Chiefs’ Mike Bell and Twin Brother Convicted on Felony Cocaine Charges

Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Mike Bell and his twin brother, Mark, who had rejected a plea-bargaining offer, were convicted by a federal jury Friday on felony cocaine charges.

U.S. District Judge Sam A. Crow set a July 31 sentencing date. Mike Bell was convicted of two felony counts of using the telephone to distribute cocaine and one of attempting to possess cocaine. His brother was convicted of one count of using the phone to distribute cocaine and one of attempting to possess cocaine.

Each felony count carries a possible maximum penalty of four years in prison and a $30,000 fine. The attempted possession counts, which are misdemeanors, could each carry a maximum one-year prison term and $5,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Ben Burgess said the Bells, like other defendants in a large November cocaine and gambling raid, were offered plea bargains that would have dismissed the felony counts against them, but they chose to stand trial instead.

The 28-year-old brothers denied from the witness stand any involvement in a cocaine transaction on May 2, 1985, that resulted in the charges. A seven-woman, five-man jury took about two hours to convict the brothers.

While Mark Bell is now out of professional football, his brother’s career is jeopardized by the conviction.

“The determination of Mike’s future playing status will be evaluated following completion of the court procedures and a full review by the commissioner’s office,” said Lamar Hunt, owner of the Chiefs.