Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

LITTLE ROCK-Shabazz Naeem Caradine, a multi-convicted felon, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a machinegun. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge D. P. Marshall, Jr.

A federal grand jury indicted Caradine, 35, of North Little Rock, in a two-count Indictment for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a machinegun. On October 16, 2025, Caradine pleaded guilty to the two counts in the Indictment. 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 Marshall also sentenced Caradine to three years' supervised release for each count. There is no parole in the federal system.

An investigation revealed that on August 16, 2024, officers with the North Little Rock Police Department observed Caradine riding a bicycle at night without a red light on the back in the middle of Highway 161 in North Little Rock. Officers conducted a stop to advise Caradine of the dangers of operating a bicycle in the roadway without proper equipment. While talking with Caradine, officers observed Caradine sweating profusely, crouching down, and becoming agitated. As officers attempted to pat down Caradine, he fled on foot and while fleeing, officers observed him drop a Glock 19 9mm firearm. The firearm had a machinegun conversion device attached to the rear of the firearm, allowing it to operate as a fully automatic weapon. Caradine was apprehended by officers and during an interview, Caradine admitted that he purchased the firearm and knew that it had a Glock machinegun conversion device attached and how it functioned.

Caradine has at least three prior convictions for a violent felony offense and is therefore classified as an armed career criminal. His 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.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the North Little Rock Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Reese Lancaster.

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