Austin Martin, Possession of Firearm, Tennessee 2022

MEMPHIS, TN – In a shocking display of reckless endangerment, Austin Martin, 23, pointed a handgun at a uniformed Memphis Police Officer on May 4, 2019. The officer, who was in the line of duty, drew his weapon but did not fire due to a bystander in the background. Martin fled the scene but was apprehended minutes later with the gun still in his pocket.

Austin Martin’s string of crimes did not end there. On May 2, 2019, he robbed and shot two men in Midtown. The victims survived and identified Martin as their shooter. Investigators later matched Martin’s gun to the two shootings. This led to his arrest and subsequent charges.

Martin also pled guilty in state court to especially aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, and an unrelated aggravated arson. As a result of his prior convictions, Martin is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.

On June 17, 2022, United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Martin to 10 years’ incarceration to be followed by three years’ supervised release. This sentence was handed down following a guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The case was investigated by the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force. The PSN initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

Austin Martin’s sentence serves as a reminder of the harsh consequences of violent crime. As the community works to reduce violence, it’s essential to hold individuals accountable for their actions. In this case, Martin’s actions put innocent lives at risk, and his sentence reflects the gravity of his crimes.

Assistant United States Attorney Greg Wagner prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. The sentence was a result of a collaborative effort between law enforcement and the community to reduce violent crime and keep our neighborhoods safe.

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