William Eddins, State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit, announced Monday that on Friday, May 1, 2015, a Santa Rosa County Jury found Derek Anthony
Gonzales, 37 years of age, guilty of First Degree Arson, Attempt to Manufacture
Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Reports said on May 21, 2014, Gonzales brought a bag containing an active methamphetamine lab into a room at the Emerald Sands Inn in Milton. The lab exploded and caught on fire burning contents in the room. After the explosion, Gonzales fled the motel, but was subsequently arrested by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. The case was investigated by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office and the State Fire Marshall’s Office.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 26, 2015 before Circuit Judge John Simon, who
presided over the trial. Gonzales is a Habitual Felony Offender and faces a
maximum penalty of 70 years state prison.
Amber Rowland prosecuted the case for the state.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Gonzales found guilty of First Degree Arson