Newport, Arkansas – A 34-year-old Newport man, John Balentine, has been sentenced to 188 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to illegally possessing a firearm. The sentencing, announced by United States Attorney Jonathan D. Ross for the Eastern District of Arkansas, was delivered by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky on Monday, November 18, 2024.
Felon Found with Loaded Firearm
Balentine’s troubles began on February 18, 2020, when officers from the Newport Police Department and Arkansas Community Correction visited his home following reports that he was in possession of a firearm. Balentine, who was on active supervision at the time, had a search waiver on file allowing law enforcement to inspect his residence.
During the search, officers found a Colt .38 caliber firearm loaded with six rounds hidden between the mattresses in Balentine’s bedroom. Given his criminal status, his possession of the weapon was illegal.
Armed Career Criminal Classification
Balentine’s extensive criminal history played a pivotal role in his sentencing. He is classified as an armed career criminal offender due to multiple convictions for violent crimes, including four residential burglaries, a robbery, and a terroristic act. This designation subjected him to a minimum of 15 years in federal prison.
On December 7, 2022, Balentine was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He pleaded guilty on May 24, 2024. In addition to the 188-month prison sentence, Balentine will also serve five years of supervised release. Federal sentencing does not allow for parole, ensuring he serves the full term.
Collaborative Law Enforcement Efforts
The investigation into Balentine’s activities was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) with support from the Newport Police Department and Arkansas Community Correction. Assistant United States Attorney Katie Hinojosa prosecuted the case.
