Memphis, TN – Kendrick Watson, 44, of Memphis, has been sentenced to 540 months in federal prison following his conviction by a federal jury for multiple drug distribution and firearm offenses. The announcement was made by Kevin G. Ritz, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
According to court information, law enforcement intercepted a package containing cocaine sent from Houston, Texas, intended for delivery to Watson’s residence. A subsequent search of the residence revealed fentanyl, methamphetamine, drug-distribution materials and proceeds, multiple firearms, ammunition, and gun magazines. In February 2024, a federal jury found Watson guilty of one count of possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute, three counts of possession of a gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and three counts of possession of a gun as a convicted felon.
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The conviction required a 300-month sentence, consecutive to any other sentence, due to Watson’s prior conviction for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Watson was also classified as a career offender under federal sentencing guidelines because of his previous convictions for a crime of violence and controlled substance offenses in Memphis. On August 1, 2024, United States District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Watson to a total of 45 years of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration – Memphis Resident Office and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz expressed gratitude to Assistant United States Attorneys Gregory Allen and Naya Bedini, who prosecuted the case, as well as the law enforcement partners involved in the investigation.
For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Source: Read Original Release
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