A repeat narcotics offender has been charged following the seizure of nearly 60 pounds of methamphetamine from a Golden Valley, Minn., apartment last month, which is across the street from a city park and where two children were also present.
Eric Prince Holton Jr., 44, has been charged with two felony counts of first-degree aggravated controlled substance crime involving two aggravating factors.
The criminal charges filed in Hennepin County describe that a search warrant was executed on Aug. 25 after Holton had been observed under surveillance during a pre-warrant investigation. The apartment was being rented by an associate of Holton’s, according to court documents.
During the search conducted by the detectives with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office West Metro Drug Task Force, a black backpack containing several bags of methamphetamine was found along with three digital scales. The backpack matched one being carried by Holton during the prior investigation.
During a further search of the premises, law enforcement also located:
- A large suitcase in the hallway by the kitchen which held multiple bags of methamphetamine;
- Multiple bags of methamphetamine in the master bedroom bathroom;
- Multiple bags of cocaine found under the sink in the master bedroom bathroom;
- Multiple cell phones;
- $16,976 cash.
The total amount of controlled substances found was just over 59.6 pounds, which included 1.9 pounds of cocaine. The amounts demonstrated an intent to sell and that Holton held a higher position in the drug distribution hierarchy, charges say.
At the time the search warrant was executed at an apartment complex across the street from Seeman Park, Holton was present, along with a female and two minor children.
Holton admitted to possessing the methamphetamine and cocaine in the apartment. He admitted the cash was his, and that he did not currently have a job.
Holton has at least four prior felony narcotics convictions, including three for first-degree possession and one for third-degree possession since 2004, as well as a prior conviction for illegally transporting a firearm.
Holton remains in custody on $500,000 bail as well as a Department of Corrections hold, as he is currently on parole from a 2022 drug conviction.
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Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
Crime Watch MN
Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
