Arkansas Felon Who Possessed Ammunition Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison
LITTLE ROCK -- Quincy Martez Chambers, multi-convicted felon, will spend the next 30 years in federal prison for illegally possessing ammunition. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr.
A federal jury found Chambers, 32, of Cedar Hill, Texas, guilty of being a felon in possession of ammunition on October 18, 2023. That conviction was based on Chambers shooting a former girlfriend outside of an apartment she visited, brandishing a firearm at a witness, and shooting multiple rounds of ammunition into an apartment unit where the victim and her young son sought refuge following her shooting.
“The sentence handed down by the judge underscores our goal to remove violent people who continuously terrorize the community and have no respect for the life of others,” said U.S. Attorney Jonathan D. Ross, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Arkansas. “The collaboration of federal, state, and local partners is an integral partnership in the comprehensive strategy to make communities safer through an aggressive pursuit and prosecution of violent offenders.”
At Chambers’ sentencing hearing, Judge Moody heard arguments regarding Chambers’ history of violent felony and domestic battery convictions. At the hearing, Judge Moody determined that Chambers qualified as an Armed Career Criminal, which carries a sentence of not less than 15 years’ imprisonment, and not more than life imprisonment, a term of up to five years of supervised release, a fine of not more than $250,000, and a $100 special assessment. Judge Moody sentenced Chambers to 30 years imprisonment with five years of supervised release to follow his prison sentence. There is no parole in the federal system. Chambers was not assessed a fine, but ordered to pay a special assessment of $100.
“Firearms possessed by violent felons, especially when involved in domestic abuse, frequently lead to an increase of violent crime within our communities,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “The sentence imposed today sends a message to the community that violent individuals will be held accountable as we work to keep our neighborhoods safe as a top priority for ATF.”
“Through collaboration and dedication, we stand united in our pursuit of justice. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those involved in the criminal justice process, as we work together to serve and support the victims and their families,” said Chief Heath Helton, Little Rock Police Department. “The unwavering commitment of our partners as well as the men and women of the Little Rock Police Department is truly commendable.”
“Quincy Chambers’ sentence of 30 years in federal prison is a direct result of a collaborative effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Pine Bluff Police Department,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jarad O. Harper with the DEA Little Rock District Office. “Since January 2022, the DEA and Pine Bluff Police have been working together under Operation Overdrive, a nationwide DEA-led initiative to reduce violent crime in areas most deeply affected, like Pine Bluff. Chambers’ status as their top violent offender demonstrates the severity of his acts. This significant sentence is a testament to law enforcement’s unwavering commitment to protecting the public and reducing gun violence in our communities.”
“The appreciation for the U.S. Attorney’s Office cannot be stated enough. Local law enforcement leaders know that we are limited in many ways when it comes to prosecutions and sentencing. The connection to our federal partners to help us make our communities safer is an important and necessary component of what we do,” said Chief Denise Richardson, Pine Bluff Police Department. “The sheer determination of the AUSA in this case is to be commended. What they have truly done is made Pine Bluff safer and that is the ultimate goal for us.”
The investigation was conducted by the Little Rock Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda Fields and Bart Dickinson.
