A Wesson man has been found guilty of multiple counts of sexual battery, and sentenced to 360 years in prison.

Fifty-three-year-old Robert Earl Sanders, of 3022 Cress Lane, was found guilty Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in the Circuit Court of Lincoln County after a two-day trial on 12 counts of sexual battery. The charges stemmed from an investigation after the victim came forward and disclosed that Sanders had been molesting her since 2012. Now 22 years old, the victim detailed to the jury the years of abuse committed against her.

After the jury returned its verdict, Judge Michael Taylor sentenced Sanders to 360 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, to serve the first 350 years day-for-day. This means Sanders cannot be eligible for parole or Earned Release Supervision.

“I want to thank Investigator Brian Boyd, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office Investigators Davis Hayood and Kailyn Watts, and Victim Assistance Coordinator Melenie Greene for all of their hard work and continuing investigation into such serious crimes,” said 14^th Circuit District Attorney Brendon Adams. “We continue to have young people come forward and describe the years of abuse they have been subjected to. Too many times they feel as if no one will believe them or listen to them. Joey and Steven did an outstanding job and worked tirelessly to get justice for this young lady, and hold Sanders accountable for his actions.”

Assistant DAs Steven Waldrup and Joey Norton prosecuted the case.

“I am proud of my team and how brave this young lady was in coming forward and sharing her story,” Adams said.