Houston Gregory, a convicted murderer with a history of violent crimes, has been sentenced to an additional 20 years in prison for his involvement in the attempted kidnapping of a family member of a retired law enforcement officer. The sentence was announced by Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and delivered by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr.
Gregory, 49, from North Little Rock but currently serving a life sentence for murder in Florida, was indicted on April 5, 2023. He faced charges of attempted kidnapping and entered a no-contest plea on January 28, 2025.
In November 2022, authorities discovered that Gregory was plotting to kidnap the family member of a retired detective who had played a role in his prosecution for capital murder and other offenses in Arkansas. Gregory's criminal record includes convictions for aggravated robbery and theft, as well as possession of cocaine with intent to deliver. His life sentence is being served in Florida following his involvement in planning an escape from the Arkansas Department of Correction.
During December 2022 and early January 2023, Gregory communicated with an undercover law enforcement officer using contraband devices from prison. He sought assistance in kidnapping the detective’s family member to coerce the detective into providing false testimony that would favor Gregory. The plan involved holding the family member hostage for up to 30 days. Gregory shared personal information about the target with the undercover officer and offered payment for their involvement. On January 6, 2023, he sent a photograph detailing his demands and threats meant for the retired detective.
Alongside the federal sentence, Judge Moody imposed three years of supervised release on Gregory. It should be noted that parole is not available within the federal system.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).