News Summary
A 23-year-old Starkville man, Austin Hudson, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for possessing a Glock switch, a device that converts semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic weapons. The case, part of the federal Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, highlights concerns over gun violence in the community. Hudson has a troubling history of arrests and faces additional charges related to violent incidents, raising significant public safety questions.
Starkville Man Sentenced for Possession of Glock Switch
In a significant case that echoes the urgent need for community safety, a 23-year-old man from Starkville, Austin Hudson, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison. This sentence was handed down as a result of his possession and transfer of a device known as a “Glock switch”, which is designed to convert a semi-automatic handgun into a fully automatic firearm. Hudson’s legal journey recently came to a conclusion in the Northern District Court of Mississippi, where he had previously pleaded guilty.
Understanding the Glock Switch
For those unfamiliar, a Glock switch is a small but dangerous gadget that can change the firing mode of a gun, making it far more lethal. This kind of modification raises alarms not only among law enforcement but also within communities, as it can escalate minor incidents into major tragedies.
The sentencing was overseen by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills, who also mandated that Hudson undergo three years of supervised release following his time in prison. After the sentence was read, Hudson was taken into custody by U.S. marshals, marking a serious turning point in his legal battles.
Part of a Bigger Picture
This case doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s a piece of a larger federal initiative called Project Safe Neighborhoods, which aims to combat violent crime and curb gun violence across the nation. The collaboration between multiple agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Starkville Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) illustrates the seriousness with which these threats are being addressed.
A Troubling History
Austin Hudson, who also goes by the nickname Mop Sossa, does not have a clean past. He has a history of multiple arrests over the last four years, including several concerning violent incidents. In March 2024, he was arrested following the tragic shooting death of Jequarius M. Spencer and is now facing charges for first-degree murder related to that case, which is set to go before a grand jury later this month.
More Legal Woes
Hudson’s problems don’t stop there. In May 2023, he was arrested in connection with a shooting outside a local Sprint Mart, where Glock pistols had been modified to fire automatically. This alarming incident led to two minors sustaining injuries and left property damage in its wake. Hudson now faces aggravated assault charges tied to this shooting.
The court hearing for this aggravated assault case has been postponed to April 10 and will take place in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court. As the wheels of justice turn, many in the Starkville community are left to wonder about the broader implications of such incidents on public safety.
Looking Ahead
As Hudson prepares to serve his prison sentence, the atmosphere in Starkville reminds us all of the challenges communities face regarding gun violence. The involvement of local and federal agencies in addressing these issues is a hopeful sign that efforts are being made to keep the streets a little safer. Only time will tell if Austin Hudson’s case serves as a catalyst for change or if it’s just one of many stories in the fight against crime in our neighborhoods.
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Additional Resources
- Columbus Dispatch: Starkville Man Sentenced for Glock Switch
- Daily Journal: Starkville Man Gets Five Years for Possession of Glock Switch
- Dark Horse Press: Starkville Man Sentenced for Glock Device
- WCBI: Starkville Man Sentenced for Illegally Modified Gun
- Wikipedia: Glock
