Olive Branch man sentenced for assault and threatening officer

Aug. 7, 2025 – An Olive Branch man will spend the next decade behind bars after being convicted in two separate felony cases—one for aggravated assault and another for threatening a police officer during a DUI arrest.

Kevin Williamson, age 30 of Olive Branch, was sentenced to the maximum prison term allowed under Mississippi law for retaliation against a public official. He received 10 years to serve for that charge and an additional 5 years for aggravated assault, with 7 years of post-release supervision. The sentences will run concurrently, meaning Williamson will serve a total of 10 years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

The retaliation charge stemmed from a DUI arrest by the Hernando Police Department, during which Williamson, while handcuffed, threatened to “blow [the officer’s] brains out” if he ever saw him again.

District Attorney Matthew Barton said the sentence reflects his office’s commitment to protecting law enforcement officers.

“When I ran for District Attorney, I promised a zero tolerance policy for violence or threats against law enforcement,” Barton said. “Threaten an officer in DeSoto County, and you’ll end up like Mr. Williamson—with a very stiff jail time.”

Both cases were prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ben Weathers with support from the Hernando and Olive Branch Police Departments.