Mugshot of Jakel Jamel Bell. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. THOMAS — After initially being arrested in March for allegedly smuggling firearms into the territory through the Cyril E. King airport, and subsequently being released in August when charges were dismissed, Jakel Jamel Bell is now facing a similar but expanded set of charges. On Monday night, he turned himself in and was charged with multiple firearm-related offenses, according to court documents.
The preceding dismissal came after prosecutors requested the court to drop the charges without prejudice, emphasizing professional responsibility and the interest of justice. However, the situation took another turn a month later with the issuance of a new arrest warrant against Bell.
Upon presenting himself at the Alexander Farrelly Justice Complex, Bell was charged with two counts each of unauthorized possession of a firearm and failing to report a firearm, alongside charges connected to the illicit importation of firearms.
The court initially set bail at $100,000, but Bell was unable to meet this amount and was transferred to the Bureau of Corrections.
During a court appearance on Wednesday, Magistrate Paula Norkaitis validated all charges against him but opted to reduce the bail to $75,000. This amount can be furnished either in cash or through a property bond.
Should Bell secure his release, he is mandated to provide the court with his residential address, remain within the district, maintain bi-weekly communications with the probation office, stay employed (or actively search for employment if his current job is lost), and hand over both his passport and driver’s license to the court.
Bell's next court date is set for October 13.
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