Reagan T. Fondren Acting United States Attorney for the Western District Of Tennessee | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee
The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has upheld a 228-month federal prison sentence for Jason Autry, who was convicted of firearms offenses in the Western District of Tennessee. The announcement was made by Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
Jason Autry, age 50, is a repeat offender with 16 prior felony convictions. He was released from prison on September 16, 2020, after serving sentences for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for state charges related to his involvement in the kidnapping and murder of Holly Bobo in April 2011. Bobo’s remains were discovered more than three years after her disappearance.
Authorities reported that less than a month after his release, Autry was found with a stolen firearm. Within just over two months, he possessed additional guns and ammunition. In November 2022, Autry pleaded guilty to three counts of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
During sentencing in 2024, prosecutors requested an upward departure from the recommended sentencing guidelines due to what they described as an extensive criminal record that was not adequately reflected by the guidelines. U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson granted this request and imposed a sentence of 228 months.
The appellate court affirmed Judge Anderson’s decision, noting Autry’s history included aggravated assault, drug trafficking, burglary, membership in the Aryan Nation gang, participation in Bobo’s abduction and murder, violence toward romantic partners and family members, racially-motivated assault, and continued violent conduct while incarcerated or awaiting trial.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives worked alongside the Benton County Sheriff’s Department to investigate the case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Beth Boswell and Josh Morrow prosecuted the case; AUSA Naya Bedini assisted at sentencing and handled the appeal.
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