MEMPHIS, Tenn. — UPDATE 12/10/2020 - (U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE NEWS RELEASE) - Jason Wayne Autry, 46, of Holladay, Tennessee, has been federally indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the return of the indictment today.
According to allegations contained in a previously filed federal criminal complaint, on December 3, 2020, a Benton County Sheriff’s deputy encountered Autry, who was known to be a convicted felon and thus prohibited from possessing firearms under state and federal law. The deputy initially observed a male subject, later identified as Autry, lying down in a field. Autry was searched and no weapons were found on his person. He then left the scene on foot.
After Autry walked away, the deputy noticed a Marlin 30/30 rifle where Autry had been lying on the ground in the field. The deputy secured the firearm, returned to his patrol vehicle, and followed Autry, who was located walking down the driveway to his residence in Holladay, Tennessee. The deputy ordered Autry to stop, and Autry complied. The deputy then asked Autry about the rifle, and Autry stated he was attempting to shoot a deer with the gun, and that he hid in the field when he observed the deputy’s patrol car.
Autry has several prior felony convictions, including Facilitation of Especially Aggravated Kidnapping and Solicitation of First Degree Murder, which arose out of the abduction and murder of Holly Bobo in Decatur County, Tennessee in April 2011. Autry also has prior state convictions for Aggravated Burglary, Burglary, Theft over $10,000, and Manufacturing a Schedule II Controlled Substance. Autry also has a prior federal conviction for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, wherein he received a sentence of 100 months imprisonment. Autry is still under supervision in his prior federal case, and faces imprisonment in that case due to his illegal possession of a firearm on December 3, 2020.
If convicted, Autry faces up to ten years in federal prison followed by three years supervised release and a fine of $250,000. If he is found to qualify as an armed career criminal under federal law, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Prohibited persons in possession of firearms are always a public safety concern, but especially so when there is a known history of violent crime convictions. We commend the outstanding investigative work of our federal and local law enforcement partners in quickly responding to remove the firearm from this offender and safely bring him into custody."
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
The charges and allegations contained in the federal complaint and indictment are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and convicted through due process of law. Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Morrow is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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12/3/2020 - More than two months after being released from prison, Jason Autry is back in jail on gun and drug charges.
Autry was released from prison in September after pleading guilty for his part in the kidnapping and murder of Holly Bobo in 2011.
According to police, Autry was arrested in Benton County, Tennessee, after a deputy saw him walking in field with a gun. They said Autry tried to run from deputy before falling.
Officers said they found evidence of meth and ammunition inside his vehicle nearby.
If convicted on the drug and gun charges, Autry could face up to 20 years in prison.