A former teacher has received the longest prison sentence ever handed down for a voyeurism conviction in DeSoto County, Mississippi, according to District Attorney Matthew Barton’s office. Benjamin Kegerise was sentenced to 13 years in prison, followed by seven years of post-release supervision, in a case investigated by the Olive Branch Police Department.
DeSoto County voyeurism sentence sets a record
The DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office announced the conviction and sentence on Tuesday, describing it as the longest prison term ever secured for a voyeurism conviction in the county. After his prison term ends, Kegerise will remain under supervision for seven years.
“Those who commit these kinds of disgusting crimes deserve severe punishment,” Barton said in the announcement. “Our mission is to aggressively prosecute criminals and fight for the toughest possible sentences allowed by law, and this record-setting sentence reflects that commitment.”
Olive Branch police credited with investigation
The District Attorney’s Office credited the Olive Branch Police Department for what it called meticulous police work in bringing the case to prosecution. The announcement did not provide details about the specific incidents, the dates they occurred, or the number of victims.
No students involved, DA says
The announcement noted that Kegerise was employed as a teacher at the time of the offenses. The District Attorney’s Office stated clearly that none of the criminal conduct involved in the case occurred at a school and that no students were involved in any of the incidents.
The office did not say which school or district employed him, and that information was not included in the announcement.
What is still unknown
The exact dates and locations of the offenses
The number of counts and victims
Whether a plea agreement or trial led to the conviction
Where Kegerise will serve his sentence
DeSoto County News will update this story if the District Attorney’s Office or the Olive Branch Police Department releases additional information.
