Dejuan Bell, a 33-year-old Nashville resident, has been hit with federal charges including firearm possession by a convicted felon, intent to distribute oxycodone and cocaine, and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. These charges come as part of Operation Bond Watch, aimed at keeping guns out of the hands of individuals with violent pasts. Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire underscored the initiative's objective, stating, "A person previously and recently convicted of killing someone should not have a handgun – period," according to an announcement from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Tennessee.
The charges stem from a March 18 incident captured on surveillance cameras, where Bell was seen engaging in suspicious exchanges at the James Cayce Homes. Known to detectives from a 2018 homicide, Bell's presence at the location was a violation of the MDHA "No Trespassing" list, and he was also driving on a suspended license. During an attempted approach by detectives, Bell fled on foot, discarding a stolen .40 caliber Glock pistol in the process. A search post-arrest led to the discovery of cash and oxycodone pills on his person, whilst marijuana, cocaine, and a digital scale were found in his car, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
When questioned after his arrest, Bell waived his Miranda rights and admitted to his previous manslaughter conviction, for which he was on probation. He confessed to the detectives that he possessed marijuana and cocaine for the purpose of selling, and that his decision to flee stemmed from having the firearm on his person. His criminal history in Davidson County includes convictions for Reckless Aggravated Assault, Evading Arrest by Motor Vehicle, and Voluntary Manslaughter, carrying respective sentences that saw him on probation as of October 27, 2023, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Under the looming threat of federal prosecution, Bell could face significant time behind bars—with the firearm possession charge carrying a maximum 15-year sentence and a quarter-million dollar fine; the drug charges bring the potential for 20 years and a $1 million fine; and using a firearm during drug trafficking might lead to anywhere from five years to life imprisonment, along with another $250,000 fine. The case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that enlists law enforcement at all levels, alongside community support, to combat violent crime and gun violence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel M. Stephens is tasked with the prosecution duties, as announced by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
