THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT 
                                     “To Protect and Serve” 
       Office of the Commissioner 
 
 
AAF Justice Complex, 5400 Veterans Drive St. Thomas, 00802 * (340) 774-2211 
Administrative Services Building 45 Mars Hill, Frederiksted St. Croix, 00840 * (340) 778-2211 
 
www.vipd.vi.gov 
 
VIPD NEWS RELEASE - 042023-114 
For Immediate Media Distribution 
 
April 20, 2023  
 
Man Charged for Illegal Importation of Firearm on St. Thomas 
 
St. Thomas, USVI - As part of an ongoing criminal investigation, it was revealed that Jakel 
J. Bell engaged in the Illegal Importation of a Firearm without a License and aided and 
abetted the importation of the firearms(s). Mr. Bell also conspired to import the firearms(s) 
without a license with the assistance from another. An arrest warrant was issued by the 
Magistrate Court, St. Thomas/St. John District and 29-year-old, Jakel Bell was taken into 
custody without incident on April 20, 2023. Bell was charged with Importation of a Firearm 
Without a License, Aiding and Abetting and Conspiracy to Import Firearms without a 
License. Bail was $75,000.00. Bell was turned over to the Bureau of Corrections pending his 
Advice of Rights. 
 
This case is presently under investigation by the Criminal Investigation Bureau. Anyone with 
information regarding this incident can contact the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 
(340)774-2211, ext. 5576/5572. They can also contact 911, Crime Stoppers V.I. at 
1(800)222-TIPS, the Chief’s Office at (340)715-5548 or the Commissioner’s Office at 
(340)715-5506. 
 
 
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