Bradenton Beach resident James Strader faces the commencement of his sentence after a judge denied his request for a modification related to a battery case from April 2020.
Strader sought a modification of his sentence through a motion filed Dec. 13, 2023.
His request was denied Jan. 12 by Judge Frederick Mercurio during court proceedings.
According to the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office, the 12th Judicial Circuit Office of the State Attorney was expected to follow up with an official order for the court to sign.
Strader’s legal troubles began April 22, 2020, when Bradenton Beach police arrested him for felony aggravated battery against two police officers.
The arrest was prompted by a domestic dispute involving Strader and his wife at his residence. Seeking intervention, Strader’s wife approached two Bradenton Beach officers, reporting that he was destroying their belongings.
Officers responded to the residence in the 2300 block of Avenue C, where they encountered James Strader outside. Refusing to engage with the officers, Strader assumed a “fighter-type stance” and attempted to push past them, ultimately striking the officers multiple times. In response, the officers utilized a Taser to subdue Strader and make the arrest.
Following a jury trial at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton Feb. 8, 2022, Strader was found guilty of battery on a law enforcement officer.
During the March sentencing hearing that followed, Mercurio imposed a sentence of 11 months and 29 days in the county jail, with credit for time served, followed by four years of probation.
Additionally, the judge ordered Strader to issue a written apology to his victims and complete anger management therapy as part of his probation terms — after his release.