Former Drug Court Coordinator Enters Not Guilty Plea in Federal Case
A former Clallam County Drug Court Coordinator appeared in federal court on Tuesday afternoon to face charges related to drug distribution and weapons offenses. Johnny Fred Watts Jr. was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Grady J. Leupold, where he was formally advised of the potential penalties associated with a federal grand jury indictment.
Represented by defense counsel John Black, Watts entered a plea of not guilty to all counts. Court records indicate that he remains released on bond pending his trial. The proceedings were attended by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elyne Vaught, who represented the government.
Trial Schedule Set
The court established a timeline for the upcoming legal proceedings. A jury trial is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. on August 17, 2026, to be presided over by U.S. District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright. A pretrial conference is set for 9:30 a.m. on August 10, with all pretrial motions due for filing by July 14. Proposed trial exhibits are required to be submitted by August 17.
Charges Stemming from March Incident
The charges originate from an alleged incident occurring on or about March 11, 2026. The grand jury has indicted Watts on two federal counts:
* Count 1: Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute. The indictment alleges that Watts possessed fentanyl and a mixture containing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute these substances. * Count 2: Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. Watts is accused of illegally possessing a Beretta Model 21A .25 caliber pistol. The document asserts that Watts is legally prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior 2008 felony conviction in Clallam County for second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm.
Co-Defendant Charges
The indictment also details three federal counts against co-defendant Jonathan E. Karns. He stands accused of possessing 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture with intent to distribute. Additionally, he is charged with possessing a Glock 48 9mm pistol in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Court documents state that Karns is legally prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2004 first-degree burglary conviction in Kitsap County.
The government has further indicated an intent to seize multiple firearms allegedly recovered during the course of the investigation.