HERNANDO, Mississippi — A repeat convicted felon was sentenced to 10 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of possessing a weapon as a convicted felon, the DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office said.
Prosecutors said Robert Long had been released from prison seven days before law enforcement found him in possession of a large Bowie knife. Because of his felony history, Long was prohibited from possessing any weapon, prosecutors said. The case went to trial and a jury returned a guilty verdict after a one-day proceeding.
Prosecutors said Long’s criminal history spans decades. Before 2024, he had been arrested 21 times in DeSoto County dating back to 2002 on various charges, including disturbance of the family and public drunk offenses. His record includes multiple felony convictions, including a felony fleeing charge.
Prosecutors said Long repeatedly used profanity and explicit language during the sentencing hearing. District Attorney Matthew Barton said the prosecution reflects his office’s continued focus on pursuing habitual offenders and keeping repeat offenders off the streets before more serious violence occurs.
The case was investigated by the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Chase Morgan. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
