Jason M. Frierson U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada
A North Las Vegas man with prior felony convictions has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for unlawful possession of a machine gun, six firearms, and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine intended for distribution. United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro handed down the sentence, which also includes four years of supervised release. Prosecutors had recommended a prison term of 130 months and five years of supervision.
Court documents show that in April 2023, Harold Wesley Snowten IV, who is also known as “Insane,” was found with six firearms. Among these were a Taurus G2c pistol with a loaded 17-round magazine, a MasterPiece Arms Defender pistol with a loaded 30-round magazine, a Smith & Wesson pistol with a loaded 16-round magazine, and a SCCY CPX-2 pistol equipped with a loaded 32-round magazine. Authorities also discovered several other magazines and more than 500 rounds of ammunition in his possession.
Snowten’s criminal record includes previous convictions in San Diego, California for unlawful possession of cocaine base for sale and being a felon in possession of a firearm. In addition to the weapons charges, he admitted possessing over 50 grams of methamphetamine—a Schedule II controlled substance—with intent to distribute.
He pleaded guilty to one count each of illegal possession of a machine gun, prohibited person in possession of firearms, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge John Wester for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), San Francisco Field Division announced the sentencing.
The case was investigated by ATF agents along with officers from the North Las Vegas Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case.
According to officials, this prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—an initiative designed by the Department of Justice to use all available resources against illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime. The operation brings together efforts from OCDETF (Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces) and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
