A former fugitive from Arkansas who was arrested in Delaware County pleaded guilty to a federal firearms charge, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.
Levi Owen Handle, 30, of Gravette, Arkansas, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to being a fugitive in possession of firearms. A Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun and a Ruger .22 caliber pistol were discovered in Handle’s vehicle during his arrest.
On June 14, 2019, an individual contacted authorities after hearing a gunshot the previous night and discovering Handle’s vehicle on private property in Jay. When a Delaware County Sheriff’s Office deputy questioned Handle, he initially refused to provide his name and attempted to flee on foot. He was eventually subdued and handcuffed. After the deputy ran a check on Handle, he was placed under arrest for multiple active warrants and for attempting to escape arrest for a felony. Handle faces charges in Arkansas for making terroristic threats, domestic battery, violating a no-contact order, and failure to appear.
“Federal law prohibits nine categories of people from possessing firearms, including fugitives, felons, and convicted domestic abusers,” said U.S. Attorney Shores. “It is my experience as a career prosecutor that when prohibited persons possess guns, bad things can happen. That’s why cases like this one are important to prosecute. Levi Handle was a fugitive who was fleeing allegations of domestic abuse and terroristic threats in Arkansas. I commend the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor Régal for their diligence in pursuing this case and holding Levi Handle accountable.”