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Press Release

Four Individuals Indicted On Heroin Distribution Charges

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Minnesota


MINNEAPOLIS— Recently in federal court, four defendants were charged with heroin distribution in two separate indictments. The first indictment charges Francisco James Bell, 38, of Madison, WI, with two counts of Distribution of Heroin.

Count One of the indictment alleges that on May 20, 2014, Bell distributed approximately 50 grams of heroin. Count Two alleges that on May 30, 2014, Bell distributed approximately 100 grams of heroin. According to an affidavit filed in court, surveillance officers recorded both drug transactions which took place between Bell and a cooperating individual (CI) in a McDonald’s parking lot in Duluth. Bell faces a potential maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”).

The second indictment charges three Minneapolis men in a separate heroin distribution conspiracy. Darnell Travor King, 35, Latese Capree Hudson, 25, and James Purnell Thomas, 43, were charged with one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute over 500 grams of Heroin. The indictment includes three forfeiture allegations related to the drug charges. Upon conviction of either of the counts, the defendants would forfeit $20,455 in U.S. currency seized during a search of the defendants’ apartment, along with a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol. The three defendants face a potential maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to combating heroin trafficking in our state. We will continue working together to prosecute distributors who bring heroin into our communities,” said United States Attorney Andrew Luger.

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey S. Paulsen.

An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to believe that offenses have been committed by a defendant. A defendant, of course, is presumed innocent until he or she pleads guilty or is proven guilty at trial.

 

 

Updated April 30, 2015