LITTLE ROCK, AR – Two repeat offenders are off the streets and headed for federal prison after each receiving a 180-month (15-year) sentence for illegally possessing firearms. The sentences were handed down today in federal court, marking a win for federal prosecutors determined to target the most dangerous criminals.
Demarcus King, 35, of North Little Rock, and Larry Anthony Smith, 49, of Little Rock, were both designated as “armed career criminals” due to extensive prior convictions. This designation triggered a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, and Judge Kristine G. Baker (King’s case) and Chief United States District Judge D.P. Marshall, Jr. (Smith’s case) imposed the full penalty. Both men will also serve three years of supervised release following their imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Cody Hiland didn’t mince words, stating, “These two cases are perfect examples of how we can use the federal system to target the most violent offenders. These career criminals will spend 15 years in prison, where they will no longer create chaos and danger in our communities. Violent felons should take note that we can and will seek these lengthy sentences for those who make a career out of committing violent crime.”
The details of each case paint a grim picture. King admitted to possessing a loaded 9mm Glock pistol discovered in his bedroom during a parole search on December 4, 2017. He attempted to evade the search by becoming unresponsive, requiring an ambulance trip, but officers still proceeded to his residence with consent from his mother. Smith, on July 12, 2018, was found with a loaded .38 caliber revolver while responding to a disturbance call, initially providing false information to police. King’s prior convictions include delivery of cocaine, residential burglary, and multiple drug offenses. Smith’s rap sheet is even more extensive, boasting convictions for 2nd degree murder, theft, battery, forgery, and simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms.
Both King and Smith pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The prosecution successfully argued that their extensive criminal histories warranted the maximum sentence allowed under the law. These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a Department of Justice program focused on reducing violent crime through coordinated federal, state, and local law enforcement efforts.
The Eastern District of Arkansas U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to aggressively pursue cases involving illegal firearms and violent offenders. Information regarding Project Guardian can be found at https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian. For additional information about the office, visit https://www.justice.gov/edar. Follow them on Twitter @EDARNEWS.
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Key Facts
- State: Arkansas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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