Gulfport Hardware Owner Faces New Charges

The owner of Gulfport Hardware, David Cretella, already awaiting trial for a felony arson charge following the burning of his shop in October 2012, has been arrested again, this time on drug charges, according to police.

Cretella, 64, of Seminole, had already posted $10,000 bail for arson in the second degree following the fire at his shop, at 5006 Gulfport Blvd. S. Cretella entered a "not guilty" plea and waived his right to a speedy trial, according to Gulfport Police. He has a pre-trial hearing set on June 11 at 8:30 a.m.

But in an unrelated incident, Cretella was arrested by Pinellas County Sheriff's deputies Friday, May 10, and charged with possession of methadone, possession of a controlled substance, possession of diazepam and resisting an officer without violence.

Bail is set at $6,150 for all four charges in that case.

Related Articles:

• Gulfport Hardware Owner Charged With Arson After Shop Burns Down
• Fire Destroys Gulfport Business
• Pleasure Doing Business: Gulfport Hardware

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