Juan “Shug” Watkins Sr. announced his candidacy for Sheriff of St. John the Baptist Parish.

After serving the citizens of St. John the Baptist Parish for 30 years, Sergeant Juan “Shug” Watkins Sr. (Ret.) is considered one of the most well-known and well-respected individuals throughout the River Parishes.

During his years of service, Watkins graduated in the First D.A.R.E. Program in the State of Louisiana.

Watkins was a shift commander and was awarded Deputy of the Year in 1997.

He was promoted to the rank of a Captain while in the Detective Bureau commanding the Persons and Crimes Division for SJSO.

He is a 1984 graduate of East St. John High School and received his Criminal Justice degree from Grambling State University in Grambling in 1988.

In 1989, Watkins began his law enforcement career with SJSO under the administration of then Sheriff Lloyd B. Johnson.

Watkins is a graduate of LSU Basic Law Enforcement Academy, where he received his Peace Office Standards and Training Certification.

He has numerous hours of training certifications and certificates in law enforcement.

He is a lifelong resident of St. John.

He has been married to his wife, Penny Davis Watkins, for 25 years. They have two children and two grandchildren.

He is a member of Powerhouse Christian Church, under the leadership of Pastor Randolph Anthony.

To learn more about Sergeant Juan “Shug” Watkins Sr. (Ret.) and his campaign, visit his Facebook page @Juan “Shug” Watkins for Sheriff or if you would like to join the Committee to Elect Juan “Shug” Watkins for Sheriff, kindly send an email with your contact info to Juanshugwatkins4sheriff@gmail.com.