Shabazz Naeem Caradine, a multi-convicted felon from North Little Rock, was sentenced on Mar. 9 to 15 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a machinegun, according to Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
The sentencing highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address gun-related offenses committed by individuals with violent criminal histories.
Caradine, age 35, was indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts: being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a machinegun. He pleaded guilty to both charges on October 16, 2025. In addition to the concurrent 15-year and 10-year sentences for each count, Caradine will serve three years of supervised release per count. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to the investigation, officers with the North Little Rock Police Department stopped Caradine on August 16, 2024, after observing him riding a bicycle at night without proper lighting equipment. During the stop, officers noticed signs of agitation and sweating before Caradine fled on foot. While fleeing, he dropped a Glock 19 handgun equipped with a machinegun conversion device that allowed it to operate as an automatic weapon. Caradine later admitted purchasing the firearm and knowing about its conversion device.
Caradine’s criminal record includes at least three prior convictions for violent felony offenses such as 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 history led to his classification as an armed career criminal.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case with help from the North Little Rock Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Reese Lancaster prosecuted the case.
