Little Rock man sentenced to more than 17 years for drug trafficking and gun crimes

LITTLE ROCK — On Wednesday, Oct. 23, Christopher Monroe, 44, of Little Rock, was sentenced to 17 and a half years in federal prison by United States District Judge Brian Miller for multiple charges, including possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
On May 20, 2023, Arkansas State Police (ASP) Troopers observed a GMC Sierra Denali driven by Monroe on Interstate 40 in North Little Rock. Monroe had previously fled from Sherwood Police and ASP in recent weeks and evaded arrest. Monroe had confirmed warrants out of Sherwood.
Troopers attempted to block the Denali and initiate a traffic stop on State Highway 167, but Monroe refused to stop. He collided with patrol cars and fled from Troopers, exceeding speeds of 100 mph and endangering others. Troopers pursued Monroe from Sherwood through Little Rock before performing a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) to stop his vehicle on Roosevelt Road.
A search of Monroe’s vehicle revealed more than 300 grams of methamphetamine, 109 grams of fentanyl; as well as cocaine, marijuana, and oxycodone. Troopers also located a safe that contained a loaded Taurus Judge .45 caliber firearm, other controlled substances, cash, and drug paraphernalia.

On April 12, 2024, Monroe pleaded guilty to the fentanyl and methamphetamine crimes, as well as to being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of a Drug-Trafficking Crime.
Judge Miller based Monroe’s sentence on the offense and his documented criminal history. At the time of Monroe’s possession of the firearm and drugs, he had been previously convicted of 3rd-degree domestic battery, possession of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, theft of property, and theft by receiving, as well as illegal possession of a firearm.
In addition to the 215 months imprisonment, Judge Miller sentenced Monroe to five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation, with assistance from ASP and the Sherwood Police Department.