Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced the arrest of Ramirez Bradwell, a 37-year-old resident of Apopka, on multiple felony charges related to fentanyl trafficking. Bradwell is being held in pre-trial detention without bond.
“This trafficker is an example of why we are calling for reform of Florida’s insanity defense and mental competency laws,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Repeat offenders who show a complete disregard for human life should not be able to escape accountability. Our office will fight to get this life-long criminal in front of a jury.”
Investigators found that Bradwell had been involved in narcotics trafficking throughout Florida over several years. Authorities also reported that after learning about the investigation, Bradwell threatened his co-conspirators with death.
Bradwell faces charges including Trafficking in Fentanyl (over 28 grams), Conspiracy to Traffic in Fentanyl (over 28 grams), Sale of Fentanyl, and Criminal Use of a Two-Way Communication Device.
According to officials, Bradwell has a lengthy criminal history involving armed robbery, drug offenses, aggravated assault, burglary, possession of illegal firearms, driving under the influence, and fleeing law enforcement. Despite serving two prison terms previously, many subsequent arrests resulted in findings that he was incompetent to stand trial and led to his release from custody.
If convicted on all counts, Bradwell could receive up to 80 years in prison and would face mandatory minimum sentences of 25 years on two key charges. The Office of Statewide Prosecution’s request for no bond was granted at the pretrial detention hearing. Chief Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Brian Fernandes will prosecute the case in Florida’s Second Judicial Circuit.
The Office of the Attorney General plays a role statewide by collaborating with law enforcement through initiatives such as the Back the Blue Campaign and provides resources aimed at community safety across Florida official website. In addition to public service efforts like educational programs against fraud and consumer alerts on scams official website, the office serves residents throughout Florida with various protection services official website.