Bradenton drug dealer sentenced to prison after undercover sting, prosecutors say
A Bradenton man has been sentenced to prison on drug trafficking and gun charges.
A Manatee County judge sentenced 25-year-old Albert Thomas Clarke to 7 years after he pleaded no contest to trafficking in fentanyl, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, unlawful use of a two-way communication device and other drug charges.
The maximum sentence for trafficking in fentanyl is up to 30 years in prison with a minimum mandatory of 7 years, according to Florida Statutes.
Court records show Clarke was scheduled to go to trial on Oct. 7, but instead opted to plea no contest to the charges.
Clarke’s attorney, Courtney Benson, told the Bradenton Herald that she and her client were “pleased to have resolved the case for the required minimum mandatory and without additional sanctions. Mr. Clarke looks forward to coming home to his family upon his release.”
Officers with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office arrested Clarke in November 2023 during an undercover drug sting, according to an arrest report.
Detectives said they received Clarke’s number from a “reliable source” who told them he was a “suspected fentanyl dealer.” After conversations over text and in person, an undercover detective said Clarke agreed to sell him fentanyl for $120 and organized a meeting at a Bradenton apartment complex.
The detective wrote in an arrest report that once Clarke arrived, he opened a satchel and removed a bag of white powder that was later confirmed to be fentanyl.
Deputies say they arrested Clarke and found he had 14.3 grams of fentanyl. Clarke also had marijuana and a .22 Glock pistol in his possession, according to an arrest report.
Court records show Clarke has multiple previous felony convictions, including for possession of marijuana, carrying a concealed firearm and fleeing to elude law enforcement.
