Antonio DeWayne Watkins Sentenced To 36 Years For Assaulting A Person Assisting Federal Official, Drug Trafficking, And Firearm Crimes

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - On June 24, 2026, Antonio DeWayne Watkins, a/k/a "Tony Bologna" and "Gator Mac," 32 of Chattanooga, was sentenced to 432 months of imprisonment to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, by the Honorable Curtis L. Collier, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee.

Following a four day trial, Watkins was convicted of possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A), possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C), possessing a firearm as a convicted felon in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A), distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A), distributing methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C), and assaulting a person assisting a federal official resulting in bodily injury in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 111(a) and (b).

The evidence presented at trial and sentencing showed that Watkins, a member of the Gangster Disciples criminal street gang, was found in possession of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and a loaded firearm during an encounter with Chattanooga Police Officers in July 2024. Following his arrest and release on bond, Watkins twice sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant. Following federal indictment, United States Magistrate Judge Susan K. Lee ordered Watkins be detained pending trial. While in pretrial detention, Watkins punched a Hamilton County, Tennessee Sheriff's Deputy in the face. The Court found Watkins to be a Career Offender under the United States Sentencing Guidelines based on previous Tennessee convictions for possession of cocaine for resale and voluntary manslaughter.

United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Chattanooga Field Office, Drug Enforcement Administration Chattanooga Resident Office, United States Marshal Service, Chattanooga Police Department, and Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

This case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

Assistant United States Attorneys Scott A. Winne and Kevin T. Brown, and former Special Assistant United States Attorney Raven D. Austin represented the United States.

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