DeSoto County, Miss. — The DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office has filed a motion seeking a new sentence for a former youth minister convicted of sexual battery of a minor.
The move comes after public concern over what many have called a lenient punishment in a case that involved the sexual abuse of a child.
Background of the Case
The defendant, identified as Lindsey Whiteside, was sentenced earlier this year to three years of house arrest followed by seven years of probation after pleading guilty to the sexual abuse of a young girl.
Prosecutors had originally requested a 30-year prison sentence, arguing that the nature of the crime warranted significant incarceration. The lesser sentence drew strong criticism from both the community and the District Attorney’s Office.
DA’s Response and Motion
District Attorney Matthew Barton confirmed this week that his office filed a motion asking the court to reconsider the sentencing, stating that it does not reflect the severity of the offense.
“We believe justice was not fully served in this case,” Barton said. “The victim and her family deserve a sentence that matches the seriousness of the crime.”
Community and Ongoing Proceedings
The case has sparked outrage among residents and renewed conversations about sentencing standards in Mississippi courts, particularly for crimes involving minors and positions of authority.
The court has not yet ruled on the motion. A hearing date is expected to be scheduled in the coming weeks.
