Dejuan Bell, a 33-year-old Nashville resident, faces federal charges following a criminal complaint asserting his possession of a firearm as a felon, intent to distribute oxycodone and cocaine, and possessing a firearm during drug trafficking.
Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee stated, “Our efforts in Operation Bond Watch are designed to keep those with violent histories from possessing firearms and putting our community at risk. A person previously and recently convicted of killing someone should not have a handgun – period.”
Court documents outlined events from March 18, 2025, when Metropolitan Nashville Police Department detectives, deploying Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA) cameras, observed Bell at the James Cayce Homes. Bell's presence was notable due to his involvement in a 2018 Nashville homicide. Upon exiting a Nissan Altima, Bell interacted with individuals on nearby porches despite being on the MDHA “No Trespassing” list and having a suspended driver's license.
MDHA cameras captured Bell exchanging pills and a plastic bag with a truck driver on South Sixth Street, after which Bell pocketed the items and returned to the porches. Bell revisited the Altima multiple times before fleeing on foot when approached by detectives. During his attempted escape, Bell discarded a firearm, identified as a Glock 23 Gen5, .40 caliber pistol, later recovered by police. The gun was reported stolen. After apprehension, a search resulted in finding $2,180 in cash and 4.2 grams of suspected oxycodone pills on Bell.
Inside the Altima, officers, noting the smell of marijuana, conducted a search, revealing separate plastic bags suspected to contain marijuana and 4.5 grams of cocaine, as well as a digital scale. Post being read his Miranda rights, Bell acknowledged his probation status for a manslaughter conviction. He also confessed possession of marijuana and cocaine for sale purposes and admitted buying the weapon locally roughly two weeks prior, fleeing due to carrying the firearm.
Bell's criminal history includes three previous felony convictions in Davidson County Criminal Court: Reckless Aggravated Assault (two-year sentence), Evading Arrest by Motor Vehicle (one-year sentence), and Voluntary Manslaughter (six-year sentence), with probation beginning on October 27, 2023.
If convicted, Bell could face stringent penalties, including 15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine for firearm possession as a felon, up to 20 years and a $1 million fine for drug charges, and 5 years to life imprisonment with a $250,000 fine for firearm possession during drug trafficking.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department are investigating the case, prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel M. Stephens.
The charges fall under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at uniting law enforcement and communities to curb violent crime and gun violence. The program emphasizes trust-building, community support, strategic enforcement, and evaluating results.
It is essential to note that a complaint stands as an allegation, with the defendant presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.