54-Year-Old Brandon Man Found Guilty of Sexual Battery and Gratification of Lust
Rankin County - Madison and Rankin Counties' District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that a jury found Franky Lee Lovern, Sr., 54, of Brandon, guilty of Sexual Battery and Gratification of Lust. The Honorable Judge Steve Ratcliff sentenced Lovern to thirty (30) years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections for the Sexual Battery of a child and fifteen (15) years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections for the Gratification of Lust of a child. These are the maximum sentences for each crime and will run concurrently. Lovern will serve his sentence without the possibility of early release or parole. Upon his release, Lovern must register as a sex offender.
On January 31, 2024, an adult male reported to the Rankin County Sheriff's Department that Lovern had sexually abused him multiple times when he was a teenager. The Rankin County Sheriff's Department launched a comprehensive investigation, which included obtaining search warrants for digital evidence.
As the Rankin County Sheriff's deputy was taking Lovern into custody, Lovern assaulted the deputy and attempted to escape and take control of the officer's firearm. The deputy and other Rankin County Sheriff's deputies sprang into action and restrained Lovern. Lovern now faces new charges of Attempted Escape, Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Disobeying a Police Officer, and Resisting Arrest.
"A child was violated by an adult they trusted, and that is something our office will never tolerate," stated District Attorney Bubba Bramlett. "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."
Defendant:
Name: Franky Lee Lovern
Date of Birth: 06/13/1970
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