DeSoto DA Launches “Turn Back Now” Billboard Campaign Warning Memphis Criminals to Stay Out
HERNANDO, Miss. — Drivers along I-55 and visitors to popular shopping districts in DeSoto County will soon see a stark warning aimed at cross-border offenders. District Attorney Matthew Barton announced today the launch of an aggressive new anti-crime advertising campaign designed to deter Memphis criminals from entering Mississippi.
The campaign serves as a direct response to rising concerns over cross-border criminal activity. According to the District Attorney’s Office, individuals from Memphis contribute to more than 30% of felonies committed within DeSoto County.
“Turn Back Now”
The centerpiece of the initiative includes high-visibility billboards featuring the message “TURN BACK NOW” in large capital letters. The signage explicitly addresses “Memphis Criminals,” warning them that “Prison Awaits You in DeSoto County.”
“Over the last several years, DeSoto County has experienced a significant number of criminals coming from Memphis with the sole purpose of committing residential and commercial crime,” the District Attorney’s office stated. “They are accustomed to the soft-on-crime policies in our neighboring county, but that is not the case here.”
The campaign will utilize a mix of physical billboards, digital displays, and hyper-targeted social media and text messaging to reach individuals deemed most likely to commit crimes across state lines.
Funded by Seized Assets, Not Taxpayers
Officials emphasized that the campaign comes at no cost to the taxpayer. The initiative is fully funded by the District Attorney’s Asset Forfeiture Unit using money seized from criminal activity.
Barton issued a specific warning to drug traffickers, noting that asset forfeiture laws will be used to perpetuate the campaign.
“If you are caught dealing drugs here, your car will be seized, impounded, and sold—and the proceeds will be used to purchase more ads warning other criminals, like you, to stay out,” Barton said.
A “Geography Lesson” for Offenders
The District Attorney’s Office frames the initiative as a necessary reinforcement of the distinct legal differences between Tennessee and Mississippi.
“These billboards and ads will hopefully be a much-needed geography lesson for Memphis criminals who use our border to their advantage,” Barton said. “If you come here and break our laws, we are going to put you in prison.”
