Posted by Cape Cod Daily News via Hyannis News
Friday December 29, 2023 (4 months ago)
BARNSTABLE, Massachusetts – The following is a “statement of facts only” filed in Falmouth District Court by Sergeant Michael Assad of the Mashpee Police Department:
“On 12/19/2023, at approximately 1446 hours, members of the DEA Cape Cod Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 7 Savannas Path and 19 Lakewood Drive, both located within the Town of Mashpee. The target of the investigation was Jarran Watkins. A large amount of US Currency was located at 19 Lakewood Drive, Mashpee, MA. A large amount of narcotics were located at 7 Savannas Path, Mashpee, MA. Approximately 222 grams of a brownish powdery substance (Suspected Heroin/Fentanyl) was located inside the residence. The brownish powdery substance came back with a positive field test for Heroin via the TruNarc. [HN NOTE: According to online sources, TruNarc is a portable drug test analyzer with lab-standard accuracy…] Watkins was also found to be in possession of four (4) rounds of 9mm ammunition. Watkins does not have a license to carry or posses ammunition and is a convicted felon. All evidence seized was transported to Dennis Police Department and secured.
Watkins did commit the crime of Drug Trafficking with intent to manufacture, distribute, dispense, or cultivate a Class A Drug, to wit Heroin/Fentanyl, over 200 grams (94c s 32E). Watkins did also possess four (4) rounds of 9mm ammunition, without having a license to carry a firearm of ammunition (c. 269 s. 10).”
In a media statement, Cape & Islands District Attorney Robert J. Galibois announced that on December 27, 2023, Jarran Watkins, 36 years old, of Mashpee, was held without bail on dangerousness in the Falmouth District Court on charges of Trafficking in 200 grams or more heroin/ morphine/ opium/ Fentanyl and possess ammunition without FID card.
According to District Attorney Galibois, the charges are from an investigation conducted by the Federal Drug Task Force and resulted in a search warrant affidavit authored by Det. Sullivan of the Dennis Police Department. Deputies from the Barnstable Sheriff’s Department, along with members of Bourne, Sandwich, Yarmouth, Dennis, Massachusetts State Police, and Barnstable Police Departments actively participated in this investigation.
The DA says the case will be prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michael Giardino. Mr. Watkins is due back in the Falmouth District Court on January 23, 2024, for a Probable Cause Hearing.
Watkins faces a minimum of 12 years and as many as 20 years in state prison if convicted. According to state law [G.L. 94c s.32E(c)], no sentence may be imposed that is less than 12 years imprisonment. If convicted, Watkins may also be fined between $50,000 to $500,000 in addition to imprisonment. The law states that no fine may be in lieu of the 12 year minimum imprisonment.
Watkins is currently being held in the Barnstable County Correctional Facility, according to court documents.
* The details contained in the above HN report are based on court documents, a media statement from the district attorney’s office, and online sources. Mr. Watkins is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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