Habitual offender Barner sentenced for running car auction scheme

Sep 10, 2024 – A Memphis man has been convicted and sentenced for running a car auction scheme in Olive Branch that he had previously done in Memphis.

The DeSoto County District Attorney’s office Tuesday announced that the sentencing of Leandre Barner, age 49 of Memphis, took place on Aug. 29 in DeSoto County Circuit Court. Barner was sentenced to 10 years in prison with no possibility of parole on charges of false pretenses.

Reportedly, Barner operated as a car dealer offering low prices for vehicles at auction but those who paid never got their cars or their money back. He had been convicted in Memphis of the same thing a number of years ago and had reportedly been working with authorities in Shelby County on updates and restitution. 

However, he was indicted in DeSoto County in 2022 for victimizing an Olive Branch man in the same way. Barner was supposed to appear for a court date back in June but never appeared. He was later found and arrested in a joint effort between DeSoto County and Shelby County authorities.  

District Attorney Matthew Barton said in a news release that the Aug. 29 sentencing of Barner underscores a commitment to justice and holding criminals accountable for their actions, adding Memphis sentences have become much lighter than what will be found in DeSoto County.   

“Lenient sentences in Memphis are a disaster that allows criminals to walk free and spread their illegal activities to neighboring areas like ours,” Barton said. “In DeSoto County, we don’t offer soft sentences or weak deals. If you commit a crime here, you will face the full force of the law and severe consequences. Mr. Barner will now face those consequences.” 

Barner’s case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Andrew Willcutt and investigated by the  Olive Branch Police Department.