The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the 228-month federal prison sentence for Jason Autry, a 50-year-old with an extensive criminal record, following his conviction on firearm 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.
Autry, who has been convicted 16 times previously, was released from prison on September 16, 2020. His prior convictions include being a felon in possession of a firearm and serving an eight-year state sentence for Solicitation of First-Degree Murder and Facilitation of Especially Aggravated Kidnapping. These charges stemmed from his involvement in the kidnapping and murder of Holly Bobo, a nursing student from Decatur County whose body was discovered more than three years after her disappearance in April 2011.
Within about 25 days after his release in September 2020, Autry was found with a stolen gun. Within 78 days, he possessed additional firearms and ammunition. In November 2022, he pleaded guilty to three counts of being a felon in possession of guns and ammunition.
During the sentencing hearing in 2024, U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson granted the prosecution’s request for an upward departure from the sentencing guidelines due to Autry’s extensive criminal history. Judge Anderson sentenced Autry to 228 months in federal prison.
The appellate court affirmed this decision, noting that Autry’s criminal background included aggravated assault, drug trafficking, burglary, membership in the Aryan Nation gang, and admitted involvement in Bobo’s abduction and murder. The court also cited his reputation for violence within his community and towards family members and romantic partners, as well as incidents involving racially-motivated assault and violent conduct during incarceration.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Benton County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation into Autry’s case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Beth Boswell and Josh Morrow prosecuted the case for the government. AUSA Naya Bedini assisted at sentencing and managed the appeal.
For further information or updates from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee, contact their Media Relations Team or follow their official social media channels.
