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Starkville Man Sentenced to Five Years for Glock Switch Charges

Symbolic representation of gun safety and law enforcement regarding illegal firearms.

News Summary

Austin Hudson, a 23-year-old known as “Mop Sossa,” has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for possession and transfer of a Glock switch, which converts handguns to fully automatic firearms. U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills emphasized the dangers posed by such illegal devices. The ruling is seen as a serious warning against illegal firearms possession amidst rising concerns for community safety. Hudson’s troubled history with firearms adds further gravity to his current legal battles, including a separate first-degree murder charge.

Federal Sentencing in Starkville: Five Years for Glock Switch Charges

In a significant ruling from Starkville, Austin Hudson, a 23-year-old man better known in some circles as “Mop Sossa,” is facing a serious turn of events after being sentenced to five years in federal prison for the possession and transfer of a “Glock switch.” This device is no ordinary accessory; it can rapidly convert a standard semi-automatic handgun into a fully automatic firearm, a transformation that raises alarms for public safety.

Details of the Case

Hudson had previously pled guilty to charges that classify the Glock switch as a machinegun under federal law. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills. In addition to the 60 months of prison time, Hudson will be subject to three years of supervised release once he serves his term. Following the judge’s decision, Hudson was immediately taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals.

Concerns About Public Safety

It’s vital to understand why illegal machine guns—including those modified by devices like the Glock switch—are such a pressing concern. U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner has stated that these illegal firearms can drastically increase the lethality of criminal activities. Together with agencies like the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), local law enforcement is actively working to prevent dangerous weapons from falling into the wrong hands.

Expert Opinions on the Impact

ATF New Orleans’ Special Agent in Charge, Joshua Jackson, emphasized that the presence of these illegal conversion devices presents a real danger to communities. The recent ruling against Hudson serves as a sobering reminder for anyone thinking of engaging in similar unlawful behavior. Not only does it impact individual lives, but it also poses a wider threat to community safety. The agencies are underlining their commitment to removing such illicit weapons from streets, which is vital in these times.

Hudson’s Past and Future Implications

It’s worth noting that Hudson is not a stranger to trouble. He has a prior record involving shooting arrests in both Starkville and Oktibbeha County, which adds a troubling dimension to his story. His current charges seem to tie back to a shooting in May 2023 that involved a weapon modified with a Glock switch. The incident took place at a local Sprint Mart located at the intersection of Highway 182 and Old Mayhew Road, adding a chilling layer to his legal issues.

What Lies Ahead for Hudson

Following this recent sentencing, there’s much speculation about how it may affect Hudson’s ongoing legal challenges. He is also facing a separate charge of First Degree Murder related to the shooting death of Jequarious Spencer in 2024, an event which occurred while he was already on bond for the 2023 incident. As Hudson navigates these troubled waters, there’s no telling what consequences could arise from his current five-year term and ongoing investigations.

A Clear Message Against Gun Violence

The take-home message for anyone in the Starkville community is that illegal arms possession is taken quite seriously. Law enforcement agencies are tirelessly working to keep everyone safe and ensure that firearms do not end up in the hands of individuals like Hudson, who have a history of violence. The court’s ruling serves as a potent reminder: illegal modifications to firearms carry severe penalties, and violations will not be overlooked.

In conclusion, while the ruling may mark a pivotal moment in Hudson’s life, it also shines a light on the broader issue of gun control and safety in the community. The fight against illegal firearms possession is far from over, and authorities continue to rally their efforts.