(PUEBLO, Colo.) — A Pueblo man who was arrested in 2023 has been convicted on multiple drug and firearm charges. In Dec. 2023, the Pueblo Police Department (PPD) stopped 45-year-old David Wayne Watkins for a forged temporary license plate tag. During the stop, Watkins ran from officers before his arrest. When arrested, police found a loaded handgun from his waistband, a bag, and a wallet that together contained $52,000 in cash, 378 fentanyl pulls, and 25 grams of pure methamphetamine. During further investigation of Watkins' vehicle, police found an additional handgun, firearm magazines, ammunition, clear baggies, and another bag that contained 375 fentanyl pills. Another search of his hotel room resulted in the recovery of a short-barreled rifle and more ammunition. “This conviction is a testament to the hard work and perseverance of the Pueblo Police Department’s Investigations Division, and more specifically the gang and narcotics unit,” said Pueblo Police Department Chief of Police Chris Noeller. “I want to commend the US Attorney’s Office and the jury for helping to ensure Mr. Watkins is held accountable for his actions and for working to keep this dangerous criminal off the streets of our community.” Watkins was convicted on five counts including possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of a weapon in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, 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 that was involved in getting this repeat offender off the street,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch. This case is a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence.