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Starkville Man Sentenced for Illegal Glock Switch Possession

Police investigation scene of gun violence

News Summary

Austin Hudson, a 23-year-old from Starkville, MS, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison after being convicted of possessing a Glock switch. This illegal device converts semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic firearms. Hudson’s criminal record spans several years, involving multiple arrests and ongoing concerns about gun violence in Starkville. His sentencing highlights community safety issues, as he faces additional charges related to violent incidents. The case reflects the broader trend of rising gun-related crimes in the region, prompting discussions on public safety.

Starkville Man Sentenced for Possession of Dangerous Glock Switch

In a significant ruling that echoes the growing concerns over gun violence, Austin Hudson, a 23-year-old from Starkville, Mississippi, has been handed a five-year federal prison sentence. The sentencing comes after Hudson was found guilty of possessing and transferring a “Glock switch,” an illegal device that transforms a semi-automatic handgun into a fully automatic firearm.

Legal Troubles Add Up

Hudson’s legal troubles have been ongoing, with multiple arrests marking his record over the past four years, particularly concerning various shootings across Starkville and Oktibbeha County. The case that led to this latest sentence was a part of a larger trend of rising gun violence in the area, which has become a hot topic in community discussions.

In December 2024, Hudson pled guilty to the federal charges, and the ruling came down from U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills in the Northern District Court of Mississippi. Alongside the prison term, Hudson will also serve three years on supervised release after his time behind bars. Following the sentencing, U.S. marshals took Hudson into custody.

Connections to Violent Incidents

The charges against Hudson are directly linked to a troubling shooting incident that occurred back in May 2023 at the Sprint Mart, located at the busy intersection of Highway 182 and Old Mayhew Road. This incident was particularly alarming, as it resulted in two minor injuries and some property damage, leading to an aggravated assault charge for Hudson and three other individuals involved.

The shooting incident was just one chapter in Hudson’s ongoing saga. Compounding his troubles, he is also facing first-degree murder charges tied to the shooting death of Jequarius M. Spencer in March 2024. Notably, this occurred while Hudson was already out on bond for earlier incidents, raising serious questions about public safety and the effectiveness of the judicial system in managing repeat offenders.

Community Impact and Future Hearings

The community continues to feel the ripples of Hudson’s actions, causing many to ponder the implications of gun violence in their neighborhoods. The case surrounding his involvement in the May 2023 shooting has been postponed, with a new hearing set for April 10 in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court.

A Collective Effort

Efforts to address the rise in violent crimes, including those involving firearms, are bolstered by various law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, the Starkville Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). These agencies are part of a broader initiative known as Project Safe Neighborhoods, which aims to reduce violent crime and improve safety through collaborative efforts between law enforcement and local communities.

Conclusion

The sentencing of Austin Hudson serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing communities like Starkville in combatting gun violence. As Hudson embarks on this latest chapter of his life behind bars, residents are left to contemplate the safety of their streets and the measures needed to prevent such incidents in the future. The ongoing court cases will undoubtedly continue to shed light on the pressing issues of gun violence and community safety.