CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ – Joseph Watson, 38, of Sicklerville in Camden County, pleaded guilty to federal drug distribution charges involving methamphetamine and fentanyl, U.S. Attorney John Giordano announced. Watson entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn in Camden federal court.
Court documents reveal that Watson conspired with Ian Dudley and others to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl across southern New Jersey, including Camden and Gloucester Counties, between June and October 2023. Over the course of the conspiracy, Watson sold approximately 927 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 28 grams of fentanyl to an undercover federal agent.
Watson pleaded guilty to three charges: conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Each charge carries a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison and fines of up to $1,000,000. Sentencing is scheduled for July 29, 2025.
The investigation was led by special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under the direction of L.C. Cheeks, Jr. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph McFarlane in Camden.
Co-defendant Ian Dudley has been charged in connection with the same drug distribution conspiracy and is currently awaiting trial. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case highlights the ongoing federal efforts to dismantle drug trafficking operations and address the dangerous spread of methamphetamine and fentanyl across New Jersey.
