A North Las Vegas man with previous felony convictions has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for possession of a machine gun, six firearms, and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The sentencing was handed down by United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro. Prosecutors had recommended a sentence of 130 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
According to court documents, Harold Wesley Snowten IV, also known as “Insane,” was found in April 2023 to have unlawfully possessed multiple firearms. These included pistols with high-capacity magazines—one holding up to 32 rounds—and over 500 additional rounds of ammunition. Snowten’s prior convictions include unlawful possession of cocaine base for sale and felon in possession of a firearm in San Diego, California.
Snowten admitted he intended to distribute the methamphetamine he possessed. He pleaded guilty to one count each of illegal possession of a machine gun, being a 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 ATF and North Las Vegas Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted it.
The prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, which aims to use resources from the Department of Justice—including OCDETF and Project Safe Neighborhoods—to combat illegal immigration, eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and address violent crime across communities.