FLORENCE MAN SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS AS A HABITUAL OFFENDER

Rankin County, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties' District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that James Michael Hopkins, 46, of Florence, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit grand larceny. Circuit Court Judge Steve Ratcliff sentenced Hopkins to the mandatory maximum sentence of five years as a habitual offender in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Due to his extensive criminal record, Hopkins, as a habitual offender, will not be eligible for early release or parole. 

On December 19, 2023, a Pearl business owner reported to the Pearl Police Department that a dirt bike had been stolen from the business’s premises. Pearl police reviewed surveillance videos, employed other investigative techniques, and ultimately determined that James Michael Hopkins was involved. Using his truck, Hopkins scoped out the business, spotted the dirt bike, and then sent several others – including minors – back to carry out his plan and steal the dirt bike. 

“This case illustrates one person’s criminal lifestyle can negatively affect those around him,” stated District Attorney Bramlett. “A habitual offender concocted a plan to steal and then sent kids back to do his dirty work. We are thankful for the efforts of the Pearl Police Department, jurors, and the judicial system for holding Hopkins accountable for his criminal act and his negative influence on the lives of others.” 

Defendant: 

Name: James Michael Hopkins 

Date of Birth: 2/15/1978 

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