State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that William Henry Caldwell IV was convicted after jury trial of Armed Trafficking In Phenethylamines; Possession Of Firearm During Commission Of Felony; and Possession Of A Firearm By A Convicted Felon.  The crimes were committed on January 11, 2024 and investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol.  The trial was held at the Manatee County Courthouse on December 18 and 19, 2025.

The crimes carry a maximum possible sentence of life.

The minimum mandatory sentence is 7 years.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 3, 2026.

On January 11, 2024, the defendant was stopped by FHP due to illegal tint on his vehicle windows. A search of that vehicle uncovered 219 grams of dimethylpentylone (similar to MDMA), a loaded firearm that had been modified to be fully automatic, and a significant amount of cash.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Candice Bartholomew commented, “Thanks to law enforcement and the jury verdict, another illegal gun and a significant amount of drugs were removed from the streets of our community.”

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact the Manatee County office at 941-747-3077