The DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office has a new member. On Tuesday, the office announced that Kendall Akerson has joined its team in Hernando and welcomed her on its official Facebook page.
Background in child advocacy and Circuit Court
According to the District Attorney’s Office, Akerson has an extensive background in child advocacy along with experience in Circuit Court. The office said that experience “will strengthen the work we do for our community.”
The announcement did not list Akerson’s title or specific duties. The office closed its post simply: “Welcome to the team, Kendall.”
The welcome drew a strong response online. The post collected more than 300 reactions and dozens of congratulatory comments within hours of going up.
Why child advocacy experience matters to the DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office
The District Attorney’s Office, led by District Attorney Matthew Barton, prosecutes felony cases in DeSoto County Circuit Court. Many of those cases involve child victims, and they call for staff who know how to work with children and families through a difficult legal process.
Child advocacy work usually means supporting young victims and witnesses, coordinating with investigators and service agencies, and helping children and their families understand what to expect in court. Experience in Circuit Court, where DeSoto County’s felony cases are tried, also means knowing how those cases move from indictment through trial and sentencing.
The DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office shares case updates, indictments, convictions and staff news on its Facebook page and at desotomsda.gov. DeSoto County News will continue to follow the office’s work in the county’s courts.
