Herring sentenced for car theft ring role

July 14, 2025 – A former Southaven police officer has been sentenced to the maximum penalty under Mississippi law for his role in a 2023 car theft ring that targeted vehicles across North Mississippi.

Tony Herring Jr. pleaded guilty in March to one count of accessory after the fact to commit auto theft — a felony offense. Monday, he was sentenced to 10 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Along with the 10 years to serve, Herring Jr. will have to pay a $10,000 fine plus court costs.

Herring was indicted by a DeSoto County Grand Jury in April following an investigation into a regional auto theft operation.

Prosecutors alleged that Herring used his knowledge and position as a law enforcement officer to assist others involved in stealing vehicles and to shield them from law enforcement efforts.

“This was a serious breach of public trust,” said District Attorney Matthew Barton. “Taxpayers paid Tony Herring to enforce the law — instead, he was helping criminals break it. That betrayal didn’t just damage public confidence, it created more crime, more victims, and more costs for the very people he was sworn to protect. “When an officer abuses their position like this, they deserve the full weight of the law — and that’s exactly what they got today.”

Barton also commended the Southaven police for its swift and thorough investigation.

“It’s never easy to investigate one of your own, but Southaven Police did the right thing,” Barton said. “Their professionalism and commitment to justice were essential in bringing this case to a close.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Steven Jubera.