Convicted Cantonment Felon Sentenced On Federal Armed Drug Distribution Charges
December 17, 2025
A convicted Escambia County felon has been sentenced to federal prison on armed drug distribution charges.
Carlton DeWight Shoemaker, age 51 of Carver Street, previously pleaded guilty in federal court to three counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
He was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison followed by three years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Kent Wetherell II. He had faced up to life in prison.
Using an FDLE documented criminal informant, ATF purchased crack cocaine and methamphetamine on two occasions from Shoemaker in a hotel room , according to federal court documents, and a semi-automatic handgun was presented in the room.
When a search warrant was later served, investigators reported finding 4.5 grams of crack cocaine, 9.5 grams of powder cocaine, three ounces of marijuana pre-packaged for sale, drug paraphernalia, and two firearms with ammunition.
Shoemaker is a convicted felon and has multiple prior convictions, including burglary, grand theft, possession of cocaine, and grand theft of a firearm.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and ATF.
Century High Class Of 1961 Donation To Launch Youth-Led Food Pantry
December 17, 2025
Pastor Evelyn Deterville saw a need in Century, and her nonprofit, Extra Mile Club Str8 Up, officially opened the “Soul Train Club of Century” youth resource center to offer education and outreach.
Upon learning that a crucial food pantry on Pond Street will close at the end of the year, she set out to launch “Str8 Up Blessing” in January. This youth-led food pantry will meet the community’s needs and deliver “Blessing Bags” directly to seniors and families facing emergency food shortages.
On Tuesday morning, the Century High School Class of 1961 made a $500 donation to help establish the new pantry.
“We are humbled and grateful for the Class of 1961,” said Deterville. “Their generosity strengthens our mission to empower youth while meeting the real needs of our elders with dignity and compassion.”
Pictured: Executive Director and local pastor Evelyn Deterville of Extra Mile Club Str8 Up (second from right) accepts a donation from members of the Century High School Class of 1961 on Tuesday morning. (NorthEscambia.com photo)