A 45-year-old man from Monticello, Kentucky, has been sentenced to 18 years and 6 months in prison for his involvement in a major methamphetamine trafficking operation in North Carolina. Mitchell Glenn Bell was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a serious crime that can have devastating consequences for individuals and communities.
According to the court documents, the incident occurred on November 7, 2018, when a deputy with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the motorcycle Bell was riding following a traffic violation. After Bell sped away from the stop, law enforcement located the abandoned motorcycle and began to search for Bell in the nearby woods. The defendant was eventually found and arrested, and a search of his backpack revealed over five kilograms of methamphetamine, digital scales, other drug paraphernalia, ammunition, and multiple fake driver’s licenses, as well as over $11,500 in cash.
Bell pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on January 11, 2021, and was subsequently sentenced to 226 months in prison and five years of supervised release. He is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
Acting U.S. Attorney William T. Stetzer praised the efforts of the DEA and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for their role in investigating and prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Pritchard of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville handled the prosecution.
The case highlights the importance of law enforcement’s efforts to combat methamphetamine trafficking in our communities. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive and destructive substance that can have serious consequences for individuals and families. This sentence sends a strong message that those involved in methamphetamine trafficking will be held accountable for their actions.
The investigation and prosecution of this case were a collaborative effort between the DEA, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Their dedication and hard work helped to bring a serious trafficker to justice and made our communities safer.
For more information, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville at [insert contact information].
Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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