Former Drug Court Coordinator Faces Federal Trial in February

Former Clallam County Drug Court Coordinator Johnny F. Watts Jr. is set to face trial on February 1, 2027, on federal charges involving drug distribution and firearm possession.

He has formally entered a not guilty plea to a single count each of possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute and of unlawfully holding a firearm. The matter is assigned to U.S. District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright in Tacoma.

Judge Cartwright established the February trial date in August, approving joint requests from both Watts and his co-defendant, Jonathan E. Karns, to delay proceedings. The original trial date had been August 17, 2026.

Since the scheduling order issued last summer, the case has seen limited activity: Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Greenberg formally entered his appearance on September 25, taking over as lead counsel for the federal government.

Under the existing timeline, parties must file dispositive motions by January 1, with a pretrial conference scheduled for January 25 at 9:30 a.m. Opening arguments are expected to commence on February 1 at 9 a.m.

Watts was released from custody in June under conditions imposed by the court.