Molino Felon Nabbed By U.S. Marshals Charged With Meth, Fentanyl, Cocaine Trafficking, Weapons Violations
March 21, 2024
A convicted Molino felon nabbed by U.S. Marshals has been accused of trafficking in methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine, and weapons possession after fleeing from deputies.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said he had enough fentanyl in his possession to kill every resident in Escambia County plus 25,000 visitors.
David Denver Holland, 42, was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking in fentanyl, trafficking in cocaine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by convicted felon, possession of drug paraphernalia, fleeing and eluding from a marked patrol vehicle with lights and siren activated, and operating a motor vehicle without a license. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at just over half million dollars. Jail records show he also has a detainer from the U.S. Marshals with an active warrant for federal violation of probation.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies observed Holland around a black BMW 540i parked behind the Red Roof Inn in the area of Wilde Lake Boulevard and Lavelle Way. He then walked to a nearby gas station before returning to the vehicle and driving away, an arrest report states.
Holland then began to travel eastbound on I-10 at speeds over100 mph, deputies said. The deputies attempted a traffic stop with lights and sirens but terminated the pursuit. Holland exited at Highway 29. Deputies later seized the vehicle after it was located parked at a residence on Hope Drive. The observed a man later identified as Holland fleeing from the vehicle. A K-9 was used unusually at the time to locate Holland, and warrants were later issued for his arrest.
A search warrant was obtained for the vehicle, and deputies reported locating illicit items including:
- A safe was located in the trunk containing $14,000, 590 grams of methamphetamine, 170 grams of cocaine and 699.5 grams of fentanyl.
- a black digital scale with residue
- four cell phones
- Four .44 caliber rounds in a bag on top of the center console
- a black Smith & Wesson loaded with seven rounds in the magazine and one round in the chamber.
A U.S. Marshals Task Force later arrested Holland. In his shoulder bag, deputies and marshals reported finding:
- $5,120 in U.S. Currency
- 476.5 grams of methamphetamine
- 41 grams of heroin
- 159.5 grams of cocaine
- miscellaneous drug paraphernalia items
- a smart phone
- a lock picking set
Federal court records show Holland was sentenced in 2019 to 60 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. In 2017, Holland was sentenced to state prison for possession of heroin, possession of cocaine and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.
Editor’s note: The labels on the photograph were added by the ECSO prior to release.
Bike Battery Blamed For Gonzalez House Fire
March 21, 2024
Authorities say a lithium-ion battery was to blame for a house fire in Gonzalez.
Escambia Fire Rescue responded to a residential structure fire at the 8700 block of Chemstrand Road Monday afternoon.
Firefighters arrived to find light smoke from the front door of the single-story home. A resident reported they heard a loud pop and discovered a small fire in the office. The resident was able to stop fire progression with a fire extinguisher, and ECFR was able to remove smoke from inside the home. The occupants were not displaced or injured.
ECFR conducted the investigation and determined a lithium-ion battery for a battery-powered bike caused the fire.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cottage Hill Man Accused Of Local Burglary
March 21, 2024
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Cottage Hill man Wednesday in connection with a local burglary.
Joshua Glenn Mobley, 34, was charged with burglary, criminal mischief $200 to $1,000, and second degree petit theft.
The ECSO said Mobley is responsible for a March 17 burglary in the 1000 block of Grenelefe Drive near McKenzie and Handy roads in Cottage Hill.
Mobley remained in the Escambia County Jail Thursday morning with bond set at $15,000.
Fire Destroys Shed, Spreads To Mobile Home Near Byrneville
March 21, 2024
Fire destroyed a shed near Byrneville Wednesday afternoon that also damaged another nearby home.
Escambia County Fire Rescue responded to a multi-residential structure fire in the 3000 block of Whites Lane about 3:15 p.m. They arrived to find the shed fully involved and that the blaze had spread to a nearby double-wide mobile home with heavy fire.
There was no immediate report of any injuries. There cause of the fire was under investigation.
Whites located on the Florida/Alabama state line off Wawbeek Road north of Highway 168.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Southern Smoke Wins 8U Swing Into Spring Tournament
March 21, 2024
Coach Weaver and his Southern Smoke 8U softball team won the USFA Swing Into Spring Tournament at PARA recently. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Aggie Classic Day Three: Tate Beats Blanchard, Oklahoma 3-2
March 21, 2024
On the third night of the Aggie Classic, Tate defeated the Lions of Blanchard, Oklahoma 3-2 Wednesday.
Blanchard took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the second.
In the third inning, Tate’s Bray Touchstone hit a solo home run to tie it up at 1-1.
The Aggies won 3-2 in the bottom of the ninth with a walk-off error.
In the Aggie Classic championship game Thursday, Tate will face Pace. Both teams were undefeated in the tournament.
Tate Softball Strike Out Cancer Game Rescheduled Due To Weather
March 21, 2024
Tate Aggie softball’s annual Strike Out Cancer Game has been rescheduled due to forecasted weather.
The Lady Aggies will now host the West Florida Jaguars on April 5 at 5 p.m. for junior varsity and 6 p.m. on varsity. The game was originally scheduled for this Friday, but rain is likely.
Full concessions, fish dinners, egg rolls and more will be available for purchase. All gate fees, concessions and donations will benefit the local chapter of the American Cancer Society.
Last year, the Lady Aggies presented a $27,755 donation to the American Cancer Society from the event.
Pictured top: The Tate Lady Aggies Softball team presented their annual Strike Out Cancer donation last year. Pictured below: The Strike Out Cancer game March 31, 2023 at Tate High School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia School Board Recognizes State Champion Tate High Cheerleaders
March 21, 2024
The Escambia County School Board this week recognized the Tate High School cheerleaders for winning the FHSAA Small State Championship in February. It was their third state title. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Allegedly Pointed Gun At Ex-Girlfriend That Checked His Phone, ECSO Says
March 20, 2024
A Cantonment man is accused of pointing a gun at his ex-girlfriend.
Avery Curtis Lockett, 26, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $2,500 bond.
The victim told Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies that Lockett had child porn on his phone and backed his phone up to his laptop, according to an ECSO arrest report.
The victim said Lockett witnessed her looking at his phone, and an argument ensued. She alleged that he fired the gun into the bathroom floor before pointing the gun at her, the report states.
The report does not reflect any child pornography investigation, nor was Lockett Charged with any related offense.
Navy Federal Names New Pensacola Leader
March 20, 2024
Navy Federal Credit Union recently promoted Jackie Biggs to serve as the executive leader for operational campuses and the credit union’s Contact Center Operations (CCO). Biggs, a Pensacola native, takes over for Kara Cardona, who was recently promoted to the role of chief operating officer.
“I started my Navy Federal career in the contact center in 2007, Biggs said. “The opportunity to lead our enterprise CCO and campuses is one I relish because those businesses are where we have a great impact on our members and the communities where we serve. I’m humbled by the opportunity to build on the momentum Kara and other leaders began.”
Biggs is a two-time recipient of the Navy Federal Credit Unions President’s Award for Leadership Excellence, 2013 and 2018, and recipient of the President’s Award for Service Excellence in 2011. He most recently held the position of senior vice president of Contact Center Operations.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Jackie for many years,” said Kara Cardona, COO of Navy Federal. “His passion to serve not only Navy Federal and our members, but also the Pensacola Community, is inspiring. I am confident that his vast leadership experience across multiple lines of business, coupled with his community focus, makes him an ideal leader for this role.”
Biggs most recently served on the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation board, where he chaired the fundraising committee. He was a founding member of the School Partnerships program, where he was instrumental in bringing SkillsUSA to Pensacola.