In 2012, Anton A. Bell became the first African-American elected to the position as Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Hampton. Commonwealth’s Attorney Bell’s mission is “to persistently prosecute and secure convictions for violent crimes, while steadfastly combating gang related crimes and activities, and proactively serving as a resource for communities as well as youth”. In fulfilling that mission he has restructured the Hampton Commonwealth’s Attorney Office to reflect 21st Century prosecution, focusing on fairness to defendants, assistance for victims, crime prevention and community outreach.
Since taking office in 2012, Mr. Bell has implemented a task force litigation team that has vigorously targeted gun violence, gangs, and drugs, in order to keep our streets safe from violent criminals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney office has also secured a federal grant to protect our most vulnerable citizens through strong prosecutions of gender based violence, domestic abuse, child abuse, and human trafficking. In addition, his office has also implemented new technological procedures and case management systems to meet the overwhelming demands of new trial practices. Thus, allowing the city of Hampton to more effectively prosecute cases involving violent crimes. More importantly, Mr. Bell has partnered with the city’s most valued stakeholders to build bridges between law enforcement and our communities. The Commonwealth’s Attorney Office has proactively addressed the challenges associated with crime and youth violence by partnering with the Hampton Police Department, Hampton City Public Schools, YMCA, Exchange Club, along with church and civic organizations.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Bell is a career prosecutor who has devoted his legal career to public safety throughout the Hampton Roads area. Prior to his election, Commonwealth’s Attorney Bell served the people and the City of Hampton as a prosecutor of violent crimes, homicides, and child molestation cases, as well as the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia as a member of the Peninsula Drug Task Force.
A native and lifelong resident of Hampton Roads, reared by a single mother in the urban settings of Norfolk, Commonwealth Attorney Bell overcame many challenges. As a graduate from Norfolk Catholic High School (now Catholic High school), Bell went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Norfolk State University and earned his Law Degree at North Carolina Central School of Law, where he graduated with Honors.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Bell is an ordained minister at Calvary Revival Church, where he and his wife, Dr. Dawn Yvette Bell actively serve in youth ministries. They have one son, Anton A. Bell Jr.