Two men previously involved in local judicial systems appeared in federal court in Tacoma on Tuesday afternoon to formally answer to drug distribution counts. Johnny F. Watts Jr., who served as the Clallam County Drug Court Coordinator, and his co-defendant, Jonathan E. Karns, both pleaded not guilty to the accusations.
Following their initial appearances, the U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed that detention hearings have been scheduled for both individuals. They will continue to be held at the Federal Detention Center in SeaTac while awaiting judicial review on potential pre-trial release conditions.
Judges will evaluate the need for continued custody based on two specific factors: the likelihood of each defendant fleeing before trial and the potential danger they pose to the public.
Watts is set to face his detention hearing on Wednesday, June 10, at 3:00 p.m. Karns will appear for his corresponding hearing on Monday, June 15, at 1:00 p.m.
These court appearances conclude a multi-agency narcotics investigation that resulted in the confiscation of significant amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, along with several guns.
Due to the substantial volume of narcotics recovered, both men are looking at severe federal sentencing guidelines. Watts is accused of distributing a mixture containing at least 500 grams of methamphetamine. Karns faces charges related to a mixture containing at least 40 grams of fentanyl.
Additionally, both defendants have prior felony convictions, a status that generally bars them from legally owning firearms.