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Brandon man convicted of sex crimes tries to escape custody after trial

By Kaitlin Howell Oct 30, 2024 | 4:24 PM

Video Courtesy: Rankin County Sheriff’s Office

RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – Rankin County deputies said a man, who was convicted on sex crime charges, tried to escape custody after his trial.

A jury found Franky Lee Lovern, Sr., of Brandon, guilty on Wednesday, October 30 of sexual battery and gratification of lust. His sentencing was scheduled for January 6, 2025, and a judge ordered Lovern to be remanded to the custody of the Rankin County Detention Center until the hearing.

At the conclusion of the court proceedings, investigators said Lovern was being escorted from the courtroom to the detention center by a deputy sheriff. They said Lovern tried to overpower and disarm the deputy sheriff, which resulted in a fight between the two. Additional law enforcement responded to the courthouse, and Lovern was subdued.

During the fight, the deputy sheriff sustained minor to moderate injuries. Lovern was taken to the Rankin County Detention Center where he was treated for his injuries.

  • Franky Lee Lovern, Sr. (Courtesy: Rankin Co. Sheriff’s Office)
  • Rankin County deputies said a man, who was convicted on sex crime charges, tried to escape custody after his trial. (Courtesy: Rankin Co. Sheriff’s Office)

Lovern has now been charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, attempted escape, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, disobeying a police officer and resisting arrest.