Convicted fentanyl trafficker gets 35-year sentence

PUNTA GORDA — A convicted drug trafficker was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

Clayton Masumi Waidelich, 34, was convicted in June on charges of trafficking fentanyl, cannabis, and amphetamine, as well as possession of drug paraphernalia.

The 35-year prison term represents the top count of fentanyl trafficking, along with concurrent sentences for the lower offenses.

In addition to his prison sentence, Waidelich will need to complete 10 years of post-prison probation and pay fines totaling $750,000.

Waidelich was arrested in January 2021 by Charlotte County deputies after several vehicles were observed pulling into his driveway.

The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office reported several drivers were observed exchanging drugs with Waidelich.

Deputies also said Waidelich used a drone to observe law enforcement during the operation.

Several suspects were subsequently arrested in traffic stops outside the house, and deputies also secured a search warrant for the property. Fentanyl, amphetamine and other controlled substances were discovered inside.

Assistant State Attorneys Scott Patterson and Kristan Burns prosecuted the case.

Waidelich was previously arrested in North Port in 2018 on charges of grand theft of a vehicle. He posted on Facebook while police were looking for him to apologize to his family.