CROWN POINT — A Lake County jury has found Dennis Bell guilty on 11 criminal counts, including three counts of Dealing in Methamphetamine as Level 2 felonies, following an investigation that uncovered large quantities of narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm inside a Gary residence.
Lake County Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter announced the verdict Tuesday, stating Bell was convicted after a jury trial in Lake Superior Court. In addition to the three dealing convictions, Bell was found guilty of Possession of Methamphetamine as a Level 3 felony, Possession of Cocaine as a Level 6 felony, Unlawful Possession of a Syringe as a Level 6 felony, Maintaining a Common Nuisance as a Level 6 felony, and four misdemeanor possession-related offenses.
“This verdict reflects the serious consequences of dealing dangerous narcotics in our communities,” Carter said in a statement. “Methamphetamine continues to devastate families and neighborhoods across Lake County, and our office remains committed to holding drug traffickers accountable.”
According to court documents, the case stemmed from a 2023 investigation conducted by the Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group (PCMEG). Detectives utilized a confidential informant who reported being able to purchase methamphetamine from Bell at a residence in the 2700 block of King Street in Gary.
Investigators conducted controlled purchases on May 17 and June 8, 2023. Detectives reported that the informant returned with methamphetamine allegedly purchased directly from Bell.
The first transaction yielded approximately 13.9 grams of methamphetamine, while the second involved approximately 12.1 grams. In both instances, Bell was identified by the informant through a photo lineup, and investigators said video evidence corroborated the transactions.
Following the controlled purchases, detectives obtained and executed a search warrant at the King Street residence on June 21, 2023.
During the search, Bell allegedly admitted to investigators that he both sold and used narcotics. Court records state Bell informed detectives he had approximately three ounces of methamphetamine stored in a safe, along with various prescription medications and fentanyl patches.
Inside the bedroom Bell identified as his own, investigators located a safe containing approximately 111 grams of methamphetamine, a .45 caliber handgun, MDMA, heroin, and numerous prescription medications. Detectives also recovered multiple hypodermic needles, digital scales, four cell phones, and drug paraphernalia commonly associated with the use and distribution of methamphetamine.
Investigators further alleged the quantity of narcotics recovered, combined with the presence of scales, multiple phones, and packaging materials, indicated Bell possessed several controlled substances with the intent to deliver them.
The Lake County Prosecutor’s Office credited the work of PCMEG investigators, including Special Agent Clayton Poore, Corporal Mark Speckhard, Captain Matthew Edwards, Aaron Miersma, Trevor Cutis, and Aleea Rech, for their roles in the investigation.
Bell is scheduled to be sentenced on June 30, 2026.
