Operation Clean Sweep nets record indictments 

July 17 – DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton announced today that this month’s Grand Jury, under what is called Operation Clean Sweep, set a record by indicting over 500 felony crimes.

“This is the highest number of indictments in a single Grand Jury for this office,” said Barton. “These unprecedented figures underscore the county’s growth and stand as a testament to the unwavering dedication of our law enforcement officers, detectives, and my team in ensuring swift justice and safeguarding our community.”

Operation Clean Sweep’s strategic efforts will yield significant tangible results, including arrests, the removal of dangerous criminals from our streets, and enhancements in violence reduction.

Barton’s office reported the operation resulted in eliminating Southaven’s backlog of criminal cases from past administrations. This will allow the District Attorney’s Office and Southaven to expedite cases, apprehend violent criminals more quickly, and bring justice to victims faster than ever before.

“This marks a significant milestone for our office,” Barton continued. “However, it will inevitably result in increased trial dockets, placing strain on our justice system, staff, and facilities. I hope local and state leaders take note of these figures as part of any future deliberations regarding funding for prosecutors, judges, and the possibility of a new justice complex.”

DeSoto County Grand Juries convene monthly to vote on indicting individuals based on charges from various agencies, including the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Southaven Police, Olive Branch Police, Hernando Police, Horn Lake Police, Walls Police, the DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office, and other state agencies.

The individuals indicted by this Grand Jury range in age from 18 to 70 and are connected to various crimes from violent crime to child abuse to auto theft.