Two Oak Hill Men Sentenced in Federal Firearms Case After Pawn Shop Break-Ins
Two Oak Hill men have been sentenced in federal court after admitting to illegally possessing firearms stolen during a series of break-ins at a Fayette County pawn shop.
Jawuan Akil Watts, 31, was sentenced Friday to eight years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Lesley Scott Watkins, 50, received three years and ten months, also followed by three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, Watts and multiple accomplices broke into a Fayette County pawn shop three times on July 4, 2024, stealing 33 firearms, ammunition, coins, and a gaming console. Prosecutors say Watts later distributed many of the guns throughout the Oak Hill community, including to people with felony convictions. Watkins came into possession of several of the stolen firearms.
On July 6, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at Watkins’ home after he sold two stolen guns to a confidential informant. Officers seized three firearms, including two stolen from the pawn shop. Authorities say 16 of the stolen guns remain missing.
As part of their guilty pleas, Watts admitted possessing a Heritage Manufacturing Rough Rider .22-caliber revolver and a Colt Peacemaker .22-caliber revolver. Watkins admitted to possessing an HS Product XD-S .45-caliber pistol and a Sig Sauer P220 .45-caliber pistol.
Both men were prohibited from owning firearms due to prior felony convictions. Watts’ record includes burglary, property crimes, and drug offenses. Watkins has a previous conviction for delivery of a controlled substance.
U.S. Attorney Moore Capito praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oak Hill Police Department. U.S. District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentences.
The cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys D. Keith Randolph and Timothy D. Boggess as part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative focused on combating illegal gun possession, violent crime, and transnational criminal activity.