SAVANNAH, AR – Two Arkansas men are trading freedom for federal prison cells after receiving sentences this week for separate firearms violations, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas. The cases highlight the ongoing federal crackdown on illegal gun possession, particularly by those already barred from owning weapons due to prior convictions.
Marcus Dobbins, 34, of Savannah, Arkansas, learned his fate for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Dobbins was caught carrying a handgun inside the Savannah mall – a brazen act that landed him a 70-month sentence. Federal prosecutors didn’t mince words, pointing to Dobbins’ lengthy criminal history as justification for the substantial penalty. He’s been a thorn in the side of law enforcement for years.
The charges against Dobbins stemmed from an incident back in November 2023. Mall security alerted police to a man openly carrying a weapon. When officers approached, Dobbins allegedly attempted to flee, dropping the firearm in the process. The gun, a Glock 23, was later determined to be stolen. The investigation revealed Dobbins had multiple prior felony convictions, disqualifying him from legally possessing any firearm.
In a separate case, a man who fired shots in a neighborhood now faces significant time behind bars. Details surrounding the shooting are still murky, but the damage was done. The U.S. Attorney’s office has not released the name of the second defendant, but confirmed they received a 63-month sentence for being a felon in possession of a firearm. This individual also had a prior record, making the gun charge a serious federal offense.
Federal authorities emphasize that these sentences send a clear message: possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon will not be tolerated. The Eastern District of Arkansas has seen a surge in federal gun crime prosecutions in recent years, driven by a focus on reducing gun violence and targeting repeat offenders. Both Dobbins and the unnamed shooter will serve their sentences in federal correctional facilities.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office declined to comment further on either case, citing the ongoing need to protect the integrity of future investigations. However, sources within the department indicate that more federal gun crime prosecutions are expected in the coming months as the Eastern District continues to prioritize public safety and enforce federal firearms laws. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
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Key Facts
- State: Arkansas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source â†â€â€ÂÂÂ
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