JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – A Brandon man who tried to escape custody after being convicted of sex crimes has been sentenced.

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett said Franky Lee Lovern, Sr., 54, was found guilty of sexual battery and gratification of lust in October.

Lovern was sentenced to 30 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) for the sexual battery charge and 15 years for the gratification of lust charge. The sentences will run concurrently. Lovern will be required to register as a sex offender once he’s been released from prison.

On January 31, 2024, a man reported to the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office that Lovern had sexually abused him multiple times when he was a teenager. Investigators obtained search warrants for digital evidence.

After Lovern was convicted in October, investigators said he tried to escape custody while at the Rankin County Courthouse. Surveillance video showed Lovern assaulting the deputy. Investigators said he tried to take the deputy’s firearm. Additional law enforcement responded to the courthouse, and Lovern was subdued.

Video Courtesy: Rankin County Sheriff’s Office

Lovern was 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.