Nathaniel Harris Gets 4 Life Terms for Bradenton Murders

Four life sentences for Nathaniel Harris, 25, a/k/a “Popo,” mark the end of a brutal chapter in Bradenton’s violent crime wave, as federal courts deliver justice in a racketeering conspiracy tied to seven murders, three kidnappings, and years of terror. Harris was sentenced this week by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich following a three-month jury trial that concluded September 8, 2016, with convictions on multiple counts including murder, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses.

Harris was found responsible for the murders of Demetrius Cunningham and Calvin Barnes, among other acts of violence perpetrated by a criminal enterprise that operated across Manatee County from 2006 to 2014. In addition to his life sentences, he received consecutive prison terms of 10 to 25 years for attempted murder, armed kidnapping, and drug and firearms violations. Napoleon Harris, 32, a/k/a “Pole,” also received three life sentences for the murder of Cunningham, racketeering, and drug conspiracy, plus 10 years for being a felon in possession of ammunition.

Charlie Green, 30, aka “Mr. 30N32,” was handed five life sentences for the murders of Joseph Evans and Ceola Lazier, racketeering, drug conspiracy, and armed kidnapping. Jerry Green, 30, a/k/a “Jerk,” received four life terms for killing Ceola Lazier and Carlos Jurado, while Deonte Martin, 27, a/k/a “Tang,” was sentenced to three life terms for the murder of Brenton Coleman and related drug and racketeering offenses, plus 10 to 30 additional years on firearms charges. Corey Harris, 26, aka “James,” was sentenced to 120 years for crack cocaine distribution.

The gang ruled through fear, operating so-called “trap houses” in Bradenton to distribute cocaine, crack, MDMA, oxycodone, and marijuana. Evidence showed they used extreme violence to collect debts, eliminate rivals, and silence witnesses. One victim was shot dead at a community center in front of hundreds of children and parents. Another targeted individual survived but is now paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. The enterprise routinely threatened community members to prevent cooperation with law enforcement.

Nathaniel Harris and Napoleon Harris were also ordered to pay $8,000 in restitution to the family of Demetrius Cunningham. U.S. Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III, declared the sentences “just in light of the scars these defendants inflicted on their community,” vowing continued federal action against violent criminal organizations. “Our thoughts remain with the families of the murdered victims,” Bentley stated.

Special Agent in Charge Daryl McCrary of the ATF-Tampa Division emphasized the agency’s commitment: “These sentences represent a fulfillment of a promise that ATF made to this community to stand by them.” The prosecution, led by the Justice Department’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, included close collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Twelve other members of the enterprise have already pleaded guilty to drug, firearms, and conspiracy charges.

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