Does DeSoto County have a child predator problem? Here’s what the data says
After recent news related to some charged with child sex crimes in DeSoto County, some have wondered the extent of the problem in the area. Here is what the data says.
Topic: Matthew Barton
RSSThere are 60 article(s) tagged Matthew Barton:
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June 2026
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May 2026
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Interim county prosecutor appointed and special election set for DeSoto County
DeSoto County will have a temporary new county prosecutor starting this summer.
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Whiteside trial pushed back again
The federal trial for a former DeSoto County youth pastor and basketball coach has been pushed back.
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April 2026
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DeSoto County district attorney reflects on time in office, outlines plan to speed up court cases
Desoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton says he is making strides in cutting crime, and intends to continue to serve as the county’s top prosecutor.
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DeSoto County district attorney highlights plunging crime rates, stiff penalties at chamber luncheon
DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton highlighted lower crime statistics in his State of the County address.
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February 2026
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Lindsey Whiteside keeps state house arrest sentence, federal trial moves to April
A special judge has ruled that while there were some missteps in the former youth pastor’s original sentencing, they did not warrant a harsher penalty as requested by prosecutors.
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January 2026
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State senator to introduce legislation targeting school board member who supported Lindsey Whiteside
As the federal trial for Lindsey Whiteside is delayed by a month, a DeSoto County state senator is seeking legislation targeting officials who vouched for the former youth pastor charged with sexual battery with a minor.
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October 2025
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Former youth pastor spared prison for child sexual battery
A former high school coach and youth minister at a DeSoto County church pleaded guilty to sexual battery with a minor, but her sentence was considered too lenient by District Attorney Matthew Barton.
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August 2025
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Roommate charged with killing comedian with 12-gauge shotgun, officials say
Authorities have arrested a man in the shotgun-shooting death of comedian Reginald “Reggie” Carroll in Southaven last week
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Man who escaped DeSoto County custody pleads guilty to attempted murder
In 2024, Joshua Zimmerman escaped DeSoto County custody, where he was being held for attempted murder. Before he came to Mississippi, he wanted for murder in Texas.
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July 2025
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Former Southaven officer gets maximum sentence in theft scheme
Prosecutors alleged he exploited his position and knowledge of law enforcement.
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June 2025
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Olive Branch park robber sentenced to 35 years
A man who robbed a woman in an Olive Branch park a year ago has pleaded guilty to numerous charges and faces a sentence totaling 35 years.
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April 2025
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Four charged with welfare fraud for food stamps in DeSoto County
The individuals are collectively accused of defrauding the government of approximately $131,000 in food stamp benefits by allegedly failing to disclose changes in circumstances and omitting income to qualify for assistance.
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March 2025
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Ex-officer and a former alderman convicted in Mississippi public corruption cases
“Even the most beautiful garden will have a weed every now and then,” the DeSoto County district attorney said. “I don’t mind plucking a weed here and there, and I’ll actually do it every chance I get.”
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February 2025
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Mississippi immigration bounty-hunter bill dies
House Bill 1484, or the Mississippi Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program, was introduced by State Rep. Justin Keen, R-DeSoto County, at the outset of the legislative session.
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January 2025
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Q&A with DeSoto officials on immigration bounty-hunter program
House Bill 1484, or the Mississippi Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program, would offer a $1,000 reward to registered bounty hunters for each successful deportation they help to facilitate.
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December 2024
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Bailey: Grand jury proceedings are to be kept secret, and DeSoto County folks are making sure
The DeSoto County grand jury met with Sheriff Department leaders this week, and no one will say why, leading to another mystery in that soap opera.
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November 2024
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DeSoto County DA to take proactive role in deporting immigrant inmates
DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton announced “Operation Final Departure” to help the incoming Trump administration with its vow to deport immigrants. Barton’s effort will focus on inmates in the DeSoto County jail.
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Memphis teens accused of shoot-out with Southaven PD in March get elevated charges
Following a superseding indictment issued last month, both accused parties face a total of 15 felony charges, including grand larceny, aggravated assault and possession of a stolen weapon.
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October 2024
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DeSoto County assistant district attorney held in criminal contempt
County Circuit Court Judge Celeste Wilson admonished Andrew Willcutt on Monday, Sept. 30, for his handling of a 2023 case and defying verbal and written orders to appear in open court.
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September 2024
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DeSoto County school officer charged with rape
The school resource officer faces two counts of rape and one charge of sexual battery related to a single incident last week.
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Horn Lake alderman’s attorney says his client repaid funds
Attorney Tony Farese said he believes if state officials had further investigated the matter, his client would never have been charged.
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Former Horn Lake alderman indicted
Former Horn Lake alderman Charlie Roberts was indicted on charges that he received unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic despite getting paid to be a city official.
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August 2024
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Deputy jailer arrested for aiding Zimmerman’s escape
The former employee was terminated Friday, Aug. 23, according to the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office.
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Bailey: Zimmerman captured but drama, questions linger in DeSoto County
After more than two months, escapee Joshua Zimmerman is back in custody, but there is still tension between certain parties in DeSoto County.
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