Leader of a Drug Trafficking Organization Which Operated Out of the Former Victory Inn Was Sentenced to 28 Years in Federal Prison

DETROIT - Darrick Bell, the leader of a large-scale drug conspiracy that operated out of the former Victory Inn hotel in Dearborn, Michigan, was sentenced today to 28 years in prison based on his conviction on drug trafficking charges, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.

Joining Ison in the announcement was Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, Detroit, Charles Miller, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Detroit Field Office and Chief James White, Detroit Police Department.

Bell, age 55, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Mark A. Goldsmith.

The charges on which Bell was convicted stemmed from the operation of a large-scale drug operation Bell created utilizing the Victory Inn, a motel formerly located next to the main drag for prostitution on Michigan Avenue.

The trial, which began on April 12, 2022, and concluded on June 2, 2022, involved more than 20 witnesses, including several of Bell's co-conspirators and victims, along with hundreds of exhibits. The jury convicted Bell on three drug-related counts. The jury acquitted Bell on one count involving sex trafficking and was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the remaining four counts involving sex trafficking.

The evidence presented at trial showed that as a part of the drug conspiracy, Bell sold drugs to vulnerable women to control them and used them to keep drug customers coming to the Victory Inn. Bell turned the Victory Inn into his own drug distribution business by gaining control of rooms at the hotel and moving his drug-dealing co-conspirators onto the premises. According to witness testimony, Bell employed drug dealers and enforcers to use manipulation, drugs, and violence to control the Victory Inn. There was often no vacancy at the Victory Inn because the rooms were full of women and victims living in unspeakable conditions as severe drug addicts. Bell would supply drugs to these women. The women would use the drugs, engage in commercial sex acts, and then would use the money from their dates to purchase more drugs. The women were trapped in a vicious cycle of addiction, which Bell exploited for financial gain. Bell and his co-conspirators would use violence or the threat of violence to ensure that the women continuously paid their ever-growing drug debt. This would include physically striking them or withholding drugs so they would go through excruciating withdrawal symptoms. In one instance, Bell shaved the head of one of the women.

"Today's sentencing closes a chapter on the house of horrors that was the Victory Inn. Just as the motel was demolished, so too was the drug network Bell had organized and led for nearly a year. Bell's rein and control over the women living at the Victory Inn was nothing short of abhorrent," said U.S. Attorney Ison. "Bell's attempt at evading justice for over two and a half years failed, and he will now spend the next 35 years in prison for his actions."

"This sentencing is the culmination of years of hard work from the men and women of HSI Detroit," said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. "I commend the HSI special agents, law enforcement partners, prosecutors, and support personnel who were relentless in their pursuit of justice. We must remain vigilant moving forward and ensure that similar trafficking organizations are promptly reported and dismantled before they can take root in our communities. Lastly and most importantly, it is my hope that this sentence brings some measure of comfort and resolution to the victims in this case."

"Today's sentencing shows the power that law enforcement collaboration has to protect victims by stopping violent criminals who believe they can commit heinous acts without consequence," said Chief James E. White. "The hardworking women and men of the Detroit Police Department remain committed to working with our partners to root out violence and make Detroit a safer place for all."

This investigation resulted in 9 individuals being charged with various drug and sex trafficking offenses. The remaining defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by agents of Homeland Security Investigations.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome Gorgon, Matthew Roth, Blake Hatlem, and Lisandra Fernandez-Silber.