Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Methamphetamine and Fentanyl in South Jersey

Joseph Watson admitted to selling nearly a kilogram of meth and fentanyl to an undercover agent during a four-month narcotics operation.

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.

According to court records and statements made during the proceeding, 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 a fine 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, 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.