Pueblo man convicted by federal jury; found with more than 700 fentanyl pills and multiple weapons

PUEBLO, Colo. (KKTV) – The U.S. Attorney’s Office said a Pueblo man was convicted by a federal jury after he was found with multiple guns and more than 700 fentanyl pills.

In December 2023, a suspect, 45-year-old David Watkins of Pueblo, was arrested by Pueblo police for a counterfeit temporary license plate, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Colorado.

During the stop, police found a loaded handgun in his waistband and a bag and wallet containing $52,000 in cash, 378 fentanyl pills and 25 grams of meth. The prosecutor’s office said police found another gun in his car, several firearm magazines with ammunition, clear baggies and a bag with another 375 fentanyl pills. At Watkins’ hotel, police found a short-barreled rifle and more ammunition.

Prosecutors said Watkins was convicted of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of meth with intent to distribute, being a felon with a weapon and ammunition, possession of a weapon in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle.

“Violent drug dealers have no place in our communities, and we are proud of the team effort involved in getting this repeat offender off the streets,” said Matt Kirsch, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado.