Watts could face up to 30 years in federal prison following his conviction.
SPRINGFIELD - Antoine Watts, 33, of Springfield, was convicted in U.S. District Court on charges of distribution of cocaine as a result of his arrest in April, 2009, and could face up to 30 years in prison.
A jury found him guilty of three charges, conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute of a cocaine base, and distribution of a cocaine base.
Watts was arrested on April 16, 2009 after he and another individual worked together to sell at least 5 grams of cocaine to a cooperating witness, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
That other individual was Watt's brother Kenneth L. Hawkins, who died in June, 2009, two months after the arrest.
Hawkins was charged with murder in a Jan. 1, 2007 shoot-out inside Kennedy Fried Chicken on Main Street, a few hours into the new year. Eighteen-year old Kameen Hallett was killed, and five other injured.
Hawkins himself was shot in the neck during the crossfire at the restaruant, and would spend the rest of his life paralyzed from the neck down. State prosecutors declined to take him to trial for the murder, citing the extent and permanent nature of his injuries.
At the time of the arrest in 2009, Hawkins was selling drugs from his bed with Watt's assistance. Unable to move his arms and legs, Hawkins relied on Watts to collect the money and hand out drugs that were stashed under the covers to his bed.
The arrest was the result of an investigation by the FBI's Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force, which is made up of officers from the state police, Springfield police and Hampden County Sheriff's Office.
Judge Michael A. Ponsor has scheduled sentencing for Nov. 15.