Nikole Babb
nbabb@cherryroad.com
It was just three years ago that James Brent Watts made an uncommon headline for the small town of Leon in Butler County; shooting at the bank. The story of what conspired before the shooting is what he’s being sentenced for in April.
On March 13, 2022, Butler County Emergency Communications dispatched Butler County Sheriff Deputies to a residence near SE Price Rd and SE 50th St just north of Leon. James’ mother, Brenda, had reported that her 53-year-old son had entered their home, pushing both her and her husband, Stanley down, and had stolen their firearms. The amount of or which firearms were taken was unsure at first, but Brenda reported he had taken multiple firearms that ranged from semi-auto handguns, rifles, shotguns and ammunition.
His mother also reported to deputies that James had a mental illness and shouldn’t be in possession. In addition, she stated she was concerned because James would state that he is God and everyone else is the devil. In numerous court documents filed, James would write notes to the court and refer to himself as “The Lord and Savior Earthly name James Brent Watts.”
As deputies traveled to the residence, James had left in a white Toyota 4-Runner with no license plate. Brenda stated that he could be going back to his residence located on Price Rd but wasn’t sure. Upon arriving at his home, deputies couldn’t locate James. After interviewing both Brenda and her husband Stanley, deputies observed James’ car on his property and attempted contact, but didn’t want to enter the property due to the report of him being in possession of multiple weapons.
On March 17, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office attempted to serve an arrest warrant to James on his property, which led to him leading them in his vehicle into the City of Leon. After multiple attempts to command James to leave his vehicle in a controlled and safe manner, James ignored the commands and attempted to enter Vintage State Bank located at 101 S. Main St in Leon with a handgun in his hands.
After ignoring the deputies next commands to drop his weapon, James continued to open the bank’s door when three deputies opened fire on him, striking him several times and causing injury to his torso. Butler County Emergency Medical Services issued care at the scene and transported James to a nearby hospital where he entered surgery in critical condition. After surgical intervention, James was in stable condition and began the healing process.
No bystanders or other individuals were harmed from the shooting. James was arrested upon his release from the hospital on April 11, 2022.
After three years of court proceedings, James stood before a jury trial this week. He was found guilty of all five charges by the jury. One count of robbery, one count of aggravated burglary, two counts of domestic violence, and one count of felony theft. His sentencing is scheduled for April 7 at 10am.
