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Bradenton Robbery Suspect Had Arms Cache, Deputies Say

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By HALLE STOCKTON

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Published: August 28, 2008

BRADENTON - A man who is a suspect in an Aug. 18 robbery was arrested Wednesday on several unrelated felony charges as deputies tried to execute a search warrant.

Jessie Valdez Jr., 23, of the 5300 block of 31st Circle East, ran inside his residence with a paper bag at about 5 p.m. Wednesday when deputies arrived to search for the firearm used in the robbery, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said.

Deputies followed Valdez and used a stun gun to prevent him from arming himself, according to a report. The paper bag contained a loaded .45-caliber handgun, deputies reported.

Deputies then searched the apartment and found two handguns, a shotgun, several hundred rounds of ammunition, more than 80 grams of marijuana, 6 grams of cocaine and $600 in cash, according to a report. All items were taken into evidence.

Valdez, who is a convicted felon and not allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition, was arrested on the following charges: carrying a concealed firearm, three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of cocaine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and obstruction.

Valdez was convicted of four counts of burglary in Sarasota County in October 2006.

It is unknown if authorities found the gun that was used in the robbery of a pizza delivery man in mid-August.

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