Tampa, Florida – In a major victory for justice, U.S. District Judge Kathryn K. Mizelle today sentenced Roger Lee Caldwell, Jr., 41, of Bradenton, to life in prison for his heinous crimes against two minor victims.
The guilty verdict, handed down by a federal jury on February 8, 2024, came after a lengthy trial that exposed Caldwell’s depraved acts. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Caldwell sexually abused two minor victims over a period of six years, producing and possessing child sexual abuse material.
The evidence revealed that Caldwell, who wore a uniquely designed belt at the time of his arrest, forced one of the minor victims to engage in a sex act, which was later captured in an image recovered from his cell phone. The victims were abused repeatedly by Caldwell, both in state and out, with the final incidents occurring in March 2022.
Upon their return to Florida, both victims disclosed the sexual abuse to family members and law enforcement, leading to Caldwell’s arrest and subsequent investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Bradenton Police Department, the Palmetto Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
The discovery of Caldwell’s collection of child sexual abuse material on a computer located during a search of the family’s home confirmed his sexual interest in children. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stacie B. Harris, Courtney Derry, Abigail King, and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Lisa Thelwell.
As Caldwell begins his life sentence behind bars, the Grimy Times would like to acknowledge the bravery of the two minor victims who came forward to expose Caldwell’s crimes. Their courage will not be forgotten, and it will continue to inspire our efforts to hold perpetrators accountable for their heinous actions.
Related Federal Cases
- Bradenton Child Predator Sentenced to Life Behind Bars · Florida
- Child Porn Ring Busted: Seven Face Life Behind Bars · Florida
- Deported Sex Offender Back Behind Bars · Florida
- Ex-Cop Andrew Hammock Gets 18+ Years for Child Sex Crimes · Washington
- Palm Harbor Man Gets 8 Years for Child Sex Abuse Material · Florida
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Sex CrimesSex CrimesSex CrimesSex Crimes