Bradenton man sentenced to life in prison for child abuse

BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB) – Roger Lee Caldwell Jr. of Bradenton has been sentenced to life in prison for producing child sexual abuse material, transporting a minor with the intent to engage in sexual activity and possession of child sexual abuse material.

Caldwell was found guilty by a federal jury on February 8, 2024.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Caldwell sexually abused two underage victims over a six-year period and produced an image of one of the underage victims while forcing the victim to perform a sexual act. The image, recovered from Caldwell’s cellphone, shows Caldwell wearing a uniquely designed belt, the same belt Caldwell was wearing at the time of his arrest.

In March 2022, Caldwell traveled alone with both victims to another state, where he repeatedly sexually abused them. After returning to Florida, both victims disclosed the sexual abuse to family members and law enforcement.

Caldwell’s sexual interest in children was confirmed when law enforcement discovered his collection of child sexual abuse material on a computer during a search of the family’s home.

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