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Date: 06-26-2021
Case Style:
Case Number: 1:19-cr-00042-GNS
Judge: Greg N. Stivers
Court: United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky (Warren County)
Plaintiff's Attorney: United States District Attorney’s Office
Defendant's Attorney:
Description: Bowling Green, Kentucky criminal defense lawyer represented Defendant charged with drug distribution and felony firearm possession.
Donavan Bell, 40, sold greater than five grams of methamphetamine to a confidential source on July 23, 2019. On that date a confidential source was given a recording device by agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the South-Central Kentucky Drug Task Force. The confidential source then drove to Bell’s residence in Simpson County, Kentucky where they picked up Bell and drove him to meet with a methamphetamine dealer. Bell purchased additional methamphetamine and then sold more than five grams of methamphetamine to the confidential source for $250. The entire transaction was video recorded. During the transaction, Bell appeared to have a handgun sitting on the table in front him.
On August 7, 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Bell’s residence in Simpson County, Kentucky. As law enforcement surrounded the house, a Simpson County Sheriff’s Deputy saw an arm throw a bag out of a back window. The bag was recovered and contained greater than five grams of methamphetamine. Law enforcement also located digital scales, money, and two handguns hidden in an air vent. The air vent appeared to have been made to act as a hiding spot for items. The handguns were loaded, and one resembled the firearm seen on video during the controlled purchase conducted on July 23, 2019.
After the jury convicted Bell, they were presented with evidence that Bell had a prior federal conviction for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base in Western District of Kentucky case number 1:08-CR-00007. Due to this prior conviction, and Bell having served more than twelve months for that conviction, and his release from custody on that sentence within fifteen years of the new conviction, Bell will face enhanced penalties.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 16, 2021. Bell faces a mandatory minimum of fifteen years imprisonment due to the enhanced punishments, with a maximum potential penalty of life imprisonment.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and HSI Special Agent in Charge Jerry C. Templet, Jr. made the announcement.
HSI, the South-Central Kentucky Drug Task Force, and the Simpson County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark J. Yurchisin II and Madison Sewell of the Bowling Green U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case with the assistance of Cristy Crockett, paralegal.
21:841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C)-POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE
(1)
21:841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B)(viii) DISTRIBUTION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
(1s)
21:841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B)(viii), and 851-DISTRIBUTION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
(1ss)
21:841(a) and 841(b)(1)(C)-POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE
(2)
21:841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B)(viii) POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITH THE INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE
(2s)
21:841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B)(viii), and 851-POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WITH THE INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE
(2ss)
18:924(c)(1)(A)-POSSESSION OF A FIREARM IN FURTHERANCE OF A DRUG TRAFFICKING CRIME
(3)
18:924(c)(1)(A) POSSESSION OF A FIREARM IN FURTHERANCE OF A DRUG TRAFFICKING CRIME
(3s)
18:924(c)(1)(A)-POSSESSION OF A FIREARM IN FURTHERANCE OF A DRUG TRAFFICKING CRIME
(3ss)
Outcome: Defendant was found guilty.
ORDER by Chief Judge Greg N. Stivers on 6/24/2021 for jury trial held 6/22/2021 and 6/23/2021 as to Donavan Bell. Defendant, Donavan Bell, is adjudicated guilty as to Counts 1, 2, and 3 of the Second Superseding Indictment. Sentencing proceedings are set on 9/16/2021 at 10:00 am CDT, U.S. Courthouse, Bowling Green, Kentucky. Defendant is remanded to the custody of the USMS pending sentencing. cc:counsel (JWM) (Entered: 06/24/2021)
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments: