A federal judge sentenced a North Little Rock man to 13 months and one day in prison Thursday for possession of a machine gun and using a firearm in connection with drug trafficking, marking a notable departure from the recommended federal sentencing guidelines.
The sentence for 32-year-old Joshua Allen came after a hearing in Fort Smith federal court. Allen had been facing a mandatory minimum of 84 months under federal sentencing rules, but U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks opted for a shorter term, citing mitigating factors presented during the case.
According to court documents, Allen was found in possession of a machine gun and other firearms in 2024 during a drug investigation. Authorities said the weapons were linked to ongoing drug distribution activity in the central Arkansas region. Allen pleaded guilty to the charges last fall.
Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas had requested a sentence within the guideline range, which called for between seven and nine years behind bars. However, Allen’s defense attorney argued for leniency, pointing to his client’s lack of serious prior criminal history and willingness to cooperate with law enforcement.
“Mr. Allen has accepted responsibility,” said his attorney during sentencing. “He’s trying to make better choices for himself and his family.”
While the sentence is below the guideline minimum, it still includes a requirement that Allen serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. He’s also barred from possessing firearms in the future.
Such downward variances are relatively uncommon in federal court, particularly in cases involving firearms and drug crimes. Mandatory minimums typically limit judicial discretion, but in this instance, the judge cited the proportionality of the sentence to the specific circumstances of the offense and the defendant’s background.
Regional Impact
The case underscores ongoing federal efforts to crack down on gun and drug crimes across Arkansas, including in Northwest Arkansas. While this particular incident occurred in Pulaski County, the prosecution was handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office based in Fort Smith, which has jurisdiction over the western half of Arkansas — including Bentonville, Fayetteville, Springdale, and Rogers.
Local law enforcement agencies frequently coordinate with federal counterparts on investigations involving firearms trafficking and drug distribution networks. Officials say such partnerships are key to addressing violent crime in fast-growing areas like NWA, where population increases have sometimes strained local resources.
“We work closely with our federal partners to ensure dangerous individuals are held accountable,” said a spokesperson for the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. “This case is a good example of how those collaborations function in practice.”
Joshua Allen is expected to begin serving his sentence within the next few weeks. He’ll be housed in a federal facility, though the specific location hasn’t yet been announced. His attorney said they’re reviewing options for appeal, particularly around the supervised release terms.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
