A 32-year-old Umatilla man with a lengthy list of prior arrests is back behind bars after marijuana was found in his vehicle during a recent traffic stop in Ocklawaha.
Michael Allan Watkins, of 11328 SE 189th Ave., was charged with possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, possession of drug equipment, driving with a suspended license (third or subsequent offense) and driving a vehicle with an unassigned license plate attached to it.
A Marion County sheriff’s deputy observed Watkins traveling east in the 13500 block of E. Highway 25 in a white Ford truck with its tag light out. The license plate was also obstructed by a tinted cover. During the traffic stop, Watkins told the deputy he did not have a valid license and it was suspended for DUI, according to the sheriff’s office report.
Watkins also said the license plate didn’t belong to the vehicle and that he is the one who attached it. The deputy asked Watkins and his passenger to step out of the vehicle. A records search confirmed the plate is not currently assigned to a vehicle and that Watkins’ license was suspended for numerous reasons, the report said.
A search of the vehicle turned up a multi-colored glass pipe that contained a green leafy substance and a multi-colored pouch containing a glass pipe with a burnt residue. The green leafy substance tested positive for marijuana. The passenger said the marijuana and paraphernalia did not belong to her before Watkins spontaneously admitted the items were his, according to the report.
Marion County Jail records show Watkins has been arrested seven prior times on charges including domestic battery, dating violence, grand theft auto, dealing in stolen property, marijuana possession, crimes against a public servant, resisting an officer without violence, driving with a suspended license, failure to register a motor vehicle and DUI with property damage.
Watkins was released Saturday night on $13,000 bond. He will appear in Marion County Court on July 7.