By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — A Salisbury man with an extensive criminal history was convicted this week of possession of a firearm by a felon and admitted his status as a habitual felon.

Superior Court Judge Anna Mills Wagoner sentenced Freeman Franklin Payton III, 25, to just over five years to seven and a half years in prison.

Payton has been in the Rowan County Detention Center since his August arrest.

On June 13, officers with the Salisbury Police Department were called to the Food Lion warehouse on Harrison Road. The loss prevention officer told officers that a firearm was found in a locker that was assigned to an employee, who was later identified as Payton.

The semi-automatic handgun was loaded. Payton told the loss prevention officer that the gun belonged to his brother and had been left in his girlfriend’s car.

In 2016, Payton was convicted of felony breaking and entering. In 2015, he was convicted of misdemeanor possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance.

He has previous convictions for breaking and entering, larceny, obtaining property by false pretenses, breaking and entering, simple assault, resisting arrest and inciting to riot.

Rowan County District Attorney Brandy Cook said she appreciates the efforts of Assistant District Attorney Barrett Poppler and the Salisbury Police Department in holding Payton accountable for his criminal conduct.