Marianna Man Sentenced for Armed Drug Trafficking Offenses

Tallahassee, Florida - Michael Termaine Bell, of Marianna, Florida, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of marijuana, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, possession of firearms by a convicted felon, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and 50 grams or more of marijuana. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: "This case was built upon the outstanding investigative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners who dismantled this drug trafficking operation that flooded our streets with deadly drugs. Operation Take Back America is delivering win after win for communities in the Northern District of Florida, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute these offenders to deliver the safe, drug-free streets our citizens deserve."

Court documents reflect that investigators in Jackson County, Florida, obtained information that the defendant was a member of a drug trafficking organization selling illegal narcotics. After several months of investigation, law enforcement obtained a federal search warrant for the defendant's residence and an adjoining family residence in Marianna, Florida. During the execution of the search warrants, investigators located over 1,000 grams of cocaine, five firearms, over 3,000 grams of marijuana, approximately $10,000 in cash, and other evidence of drug distribution. When the defendant was located and arrested a few months later, he was in possession of cocaine, marijuana, and a firearm.

"This sentence reflects the strength of the partnerships between local, state, and federal law enforcement," said Sheriff Donnie Edenfield. "When we work together, we can dismantle drug trafficking operations, remove dangerous offenders from our communities, and make Jackson County a safer place for everyone."

"This joint investigation highlights the value of a collective effort," said Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar, DEA Tampa Field Division. "Working together we were able remove this drug trafficker from our streets and make our North Florida communities much safer."

The case involved a joint investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica S. Etherton and Eric W. Welch.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation's principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of FloridaLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. website. For more information about the United States Attorney's Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.