Convict tries to sell AR rifle in his motel room, gets 16 years in prison, prosecutor says

WEST MEMPHIS, Arkansas (WMC) – Cornelius Corwine Sandlin, a former convicted felon and West Memphis native, will spend 16 years in federal prison for criminal possession of a firearm.

Arkansas District Attorney Jonathan D. Ross announced the verdict on August 14.

On February 9, Sandlin pleaded guilty to the charge of possessing a firearm while a felon.

Judge Moody also sentenced Sandlin to three years probation. Sandlin was charged with illegal possession of drugs on February 7, 2023.

According to prosecutors, Sandlin tried to sell an AR rifle for about $300 from his motel room.

Detectives conducted a surveillance operation and observed Sandlin leaving a hotel room in his jacket with an object believed to be a rifle in his hand and getting into his vehicle.

Marked WMPD patrol cars conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle in Sandlin's driveway. Sandlin fled on foot and was able to elude police officers at this time.

While searching the Sandlins' vehicle, detectives discovered the rifle on the passenger seat.

The rifle was loaded with 18 rounds of ammunition.

At the time of this discovery, Sandlin had a history of criminal activity including robbery, theft of property, aggravated robbery, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana for the purpose of resale, possession of ecstasy for the purpose of resale, and possession of cocaine for the purpose of resale.

Because of his criminal history, Sandlin faced a maximum sentence of no less than 15 years and no more than life imprisonment, including a maximum of five years' probation and a $250,000 fine.

There is no parole in the federal system.

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