Palmetto dealer sentenced to 10 years for heroin trafficking, other drug charges

BRADENTON -- A Palmetto drug dealer was sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison for heroin trafficking and other drug-related charges.

Bryan Bacon, 28, pleaded no contest in October to trafficking in heroin, two counts sale of heroin, three counts sale of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bacon appeared Friday morning before Circuit Judge Diana Moreland for sentencing.

"Heroin sales in Manatee County have led to a substantial number of overdose deaths," Assistant State Attorney Candace Bartholomew said in a statement. "This is a serious problem in our community. We are pleased that the court recognizes the gravity of the defendant's actions and sentenced him accordingly. Law enforcement's substantial investigative efforts in this case are an important step toward eradicating the local heroin supply."

Bacon was arrested Dec. 12 during a narcotics bust by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at a Palmetto home known for drug sales, which included deals through a walk-up window.

During the raid. Torren Vegas, 29; Roderick Wright, 29; Jonathan Waiters, 33; and Dillon White, 24 were arrested on various drug and weapons charges.

During the investigation, Bacon made multiple drug sales to undercover detectives. At the time of his arrest, Bacon was out of bond on drug charges in another case.

Bacon's prior convictions include possession of cocaine, sale of cocaine, possession of crack cocaine and cannabis and multiple probation violations.

Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. You can follow her on Twitter@JDeLeon1012.

This story was originally published November 20, 2015 at 5:29 PM with the headline "Palmetto dealer sentenced to 10 years for heroin trafficking, other drug charges ."