Bradenton man convicted in armed trafficking case after I-75 stop, records show
A Manatee County jury convicted a Bradenton man of armed drug trafficking and multiple gun charges tied to a January 2024 traffic stop on Interstate 75.
After a two-day trial, jurors found William Henry Caldwell IV, 37, guilty of armed trafficking in phenethylamines, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to court records.
The trial was held Dec. 18 and 19 at the Manatee County Courthouse. The offenses carry a maximum possible sentence of life in prison and a minimum mandatory sentence of seven years. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2026, court records show.
An attorney representing Caldwell did not immediately respond to the Bradenton Herald’s request for comment.
FHP traffic stop leads to drug arrest
According to an arrest report, the charges stem from a Jan. 11, 2024 traffic stop investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Troopers said they stopped Caldwell’s vehicle after determining the window tint was illegally dark. During a search of the vehicle, investigators said they found 219 grams of dimethylpentylone, a synthetic stimulant similar to MDMA, along with a loaded firearm that had been modified to function as a fully automatic weapon and a significant amount of cash.
An arrest report states that troopers became suspicious after Caldwell made movements inside the vehicle before stopping and appeared visibly nervous during the encounter. A K-9 unit later alerted troopers to the presence of narcotics, prompting a search, according to FHP .
Court records show Caldwell had a prior felony conviction for fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement in 2013, which barred him from legally possessing a firearm.
According to court records, Caldwell unsuccessfully sought to suppress evidence seized during the traffic stop, including the drugs, firearm, cash and data from multiple cell phones. Senior Judge Charles E. Roberts denied that motion, allowing prosecutors to present the evidence to the jury. After the guilty verdicts, the court revoked Caldwell’s bond and remanded him into custody pending sentencing.
This story was originally published December 25, 2025 at 5:50 AM.
