Clyde Hudlin, 64, was sentenced today to 44 years in prison after being convicted of two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance With Intent to Deliver in a Drug-Free Zone. The charges stemmed from an April 23, 2024, incident near Tennyson Middle School in Waco.
On that day, Waco police responded to a 911 call reporting that a man had knocked on a resident's door near the intersection of 65th Street and Sanger Avenue and offered to sell fentanyl and methamphetamine. Officers arrived quickly and located Hudlin, who matched the description provided by the caller.
During Hudlin's arrest, officers discovered a prescription pill bottle in his pocket containing pills that did not match the label. Further investigation at the McLennan County Jail revealed two baggies of methamphetamine concealed in Hudlin's socks. Laboratory testing confirmed the pills contained fentanyl, and the baggies contained methamphetamine.
Due to Hudlin's multiple prior felony convictions—including four burglaries, robbery, and distributing cocaine—McLennan County prosecutors enhanced his punishment range to 30 years to life in prison. Jurors convicted Hudlin and determined the crime occurred in a Drug-Free Zone.
During the punishment phase of the trial, prosecutors presented evidence of Hudlin's extensive criminal history. The jury sentenced Hudlin to 44 years in prison on each count, to be served concurrently. Texas law requires Hudlin to serve at least 22 years before becoming eligible for parole.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Chris Spendlove and Ashlyn McCowan-Perez, who emphasized the severity of Hudlin's actions.
"This Defendant dealt death on our community's streets. We are proud that the jury told this Defendant, and anyone else selling deadly illegal drugs, that they can expect serious consequences for endangering lives in McLennan County," the prosecutors stated.
