beloitman denies guilt in over 20 offenses, including human trafficking, during a court appearance
Charles Anthony Bell, a 59-year-old resident of Rock County, pleaded not guilty to 20 criminal charges, including human trafficking, assault, extortion, and gun-related offenses. The charges were presented in court ahead of the trial, which has yet to be scheduled.
Bell stands accused of trafficking a woman for commercial sex acts while using threats and violence to control her. The alleged incidents occurred between November 2024 and January 2025. During this period, Bell is said to have assaulted the victim, restricted her movements, and forced her into prostitution while keeping the money.
In addition to the human trafficking charge (a Class D Felony, punishable by up to 25 years in prison), Bell faces an additional charge of Strangulation & Suffocation (Class H Felony, up to 6 years). He also faces a charge of Second-Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety (Class G Felony, up to 10 years per count).
Authorities believe that Bell's previous convictions may increase possible penalties. The details of these convictions were not disclosed in the available search results.
Bell is also accused of Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place (Class I Felony, up to 3.5 years). Two men reported being lured to Bell's home under false pretenses, assaulted, held at gunpoint, and extorted for money. One of the men claimed Bell fired a gun at him before they managed to escape and call the police.
Police reported recovering an allegedly stolen firearm, bullet casings, a notebook listing financial transactions, and physical evidence of prostitution from Bell's home. When officers arrived at Bell's home on Hayfield Lane, no one was there, but they later found him and the female victim at a neighbor's house.
Bell has been charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon (Class G Felony, up to 10 years). He has been granted a cash bond of $100,000.
Multiple misdemeanor charges have been filed against Bell for battery, disorderly conduct, and criminal damage. Investigators stated that Bell's account of self-defence against the two men was contradicted by the woman's account and the victims' statements.
The female victim was found with Bell at a neighbor's house after police arrived at his home. The specifics of her involvement in these events have not been made public.
