Little Rock, Arkansas – A 34-year-old man who had only recently completed a federal prison sentence has now been sent back behind bars after once again being caught with a firearm, despite being legally prohibited from possessing one. Tracy Daniels of Mabelvale has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison following his second conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The sentence was announced by United States Attorney Jonathan D. Ross and handed down by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky.
Daniels had previously served 39 months in federal prison for the same type of offense and had just completed a term of supervised release before committing the latest crime. His return to prison marks a swift and serious reversal, highlighting what authorities described as a continued pattern of criminal behavior.
According to court records, Daniels was initially charged in a four-count federal indictment that included being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. On October 20, 2025, Daniels pleaded guilty to the firearm charge. In addition to the 10-year prison sentence, Judge Rudofsky also ordered three years of supervised release. As with all federal cases, there is no parole.
Burglary call leads to arrest and discovery of drugs and firearm
The events that led to Daniels’ arrest began on December 30, 2024, when officers with the Jacksonville Police Department responded to a report of an attempted residential burglary. Upon arriving at the scene, officers spoke with the homeowner, who reported that a man had approached the house, kicked in the front door, and entered the residence. The suspect, later identified as Daniels, fled after being startled by the family dog barking inside the home.
Officers reviewed video footage from the homeowner’s security cameras, which clearly showed Daniels inside the residence. They also noticed a muddy shoe print left on the front door, which would later become a key piece of evidence.
Shortly after the incident, officers broadcast a description of the suspect. Daniels was later spotted entering the passenger side of a vehicle at a convenience store in Jacksonville. Officers approached the vehicle and removed Daniels from the passenger seat. When asked to show the bottom of his shoe, officers found that the pattern matched the muddy print left at the residence.
Daniels attempted to mislead officers by providing false names and dates of birth. However, law enforcement was able to confirm his identity using a fingerprint scanner provided by the Arkansas State Police.
Following his arrest, officers searched the area near where Daniels had been sitting in the vehicle. They discovered a .38 caliber firearm hidden under a black plastic bag on the passenger-side floorboard. The driver of the vehicle told officers that the firearm belonged to Daniels.
Before transporting him to the Pulaski County Detention Facility, officers conducted a search of Daniels’ person. During that search, they found a concealed shopping bag containing a Ziplock bag with approximately 50 grams of methamphetamine, along with smaller baggies containing cocaine.
Daniels’ criminal history played a significant role in the case. In addition to his prior federal conviction for firearm possession in June 2021, he also has past convictions for robbery and first-degree battery.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Jacksonville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Reese Lancaster prosecuted the case.
The sentence underscores the serious consequences faced by repeat offenders, especially those who continue to possess firearms despite prior convictions. Officials say the outcome reflects a continued effort to address illegal firearm possession and drug-related crimes within the region.
