A Mississippi man found guilty of sex crimes is now facing more charges after he attacked a deputy at the conclusion of trial on Wednesday.
Video footage released by the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department shows Franky Lee Lovern, Sr., being escorted from the courtroom to be returned to the local detention center. Lovern then attempted to overpower and disarm the deputy, resulting in a physical altercation between Lovern and law enforcement.
Lovern is also said to have reached for the deputy’s weapon while they were on the ground fighting.
The deputy sustained “minor to moderate injuries” during the altercation but was treated, according to a news release. Lovern was returned to the Rankin County Detention Center where he was treated by on-staff medical personnel for injuries he received.
Before the quarrel broke out, Lovern had been convicted by a jury on federal charges of sexual battery and gratification of lust. He picked up five more charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, attempted escape, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, disobeying a police officer, and resisting arrest.
Lovern’s sentencing for the sex crimes is scheduled for Jan. 6, 2025. The new charges will be filed in the Rankin County Court in the meantime.
