2 Fentanyl Dealers In Manatee County Sentenced To Federal Prison

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Two fentanyl dealers from Manatee County were sentenced to federal prison Friday by a U.S. district judge, according to a news release from the Department of Justice.

Raphael Simean Bennett, Jr., 35, of Bradenton was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison and Andre Renodd Ackerman, Sr., 34, of Palmetto was sentenced to 30 months for their respective roles in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

Bennett pleaded guilty March 10 to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, four counts of distribution of fentanyl and one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, the DOJ said. Ackerman pleaded guilty March 11 to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and one count of distribution of fentanyl.

Like what you're reading? Invite a friend to subscribe to free Bradenton newsletters and real-time email alerts.

On Aug. 14, 2019, Bennett and Ackerman sold one ounce of fentanyl to a confidential informant in Bradenton. On four other occasions, Bennett sold multiple ounces of fentanyl to the informant, the DOJ said.

Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Bennett’s residence Sept. 5, 2019 and seized 626 grams of cocaine and 8 grams of fentanyl. On July 9, 2020, a deputy from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office lawfully searched Bennett’s car and found 8 grams of fentanyl, 13 grams of heroin and 16 grams of cocaine, the DOJ said.