Bradenton Man Arrested Months After Record Fentanyl Bust
A Bradenton man connected to the largest fentanyl seizure in Manatee County history has been arrested after evading capture for more than four months, authorities said.
Maurice Baxter, 22, was taken into custody Monday and faces a felony charge of selling drugs within 1,000 feet of a place of worship or convenience business, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies had previously named Baxter as a suspect in a March investigation that resulted in the seizure of over $1.7 million in illegal drugs and firearms.
The case began in November when undercover detectives started investigating suspected fentanyl sales from a home on Sixth Street West in Bradenton. Investigators made controlled drug purchases at the residence and identified Baxter as one of the dealers. Detectives later linked him to a broader drug trafficking operation already under surveillance.
On March 13, the sheriff’s SWAT Team executed a search warrant at the property. While Baxter was not present during the raid, another suspect, 40-year-old Tron Williams, was found inside. Authorities discovered a second-floor bedroom containing 12.3 kilograms of fentanyl—including pharmaceutical-grade liquid citrate—as well as 1 kilogram each of cocaine and MDMA, 273 grams of methamphetamine, 822 grams of marijuana, and nearly 30 grams of Adderall.
Firearms and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition were also recovered, including a high-powered FN Five-seven handgun known for its ability to penetrate soft body armor.
Sheriff Rick Wells previously described the fentanyl seizure—worth an estimated $1.4 million on the street—as the most significant in county history. Authorities warned that the amount confiscated had the potential to kill millions.
Williams was arrested at the scene and is currently being held without bond. He faces multiple first-degree felony charges related to drug trafficking and is scheduled for a court hearing on September 30.
Baxter, who remained at large until this week, is now in custody at the Manatee County Jail without bond. The investigation remains ongoing.
