A Lexington man accused of running a large methamphetamine and firearms trafficking operation has agreed to plead guilty to six federal felony charges, according to a plea agreement filed this week in U.S. District Court.
Martaveus Lee Bell Jr. is set to plead guilty to distributing large quantities of methamphetamine, possessing meth with intent to distribute, trafficking firearms, possessing a gun as a convicted felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. In exchange, federal prosecutors agreed to dismiss four other counts, court records show.
Bell was originally indicted last summer after a months-long investigation involving confidential informants, controlled drug buys, and a search of his residence. Prosecutors allege Bell sold hundreds of grams of high-purity methamphetamine during multiple transactions in Fayette County between February and March 2025, and later sold two handguns to an informant after being told the buyer was a felon.
Agents executing a federal search warrant at Bell’s residence on June 5, 2025, seized more than 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, additional fentanyl, two stolen handguns — both loaded — assorted ammunition, and more than $20,000 in cash, according to court filings. Bell later admitted to investigators that he kept firearms for protection while trafficking drugs, prosecutors said.
Bell has been held in custody since his arrest. His case was assigned to U.S. District Judge Karen K. Caldwell.
In October, Caldwell rejected a series of defense motions seeking to suppress evidence, compel additional discovery, and dismiss the firearms charges on constitutional grounds. In a 17-page ruling, the judge found that investigators lawfully used pole-camera surveillance, had sufficient probable cause to search the residence, and properly charged Bell under federal gun and drug statutes.
Under the plea agreement, Bell will plead guilty to six counts, including one charge that carries a mandatory consecutive prison sentence for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Prosecutors also filed notice that Bell may face enhanced penalties based on a prior first-degree manslaughter conviction in Fayette County — an issue the defense has reserved the right to challenge at sentencing.
The drug charges alone carry mandatory minimum sentences of at least 10 years in prison, with the government arguing Bell is subject to a higher minimum of 15 years. The firearm charge tied to drug trafficking carries an additional mandatory five-year sentence that must be served consecutively. Sentencing guidelines calculations will be addressed later, and the final sentence will be determined by the court.
Bell is scheduled to be rearraigned on Feb. 4, at which point he is expected to formally enter his guilty plea. His jury trial, previously set for Feb. 9, has been canceled.
