Seattle – A 31-year-old Federal Way, Washington resident was arrested this morning in Fife, Washington, following his indictment for possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Donald “DJ” Watters came to the attention of Federal Way Police after they were called to the scene of a fatal shooting at an apartment complex on November 19, 2021. Watters appeared today and entered pleas of “Not Guilty.” He remains detained pending trial scheduled for December 5, 2022.
According to police reports at the time of the shooting, the shooting victim and others had gone to the apartment Watters shared with his girlfriend to purchase drugs. The shooting occurred in the parking lot of the apartment complex. After the shooting, investigators located drugs and guns in Watters’ apartment. The indictment charges Watters with possessing distribution amounts of methamphetamine and possession of a black Sig Sauer 9mm handgun, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Due to the drug quantities involved Watters faces a mandatory minimum five years in prison and up to 40 years in prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime is punishable by a mandatory minimum five years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed.
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Way Police Department and the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William Dreher.