Little Rock, Arkansas – A repeat offender with a long criminal record is now facing decades behind bars after a federal case tied to drugs and firearms reached its conclusion in Arkansas. Tommy Avance, 41, of Little Rock, has been sentenced to 240 months in federal prison following his conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by Jonathan D. Ross and handed down by Lee P. Rudofsky.
The case against Avance developed over time but began to take shape in early 2024. On July 2, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment accusing him of multiple serious offenses. These included possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, being a felon in possession of firearms, and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. More than a year later, on October 28, 2025, Avance entered a guilty plea specifically to the methamphetamine charge. Along with his 20-year prison term, he was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release after completing his sentence. Federal officials noted that there is no parole in the federal system, meaning the sentence will be served in full under federal guidelines.
High-speed chase and large drug seizure
The investigation that led to Avance’s arrest began on March 26, 2024, in Conway. Officers with the Conway Police Department were conducting surveillance at the home of a suspected drug distributor when they observed a vehicle arrive briefly and then leave shortly after. The quick visit raised suspicion, as it matched patterns often linked to drug activity.
Officers followed the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. During the interaction, they reported smelling marijuana and noticed that Avance appeared nervous. What began as a routine stop quickly escalated when Avance fled, leading officers on a high-speed pursuit. The chase ended after authorities deployed spike strips to disable the vehicle. Once taken into custody, officers found two bags of cocaine and one bag of methamphetamine on his person.
Following his arrest, Avance was advised of his rights and later admitted during questioning that he had been purchasing large amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine. Investigators then uncovered that he was on active parole, which allowed them to search his residence in Conway without a warrant.
That search led to a major discovery. Inside the home, officers located 1,451 grams of methamphetamine, along with two firearms. The weapons included a Ruger model LC9 9mm handgun and a Taurus model G3 9mm handgun. Authorities later confirmed that the Taurus firearm had been reported stolen in 2023 to the Benton Police Department.
Avance’s past played a significant role in the case. His criminal history includes prior offenses involving cocaine, drug and firearm possession, and a 2012 federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. That background added weight to the charges and ultimately influenced the outcome.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Conway Police Department. Prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney Reese Lancaster. The sentence now closes a case that combined surveillance work, a risky pursuit, and the seizure of large quantities of illegal drugs.
