Gang member sentenced to 36 years for drug trafficking, firearm charges
Courtesy: Federal Marshall
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – On June 24, 2026, 32-year-old Antonio DeWayne Watkins, a/k/a “Tony Bologna” and “Gator Mac,” of Chattanooga, was sentenced to 432 months of imprisonment to
be followed by 10 years of supervised release for drug trafficking, firearm charges, and assault.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Tennessee, 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.
They say 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.
The United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Tennessee says 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.
Following a four day trial, Watkins was convicted of possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, distributing methamphetamine, and assaulting a person assisting a federal official resulting in bodily injury.
