Armed Marijuana Dealer to Spend at Least Seven Years in Prison

Isiah Holloway, an armed marijuana dealer with a prior felony record, is off the streets tonight after criminal convictions obtained by District Attorney Charme P. Allen’s Career Gang Unit. A jury convicted Holloway, 32, as-charged of seven crimes, including possessing marijuana in a school-zone with the intent to sell and possessing a firearm as a felon and during the commission of a dangerous felony. Upon the jury’s verdict of guilt, Judge Scott Green revoked Holloway’s bond pending sentencing. Holloway faces a minimum of seven years in state prison. Holloway faces an enhanced sentence due to his criminal history, which includes convictions for dealing cocaine, aggravated assault, illegal possession of a weapon, simple possession, simple assault, driving under the influence, driving on a revoked license, and driving without a license in his possession.

Prosecutor TaKisha Fitzgerald presented the State’s case, which proved that Holloway was stopped by officers with the Knoxville Police Department for speeding within 1000 feet of ABC Kiddie Academy on Linden Avenue on August 20, 2012, at 4:36 p.m. An odor of marijuana emanated from Holloway’s car, and he was unable to provide a driver’s license or proof of insurance. A scale was found in Holloway’s pants pocket and a total of 28.5 grams of marijuana was located in his car. As officers removed the marijuana, they saw the butt of a handgun protruding from underneath the driver’s seat. Officers found a semi-automatic handgun loaded with 18 rounds of .45-caliber ammunition in the magazine and an additional round in the chamber.

“”Today, we see the value of laws that require stiffer sentences for criminals who deal drugs near schools or daycares while carrying a firearm,”” said District Attorney Allen.””I created the Career Gang Unit to deal with offenders whose criminal activity demonstrates that they are better-suited for our prison system-not our streets.””

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.