Chantze T. Howze, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Arkansas 2022

Chantze T. Howze, a 30-year-old man from Little Rock, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm despite a prior felony conviction. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the U.S. District Court in Hot Springs.

Howze’s journey to prison began on June 23, 2022, when a deputy with the Garland County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop in the 600 block of East Grand Avenue in Hot Springs. The deputy made contact with the driver, Howze, who fled the scene in his vehicle after the deputy returned to his vehicle to investigate the information provided by Howze.

The pursuit that ensued was a harrowing one, with Howze’s vehicle traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour and weaving in and out of traffic. A trooper with the Arkansas State Police assisted in the pursuit, but Howze ultimately lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a motel located at the intersection of East Grand Avenue and Coy Street in Hot Springs.

During the search of the vehicle, authorities discovered 795 grams of marijuana and a Glock 9mm semi-automatic handgun loaded with 18 live rounds. The possession of this firearm was a grave offense, as Howze was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior felony conviction of Possession with Purpose to Deliver Controlled Substance Schedule IV and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia to Manufacture.

U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement, stating that the case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and making communities safer. The Garland County Sheriff’s Department, 18th East Judicial District Drug Task Force, Arkansas State Police, and the 18th East Prosecuting Attorney’s Office investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Daniels prosecuted the case, bringing the evidence to light and securing the maximum sentence for Howze. The 10-year sentence is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement and the justice system in keeping our communities safe from violent crime.

The case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime. The Public Access to Electronic Records website (www.pacer.gov) hosts related court documents for those interested in learning more about the case.

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