ROGER LEE CALDWELL, JR. | Florida Man Sentenced To Life In Prison For Child Exploitation Offenses | Image Showed Him Wearing A “uniquely designed belt” | Autographed Postcard, Signed

Roger Caldwell. Autographed Postcard, Signed. Handwritten, 4 × 6. September 30, 2024. Tampa, FL.

Roger Lee Caldwell, Jr.

Background and Charges

Roger Lee Caldwell, Jr., a resident of Bradenton, Florida, was found guilty by a federal jury on several serious charges related to child sexual abuse. These charges included producing child sexual abuse material, two counts of transporting minors with the intent to engage in sexual activity, and possession of child sexual abuse material. The indictment against Caldwell was issued on May 17, 2023.

Details of the Crimes

The crimes committed by Caldwell were particularly heinous and involved the prolonged sexual abuse of two minor victims over a period of approximately five years. The abuse began when the victims were as young as eight years old. One significant piece of evidence presented at trial was an image produced by Caldwell that depicted one of the victims at the age of nine being forced to engage in a sex act. This image was recovered from Caldwell’s cellphone and showed him wearing a uniquely designed belt that he also wore at the time of his arrest.

In March 2022, Caldwell took both victims on a trip to Ohio where he continued to sexually abuse them multiple times during their stay. Upon returning home to Florida, both victims disclosed the abuse to law enforcement authorities. A critical piece of forensic evidence was provided by one victim who retained underwear worn after the last assault during this trip; DNA analysis confirmed the presence of Caldwell’s semen.

Additionally, law enforcement discovered a collection of child sexual abuse material on a computer seized from Caldwell’s home during their investigation.

Investigation and Prosecution

The case against Roger Lee Caldwell, Jr. was thoroughly investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Bradenton Police Department, Palmetto Police Department, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The prosecution team comprised Assistant United States Attorneys Stacie Harris, Courtney Derry, Abigail King, and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Lisa Thelwell.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. This initiative coordinates efforts among federal, state, and local resources to locate offenders who exploit children and rescue victims.

Sentencing

Following his conviction on February 8, 2024, U.S. District Judge Kathryn K. Mizelle sentenced Roger Lee Caldwell Jr. to life in prison for his crimes involving child sexual exploitation.

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