Tragedy in Bayou George: Fentanyl Deal Leads to Manslaughter Arrest

BAY COUNTY, FL -  Previously, on September 21, 2022, the Bay County Sheriff's Office was notified that there was a deceased person within a residence on Stockholm Lane in Bayou George. When deputies arrived, the deceased victim was in a bedroom in the home. Items of drug paraphernalia were in the room close to the victim, some of which tested positive for fentanyl.

An investigation began into how the victim obtained the fentanyl. It was learned that the victim's neighbor, Bradley Aaron Gilbert, had been in communication with the victim earlier in the day. Gilbert was located and interviewed by BCSO criminal investigators that night.

Gilbert stated he provided the victim fentanyl earlier on the morning of September 21, 2022, stating that he knew the substance he was providing to the victim contained fentanyl. Further investigation was conducted into Gilbert's sources of obtaining fentanyl during the time period of September to November 2022, which led to other arrests of individuals associated to Gilbert on separate drug related charges.

After time-consuming, extensive analysis and testing of toxicology samples and reviewing communications between Gilbert and the victim, it was determined that the victim died as a result of the fentanyl that had been provided by Bradley Gilbert. Investigators consulted the State Attorney's Office of the 14th Judicial Circuit throughout this investigation for prosecution.

On March 4th, 2025, Bradley Gilbert was located and arrested on an arrest warrant for manslaughter obtained as a result of this investigation. When taken into custody, Gilbert was found to be in possession of prescription pills that were not prescribed to him. Gilbert was booked into the Bay County Jail and charged with manslaughter and possession of a controlled substance.