Friday, August 19, 2005 - An arrest warrant was issued yesterday by the Nassau West Sheriff's Department for the arrest of AWOL Nassau West Secretary of Defense Danny Watkins.

Nassau West President Kelly K. Bartram authorized the issuance of the warrant after reviewing the facts involving the flight of Watkins. "I really hated to do it, as I know Danny's had a lot of problems lately, but the law is the law, and Danny will have to explain himself," Bartram said this afternoon.

The warrant extends to all properties and personnel aligned with Nassau West. This includes the Capitol, all Embassies, and both offices of Huddleston Trucking Service, Inc., one in Phoenix and one in Tucson. If Watkins materializes at any of these locations, he is to be arrested and detained immediately.

According to a Department of Justice source, who requested anonymity, Watkins would likely be transferred to the Capitol to meet with the President to explain his actions. The President has the authority to void the warrant, or to have Watkins incarcerated.

The warrant was issued for dereliction of duty and absence without leave (AWOL). In the event that Watkins were tried and convicted on all counts, he could receive a maximum sentence of ten years in a federal correctional facility and a fine of not more than $2,467.

Watkins recently resigned his position with a trucking company in Phoenix, officially giving them only days notice of his intentions. It has been reported that Watkins has returned to his native state of Illinois. As of the time of this article, the Nassau West Department of Administration has not been able to confirm the whereabouts of Watkins.

Watkins military history is extensive. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps., where he participated in the conflict in Vietnam in the early 70's. His association with Nassau West started when he moved to Arizona in 1997. He was appointed to lead the Nassau West Military Service (NWMS).

In 1999, the NWMS was divided into several branches, including Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. Watkins was commissioned as the top General in the Nassau West Marine Corps., and later named the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Finally, in 2003, Watkins was appointed to the position of Secretary of Defense, and has maintained that position.