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Former Pilot Sentenced to 14 Years in 1990s Drug Trafficking Scheme
A former Dallas resident and pilot for a notorious drug trafficking organization has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for his role in a 1990s conspiracy to distribute marijuana and cocaine.
Anthony Harrison Bell, 58, also known as ‘Pajaro’ or ‘Bird,’ pleaded guilty in 1995 to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana and cocaine. However, he absconded and remained a fugitive for 17 years before being arrested in south Florida in 2013.
Bell worked for the Jose Paz Garcia drug trafficking organization, which was led by Jose Paz Garcia. Garcia was convicted at trial in 1996 and sentenced to life in federal prison.
According to Bell’s factual resume, he was employed by Garcia from June 1994 to August 1995 to fly quantities of marijuana and cocaine for distribution and sale to others throughout the U.S. Bell would also transport drug proceeds from Dallas to Garcia and his associates in El Paso.
In one notable instance, Bell used his Cessna 310L aircraft to transport 10 kilograms of cocaine from El Paso to Dallas for Garcia on June 1, 1995. He also flew approximately 140 pounds of marijuana from El Paso to Nebraska, Colorado, and Ohio for redistribution on June 5, 1995.
Bell was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Barbara M. G. Lynn to 168 months in federal prison. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Revesz prosecuting.
Bell’s case serves as a reminder of the long-term consequences of involvement in organized crime. His 17 years on the run only added to the severity of his sentence. As the Grimy Times continues to investigate the inner workings of organized crime in Texas, we will bring you updates on this and other cases.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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