Bradenton Fugitive Captured in Palmetto

BRADENTON, FL — A 63-year-old Bradenton man who has been wanted by federal authorities since May was brought into custody in Palmetto late Tuesday night.

According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the search for Napoleon Harris Sr. began shortly after he was federally indicated on charges related to the sale of crack of cocaine.

“Harris was released on bail with electronic monitoring as a condition of release,” the sheriff’s office explained in an email to media. “Shortly after his release, Harris removed the electronic device and absconded.”

On Tuesday, Sept. 27, Manatee deputies, special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Florida Department of Law Enforcement officers tracked Harris to an address in the 900 block of Eighth Avenue West in Palmetto.

Harris now faces a number of charges related to the original indictment and his escape.

The sheriff’s office said Harris is the father of Nathaniel Harris and Napoleon Harris Jr. The two sons “were recently convicted for their roles in wide-ranging racketeering and drug distribution conspiracies that involved seven murders, firearms offenses and related criminal conduct,” the email noted.

The elder Harris is also the father of Delexsia Harris who was recently convicted on witness tampering and obstruction of justice charges in regard to the large RICO trail, the agency noted.

A booking photo of Napoleon Harris Sr. is not available.

Booking photo courtesy of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office