A Little Rock man, Juantay Jackson, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for illegal gun possession. This sentence will be served consecutively with a previous 10-year sentence, resulting in a total of 20 years in federal prison. The ruling was delivered by United States District Court Chief Judge Kristine G. Baker.
Jackson, aged 37, was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 3, 2023. The charges included being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. He pleaded guilty to the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm on October 19, 2023.
Previously, Jackson faced similar charges on March 6, 2018. These were related to an incident from the previous year when he was found with drugs and firearms in his vehicle. After pleading guilty then as well, he was scheduled for sentencing on May 9, 2019 but failed to appear and evaded arrest until September 8, 2022. His arrest led to another indictment and eventually resulted in his current sentencing.
Judge Baker's recent ruling includes three years of supervised release following the completion of Jackson's prison term. In the federal system where parole is not available, this means Jackson will serve the full duration behind bars.
The investigation into Jackson’s latest offenses involved efforts from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with assistance from North Little Rock police officers. On September 8, 2022, officers attempted to stop Jackson's vehicle; however he fled at high speed before crashing into a light pole and attempting escape on foot. Officers discovered methamphetamine pills during his apprehension and later found additional drugs and firearms upon searching his vehicle.
Assistant United States Attorney Shelby Shelton prosecuted this case against Jackson with investigative support provided by ATF alongside local law enforcement agencies.