Bell Returns to Clearfield DA’s Office
F. Cortez “Chip” Bell III, was sworn in as the new First Assistant District Attorney on April 30 in Clearfield County. From left to right are, Judge Paul E. Cherry, District Attorney Ryan Sayers, Bell and President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman. Bell brings more than 40 years of experience to the position. (Photo courtesy of DA Sayers)
By Julie Rae Rickard
CLEARFIELD – The newest addition to the Clearfield County District Attorney’s office, is someone very qualified for the position.
On April 30, F. Cortez “Chip” Bell III, was officially sworn-in as the new First Assistant District Attorney by Judges Frederic J. Ammerman and Paul E. Cherry.
As the First Assistant District Attorney, Bell will be the second-in-command to District Attorney Ryan Sayers and will act as the district attorney in his absence.
Bell previously served in the same position under former DA William A. Shaw Jr. Bell returns to the Clearfield County prosecution team after spending the last 14 years as the District Court Administrator.
In his storied career, he has also spent time in the public defender’s office, including a stint as the Chief Public Defender.
“Over his forty plus years as an attorney, Bell has dedicated his mind, time, and talents to that of public service in Clearfield County,” said Sayers in a press release.
Bell has tried over 150 criminal jury trials, which included twelve criminal homicide cases, and had the privilege to present oral argument before the United States Supreme Court in Patton v. Yount (1983).
“I am very pleased to have Attorney Bell as my First Assistant and rejoining the District Attorney’s Office.,” Sayers said. “There is no doubt that his years of experience, intelligence, and dedication to the people of this County will be assets this office, especially with the complexity and ever-growing criminal caseload here in Clearfield County.”
Bell commented, “I look forward to working side-by-side with DA Sayers and I am honored to once again serve the people of this County as a prosecutor in the District Attorney’s Office.”
A Clearfield County native who lives with his wife Sandy in Clearfield, Bell graduated from Clearfield Area High School in 1970. Following high school, he attained his bachelor’s degrees in economics and political science from Gettysburg College, his master’s degree in economics from American University in Washington D.C., and his Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine University in California.
Bell is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, the Supreme Court of California, United States Supreme Court, United States District Courts for the Western and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania, and United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
In addition to Sayers, Bell joins Tami Fees, Deputy District Attorney and Brittany N. McCracken, Assistant District Attorney in the office.
Bell is replacing Leanne R. Nedza who left the position at the end of last year to reportedly take a job as a lecturer of criminal justice at Penn State DuBois.