Nashville, Tenn. — A man arrested in East Nashville last month after allegedly making a drug transaction in front of detectives now faces federal charges, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee announced.
On the afternoon of the incident, detectives from the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) observed 33-year-old Dejuan Bell exit a Nissan Altima near the James Cayce Homes. He reportedly approached several individuals sitting on porches before exchanging pills and a plastic bag with the driver of a black truck that had stopped on South Sixth Street.
Upon witnessing the alleged drug transaction, MNPD detectives attempted to make contact with Bell, but he fled the scene. As he ran, Bell reportedly discarded a Glock 23 Gen5, .40 caliber handgun that had been tucked into the waistband of his pants. Authorities later confirmed the firearm had been reported stolen.
In an interview with detectives, Bell reportedly admitted to purchasing the stolen firearm in the Cayce area two weeks earlier. He also stated that his decision to flee was due to the illegal firearm in his possession.
A subsequent search of Bell’s clothing revealed $2,180 in cash along with 4.2 grams of suspected oxycodone pills. Detectives then conducted a probable cause search of the Altima, where they discovered additional evidence, including a digital scale, plastic bags containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana, and a plastic bag with 4.5 grams of a white/grey powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine.
Bell allegedly confessed to detectives that he intended to sell the marijuana and cocaine found in his possession. Further investigation revealed that he had a prior manslaughter conviction and was on probation at the time of the arrest.
In response to the arrest, Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire emphasized the importance of Operation Bond Watch, a federal initiative designed to reduce gun violence by preventing individuals with violent criminal histories from possessing firearms. “A person previously and recently convicted of killing someone should not have a handgun — period,” McGuire stated.
Bell has been formally charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of oxycodone and cocaine with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine for the firearm possession charge. The drug trafficking charges could result in up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine, while the charge related to the possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense could carry a sentence of five years to life in prison, along with a $250,000 fine.
The arrest highlights ongoing efforts by federal and local law enforcement agencies to combat gun violence and drug trafficking in the Nashville area. The case is still under investigation, and Bell remains in custody as legal proceedings continue.
