By By Mary-Allison Lancaster Managing editor
Man charged with providing drugs to minors
Investigators from the Escambia County Sheriff's Office arrested a local man Thursday for providing cocaine to minors, according to a news release.
John H. Smith, 42, was arrested Jan. 27 at his home on Jay Road. Investigators from the Escambia County Sheriff's office and members of the 21st Judicial Drug Task Force obtained a search warrant when they were tipped off by a concerned parent.
A search warrant was obtained by the sheriff's office and investigators and members of the 21st Judicial Drug Task Force searched Smith's home.
After searching Smith's home, and at the end of the investigation, investigators determined that two, 14-year-old children had been given cocaine by Smith, McMullen said.
A news release said that Smith has been charged with two counts of furnishing illegal drugs to persons under the age of 18, one count of possession of a controlled substance, one count of possession of marijuana second degree and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Smith is currently in the Escambia County Detention Center where a $100,000 bond has been set.
In a separate incident, members of the 21st Judicial Task Force Thursday arrested Gary Reginald Hollins, 42, at his home located at 262 Carver Ave. in Atmore.
Agents from the 21st Judicial Task Force arrested Hollins after obtaining a search warrant. At the time of the search, agents retrieved approximately 18 pounds of marijuana, two handguns, one machine gun and an alleged silencer, according to a news release.
Hollins was charged with trafficking marijuana and felon in possession of a handgun.
According to McMullen, Hollins is currently in the Escambia County Detention Center where a $200,000 bond has been set.