SCRANTON—In a grim blow to Luzerne County’s drug underworld, Omar Bell, 33, of Wilkes-Barre, has pleaded guilty to leading a massive heroin trafficking ring. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Bell confessed to orchestrating the distribution of 100 to 400 grams of heroin, translating to thousands of bags on the street, from February to November 2014.
According to U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Bell admitted to procuring bricks of heroin from Desmond Mercer and his cronies before selling it to Luzerne County customers. The ring’s leader, Mercer, was previously sentenced to 14 years for his part in the conspiracy, while two of Mercer’s associates, Shaliek Stroman and Shaquan Murphy, each received over 12 years. Antuan Jamison, another member, was handed a five-year sentence.
Bell’s sentencing is set for February 9, 2017, where he faces a mandatory minimum of five years with a potential maximum of 40 years in the slammer.
The investigation into Bell’s operation was a collaborative effort by the ATF, Luzerne County DA’s Office, and Kingston Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is handling the prosecution.
This case is part of the nationwide Heroin Initiative, a concerted federal, state, and local law enforcement push to take down heroin traffickers across Pennsylvania. Sentencing will consider Bell’s role in the crime, his history, and societal needs.
Under federal law, Bell could be facing up to 40 years behind bars, supervised release, and a hefty fine.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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