A Norfolk man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Court documents state that on August 7, 2024, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase from Johnathan David Bell, age 36. During the transaction, Bell distributed over 111 grams of methamphetamine and more than one gram of a heroin/fentanyl mixture.
On August 16, detectives observed Bell at a hotel parking lot in Norfolk carrying two backpacks. He placed one backpack inside a vehicle and left with the other before returning to the vehicle later. Detectives detained Bell at the scene. After a narcotics dog alerted to drugs in the vehicle, officers searched it and found the black backpack Bell had previously carried. Inside were nearly 387 grams of methamphetamine, over one gram of heroin/fentanyl mix, drug paraphernalia, a digital scale, and a loaded handgun.
Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Christopher Heck, Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C.; Mark Talbot, Chief of Norfolk Police; and Paul Neudigate, Chief of Virginia Beach Police announced the sentencing after it was handed down by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Darryl J. Mitchell prosecuted the case.
"This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN)."
Further information about this case can be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia or through PACER by searching Case No. 2:25-cr-30.
