North Little Rock, Arkansas – A 43-year-old man from North Little Rock will spend the next 15 years in federal prison after admitting to being a felon in possession of a firearm. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Jonathan D. Ross for the Eastern District of Arkansas and handed down by U.S. District Judge James M. Moody Jr. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
Morris Anthony Campbell, who was already on supervised release following a 2020 federal drug conviction, was sentenced to 180 months in prison. Judge Moody also ordered three years of supervised release to follow. Additionally, Campbell’s supervised release from the prior conviction was revoked, resulting in a two-year concurrent prison term. “There is no parole in the federal system,” the release emphasized.
The charges stem from an April 3, 2025, incident when law enforcement initiated a traffic stop after noticing Campbell’s vehicle had fictitious tags. Officers quickly smelled marijuana upon approaching the vehicle, prompting a search. During the search, authorities found several items on Campbell, including a scale, baggies, pills, and bags of marijuana.
But the most disturbing discovery came during the vehicle search. Inside the engine compartment, hidden and wrapped in a shirt, officers located an FN Model 509 9mm handgun. The weapon had been reported stolen and was loaded with 22 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Campbell admitted that he was aware of both the gun and the drugs found in the car.
Career Criminal Status and Prior Convictions
Campbell’s extensive criminal history played a key role in the severity of his sentence. The court classified him as an armed career criminal due to at least three prior convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses. His previous convictions include:
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A February 27, 2020, federal drug conviction that led to a 46-month prison sentence and five years of supervised release
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A 2009 federal conviction for distribution of cocaine base
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State convictions for robbery, marijuana possession with intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, terroristic threatening (first and second degree), and third-degree assault on a family or household member
At the time of his 2025 arrest, Campbell was still under supervised release from the 2020 conviction, further compounding the legal consequences.
Investigators Involved in the Case
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with help from the North Little Rock Police Department. The collaborative work between federal and local law enforcement ensured a thorough investigation that ultimately led to Campbell’s conviction and sentencing.
Authorities emphasized the importance of removing repeat violent offenders from the community and holding them accountable for continuing to possess weapons and engage in drug trafficking. This latest sentence marks a significant consequence for Campbell, who has consistently violated federal and state laws.
Campbell will now serve a decade and a half behind bars, a sharp turn from his previously supervised status, after again being caught in possession of drugs and a stolen firearm.
