Bradenton meth traffickers plead guilty

US Attorney Roger B. Handberg says Clemente Betancourt (28), Estevan Betancourt (19), Larry Lee Woodard, Jr. (29), Adonis Bonilla (29), Omar Mejia (29), Jesse Leahy (48), and Alexander Perez (30) have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Between March 2022 and May 2023, they were involved in a conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of meth in Bradenton and throughout Manatee County. A search warrant at the Betancourt’s house in Bradenton resulted in the seizure of three guns, approximately one pound of methamphetamine, 22 cellphones, cocaine, and marijuana. Each faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. The U.S. intends to forfeit all property alleged to be traceable to the proceeds of the offenses.

A joint Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, comprised of Homeland Security Investigations Tampa and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigated. The Central Florida Gulf Coast High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), including the Bradenton Police Department, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the North Port Police Department, the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Palmetto Police Department, the Sarasota Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also assisted with the investigation.

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Department of Homeland Security Manatee County Sheriff's Office North Port Police Department Palmetto Police Department Sarasota Police Department