Jari McMiller is the younger brother of NFL player Sammy Watkins from Fort Myers, Florida. While Sammy found success as a wide receiver for his NFL franchise, while Jari has taken different routes through legal troubles and gang involvement.
Quick Facts About Jari McMiller
| Full Name | Jari McMiller |
| Birthdate | N/A |
| Age | N/A |
| Occupation | Former gang member, currently incarcerated |
| Husband/Wife | Not Known |
| Education | N/A |
| Parents | Nicole McMiller (Mother), Sammy Watkins III (Father) |
| Siblings | Jaylen Watkins (Brother), Markesha McMiller (Sister), Mykelah McMiller (Sister), Sammy Watkins (Brother) |
| Children | N/A |
| Hometown | Fort Myers, Florida |
| Net worth | <$1 million |
Early Life and Family
Jari McMiller hails from Fort Myers, Florida. His parents are Nicole McMiller and Sammy Watkins III and he has three siblings: Jaylen Watkins, Markesha McMiller and Mykelah McMiller (Sammy Watkins being his most notable sibling who made it into the NFL as an athlete).
Gang Involvement and Arrest
Jari McMiller was part of the Lake Boyz, an influential street gang in Fort Myers operating predominantly within Harlem Lakes neighborhood. Over time, however, he became involved with crimes leading to numerous arrests.
Fort Myers Police Department conducted “Operation Great Lakes,” an anti-gang initiative targeting Lake Boyz. Jari McMiller was among 23 individuals identified as suspects; later he surrendered himself.
Criminal Charges
McMiller was charged with multiple criminal offenses over time. This included:
Resisting Arrest (resist) Battery on an Officer (batter) Illegal Possession of Firearm (imprisonment).
Soon thereafter, he became involved in another case when he was charged with being part of a criminal organization, sparking an intense legal battle under RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) which lasted two weeks for trial proceedings.
Trial and Sentencing
Jari McMiller was found guilty in July 2023 and given 18 years of incarceration as well as 12 years probation – an extraordinary legal outcome that transformed his life forever.
Sammy Watkins’ Support
Sammy Watkins Stands By Jari Even during Jari’s legal troubles, Sammy was by his side. Following his arrest, Sammy posted a $1 Million Bond but even with this payment made; Jari wasn’t released from jail.
Sammy had tried to assist Jari before. At one point he took him in for temporary living arrangements up north where Jari tried to put the past behind him by getting regular employment. Unfortunately this did not last.
READ ALSO: Sammy Watkins Net worth, Age, Husband, Family, Facts & More
Impact on Sammy Watkins
Sammy Watkins was deeply affected by Jari’s situation. Sammy has shared how challenging it was growing up in an unsafe neighborhood and how painful it was watching his brother take this path.
Sammy struggled personally as well, the strain of football and dealing with his brother’s issues taking its toll. At times he battled depression; nonetheless he remained focused on his career while continuing to support his family.
Lessons from Their Stories
Jari McMiller and Sammy Watkins’ tale is one of contrast, with one brother achieving greatness in sports while their other fell prey to criminality. Sammy has used his experiences to encourage young people away from gang membership; hoping his journey may inspire children in Fort Myers to choose better paths for themselves.
