Bradenton Man Arrested For Distributing Methamphetamine Disguised As Candy

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the filing of a criminal complaint charging Jesus Casteyano, a/k/a Jesus Castellano, a/k/a Jesus Castellano-Andrade (53, Bradenton), with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. Casteyano made his initial appearance in federal court yesterday and was detained pending trial.

According to the complaint, Casteyano and others agreed to distribute and distributed 500 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine that was contained in and packaged as retail candy. (Criminal Complaint Exhibit A)

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Perry.