LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS – In a shocking display of disregard for the law, Shabazz Naeem Caradine, a 35-year-old North Little Rock resident, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a machinegun.
The case against Caradine began on August 16, 2024, when officers with the North Little Rock Police Department observed him riding a bicycle without a red light on the back in the middle of Highway 161. During the stop, Caradine became agitated and attempted to flee on foot, dropping a Glock 19 9mm firearm with a machinegun conversion device attached along the way.
Caradine, who has at least three prior convictions for violent felony offenses, admitted to purchasing the firearm and knew that it had a machinegun conversion device attached and how it functioned. His extensive criminal history includes convictions for residential burglary, theft of property, aggravated assault, first-degree terroristic threatening, aggravated assault on a family or household member, third-degree domestic battery, and fleeing.
On October 16, 2025, Caradine pleaded guilty to the two-count indictment for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a machinegun. In addition to the 15-year sentence, Caradine also received a 10-year sentence for possession of a machinegun, with the two sentences to be served concurrently. Judge D. P. Marshall, Jr. also sentenced Caradine to three years’ supervised release for each count.
An investigation revealed that Caradine’s actions were a clear threat to public safety, and his sentencing serves as a reminder that those who choose to disregard the law will face severe consequences. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the North Little Rock Police Department, worked tirelessly to bring Caradine to justice.
Caradine, an armed career criminal, will serve his sentence at a federal correctional facility. His case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of firearms in the wrong hands and the importance of community policing.
Defendant: Shabazz Naeem Caradine
Criminal Charges: Being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a machinegun
City and State: North Little Rock, Arkansas
Exact Date: August 16, 2024 (arrest), October 16, 2025 (sentencing)
Sentence or Outcome: 15 years in federal prison, 10-year sentence for possession of a machinegun (to be served concurrently), three years’ supervised release for each count
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Key Facts
- State: Arkansas
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons|Armed Career Criminal
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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