Little Rock, Arkansas – A 47-year-old Little Rock man who previously received a 30-year state prison sentence for first-degree murder has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to illegally possessing a firearm.
Andre Lavon Harris received the 180-month federal prison sentence on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, following an investigation that uncovered a loaded handgun and several illegal drugs inside his vehicle.
United States Attorney Jonathan D. Ross for the Eastern District of Arkansas announced the sentence, which was imposed by U.S. District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky.
In addition to his prison term, Harris must serve three years of supervised release after completing his sentence. Federal officials noted that parole is not available in the federal prison system.
Harris had previously been indicted by a federal grand jury on three charges involving firearms and drugs.
Those charges included being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On July 6, 2026, Harris pleaded guilty to the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Federal investigation leads to discovery of loaded handgun and illegal drugs
According to court records, the investigation began on September 5, 2023, when a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent received information from a confidential source about Harris’ suspected drug trafficking activities.
The source told investigators that Harris was distributing multiple ounces of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills in Saline and Pulaski Counties.
The individual also provided details about Harris, including that he drove a black Chevrolet Tahoe, wore an ankle monitor and carried a firearm.
Federal agents examined the information and confirmed that Harris had previous felony convictions and was on parole.
Investigators also established that Harris had a search waiver on file, allowing authorities to conduct a parole search.
On November 15, 2023, law enforcement officers stopped Harris while he was driving and searched his vehicle.
During the inspection, agents discovered a loaded Taurus G3C 9mm semiautomatic handgun on the driver’s side floorboard.
When questioned about the weapon, Harris told investigators that he had obtained it from “the street.”
Agents continued searching the Chevrolet Tahoe and discovered additional evidence inside the center console.
A pill bottle located in a cupholder contained 2.2 grams of crack cocaine, eight pills containing fentanyl and nine pills containing methamphetamine.
The discovery of the firearm was particularly significant because Harris was legally prohibited from possessing guns due to his previous felony convictions.
Defendant had previously been convicted of first-degree murder
Federal authorities reported that Harris had an extensive criminal record before the November 2023 traffic stop.
His history included a first-degree murder conviction dated July 23, 1999, for which he had received a 30-year state prison sentence.
He also had felony convictions for possession of firearms by certain persons and second-degree battery.
Despite these earlier convictions, investigators found Harris in possession of another loaded firearm while he was on parole.
The federal case eventually resulted in his guilty plea in July 2026 and the 15-year sentence imposed approximately three months later.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation with assistance from the Little Rock Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Edward Walker prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
The latest sentence adds a substantial federal prison term to Harris’ criminal history, with the court also requiring three years of supervision following his release.
The case highlights the federal prosecution of individuals who possess firearms despite previous felony convictions, particularly when investigations also uncover suspected drug trafficking activity.
