A convicted drug dealer and Monessen native with an extensive criminal history was charged Thursday in a new case.

Darnell Howell, 44, of Ella Street, North Belle Vernon, was accused of drug possession after Monessen police found five bricks – 250 stamp bags – of suspected heroin in a rented vehicle Tuesday.

Howell is on parole for federal drug convictions.

The new charges stem from an ongoing investigation into illegal drug trafficking by city police Lt. James Smith and the state Attorney General's Special Project/Region 5 Violent Crime and Drug Task Force.

Smith and another agent allegedly saw Howell's vehicle parked in the rear of a Summit Avenue residence known for drug trafficking.

Smith said that at 2:40 p.m., they saw Howell drive around the block and stop in the 900 block of Leeds Avenue. He reportedly was seen exchanging something with an unidentified woman, according to a criminal complaint.

Howell, whose driver's license is under suspension, was stopped by Officer John Mitaly for a traffic violation at the intersection of Sixth Street and Schoonmaker Avenue.

During the stop, police learned Howell was driving a vehicle he rented from Ron Bill. Mitaly contacted Bill and told him Howell had a suspended license. Bill reportedly told police to secure the vehicle and seize the keys from Howell, the complaint states.

After Howell was searched, he left the scene with his wife, Victoria Howell, police said.

Around 4 p.m., Bill signed a consent form to permit police to search the car. Officer Aaron Thompson and K-9 Uri were called to assist. Uri indicated three locations were positive for the presence of drugs.

Smith said he found a gray plastic bag with five bricks of suspected heroin under the front passenger seat.

Smith charged Howell with manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

Smith said he requested a warrant for Howell's arrest on the new drug charges from Magisterial District Judge Joseph Dalfonso in Monessen.

Howell has been in and out of jail since 1993 for numerous drug convictions in Allegheny, Washington and Westmoreland counties.

On Oct. 26, 2001, he was arrested during a federal sting operation at the Monroeville Red Roof Inn trying to buy 2½ kilos of cocaine. He had $70,000 with him. He was sentenced to 7½ to 15 years in a state prison and released in January 2012.

In November 2013, Smith arrested Howell on a parole violation.

Stacy Wolford is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-684-2640 or at swolford@tribweb.com.

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