Bradenton heroin trafficking suspect ordered to prove bond money comes from legal sources

Bradenton heroin trafficking suspect ordered to prove bond money comes from legal sources

MANATEE -- A Bradenton man charged with heroin trafficking and other drug charges will have to prove his funds are from legal sources before he can bond out of jail.

At midnight Monday, a deputy attempted a stop a vehicle driven by 48-year-old Everett Edwards in the 3300 block of 12th Street Court East in Bradenton. Edwards pulled over and ran but deputy Curtis Briles quickly caught him.

About 54 grams of heroin was found during a search of the area where Edwards had run, rock cocaine was found in the vehicle and the suspect was carrying $1,800, according to the sheriff's office.

Edwards is charged with trafficking in heroin, possession of rock cocaine and driving with a suspended license with knowledge.

Edwards made a first appearance Tuesday afternoon before Circuit Judge John Lakin, who ordered, at the request of the State Attorney's Office, a hearing where Edwards must prove any bond money was obtained by legitimate means.

"The significant drug trafficking in this community is of great concern to the court," Lakin said.

Lakin said he made his decision based on the Edwards' criminal history and the case circumstances. The prosecutor listed dozens of Edwards' arrests, including charges of violation of probation, failure to appear, possession of cocaine, petty theft, aggravated assault, possession of marijuana and resisting with violence.

Edwards snickered when the prosecutor finished listing his prior arrests.

Despite his extensive criminal history, the public defender still requested a reasonable bond be set as Edwards has long ties to the community.

With eight charges of failing to appear in court, the prosecutor objected saying Edwards was a flight risk.

Edwards, held at the Manatee County jail on bonds totaling $103,000, will remain in jail until after the hearing on the bond money.

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 January 5, 2016 at 5:43 PM with the headline "Bradenton heroin trafficking suspect ordered to prove bond money comes from legal sources ."