A Mississippi man found guilty of sex crimes will spend 30 years behind bars with more prison time possibly on the way.
Franky Lee Lovern, Sr., of Brandon, was found guilty last month of sexually abusing a male teenager. On Monday, the 54-year-old was sentenced to 30 years for sexual battery of a child and 15 years for gratification of lust. The sentences will run concurrently, meaning the longest period controls the sentence.
“A child was violated by an adult they trusted, and that is something our office will never tolerate,” District Attorney Bubba Bramlett said. “We will always fight for justice and a safer community and are appreciative of the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department for their diligent work in protecting our citizens from sexual violence.”
When Lovern was being escorted out of the courthouse after his trial on Oct. 30, video surveillance showed the sex offender attacking a Rankin County sheriff’s deputy. Lovern attempted to overpower and disarm the law enforcement officer, resulting in a physical altercation between the two.
Following the quarrel, Lovern picked up five more charges: aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, attempted escape, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, disobeying a police officer, and resisting arrest. A sentencing date for the new charges has not been set at this time.
Lovern will serve his time in prison without the possibility of parole.
