Dejuan Bell, a 33-year-old Nashville resident, is facing federal charges for gun and drug offenses. Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee announced that Bell has been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and cocaine, and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire stated, “Our efforts in Operation Bond Watch are designed to keep those with violent histories from possessing firearms and putting our community at risk.” He added, “A person previously and recently convicted of killing someone should not have a handgun – period.”
Court documents detailed an incident on March 18, 2025, where Metropolitan Nashville Police Department detectives used cameras from the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA) to observe Bell at the James Cayce Homes. Bell, who had a history involving a 2018 homicide, was seen interacting with people on porches before approaching and exchanging items with the driver of a black truck. Bell, identified as being on the MDHA "No Trespassing" list and driving with a suspended license, fled on foot when approached by detectives. During his flight, Bell discarded a Glock 23 Gen5, .40 caliber pistol, which was later recovered and found to be stolen. On his person, detectives found $2,180 in cash and 4.2 grams of suspected oxycodone pills.
A probable cause search of Bell's vehicle, triggered by a smell of marijuana, uncovered bags of a substance suspected to be marijuana, cocaine, and a digital scale. After his arrest, Bell, who was read his Miranda rights, admitted to prior convictions, including a manslaughter charge for which he was on probation, and confessed to having marijuana and cocaine for sale. He also admitted to purchasing the firearm two weeks earlier in the Cayce area and fleeing because he was armed.
Bell has previously been convicted of Reckless Aggravated Assault, Evading Arrest by Motor Vehicle, and Voluntary Manslaughter, receiving various sentences, including probation. The penalties he faces, if convicted of the current charges, are severe. The firearms charge carries up to 15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine, the drug charge holds a penalty of up to 20 years and a $1 million fine, and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime could result in 5 years to life in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The investigation involves the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel M. Stephens prosecuting the case. The charges are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence.
It is important to note that the complaint is merely an allegation, and Bell is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
