Bradenton drug dealer sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison

A 43-year-old Bradenton man was sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison on Thursday for dealing heroin, fentanyl and cocaine in Manatee County, according to a release from the U.S. States Attorney’s office in Tampa.

Ronde Yarrell has a litany of prior offenses, including convictions for bank robbery and dealing marijuana. He is a 10-time convicted felon.

As a career offender, Yarrell was qualified for enhanced penalties under federal law.

Yarrell pleaded guilty to the charges in August. He was arrested in late 2018 after selling the drugs to undercover officers on five separate occasions.

U.S District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington handed down the sentence.

“The case is part of the Middle District of Florida’s anti-opioid strategy to combat opioid trafficking and abuse,” the U.S. States Attorney’s office said. “It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David C. Waterman.”