A federal judge has sentenced David Watkins, 31, to 81 months in federal prison for aggravated identity theft, bank fraud, and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced today.
Watkins' criminal activities began on June 28, 2022, when Bartlett Police responded to a burglary at Keytrader, an automotive locksmith business, where equipment and key fobs were stolen. A dropped cell phone at the scene helped investigators identify Watkins as a suspect. Subsequent search warrants at his associated addresses uncovered the stolen items and documentation detailing vehicle theft, bank fraud, and identity theft.
Further investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Social Security Administration revealed Watkins used personal identifying information to create fraudulent bank accounts, making unauthorized withdrawals into accounts he controlled. He also possessed numerous counterfeit and unauthorized social security numbers with intent to commit fraud.
Watkins was apprehended twice while in possession of stolen vehicles and firearms. On July 27, 2022, he fled from officers, dropping a 9mm pistol and key programmers. Again, on February 23, 2023, he fled from Memphis Police, tossing another 9mm pistol while driving a stolen Mercedes G500. Watkins pled guilty on January 9, 2026, and was sentenced on June 24, 2026, by United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker, followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “Watkins’ diversified portfolio of criminality finally caught up with him. He is clearly an opportunist who was willing to repeatedly victimize and endanger citizens by any means available, and this federal prison sentence is well deserved.” This case was investigated by the Bartlett Police Department, Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Social Security Administration.