearing.