Former DeSoto County Youth Pastor’s House Arrest Sentence in Child Sex Case Sparks Outrage

DeSoto County, MS (BuzzReport) — A former youth pastor and high school basketball coach in DeSoto County has pleaded guilty to child sex crimes but was sentenced to house arrest rather than prison, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from prosecutors and members of the community.

Lindsey Whiteside was indicted late last year on a felony charge of sexual battery of a minor. After entering a guilty plea, a judge sentenced Whiteside to three years of house arrest followed by seven years of probation. She is also required to register as a sex offender.

DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton said prosecutors sought a 30-year prison sentence, arguing that the punishment ultimately imposed was far too lenient given the severity of the crime. Barton criticized the ruling as a “double standard,” stating that gender may have influenced the outcome.

According to Barton, investigators compiled approximately 64,000 pages of evidence, including text messages and church documents, detailing Whiteside’s relationship with a girl nine years younger than her. He described the sentence as “an abomination,” adding that Whiteside “used the gospel as a weapon.”

Barton also condemned letters submitted to the court in support of Whiteside, including one from a local school board member, and called for accountability, saying individuals who support such conduct should not serve in positions involving children or education.

Before her indictment, Whiteside was employed as a student and outreach coordinator at Getwell Church Hernando. She also previously served as an assistant girls’ basketball coach at DeSoto Central High School. Church members have stated that Whiteside was terminated after allegations of sexual battery came to light.

Barton noted that several local judges recused themselves from the case due to personal or professional relationships with Whiteside’s family.

Following widespread community backlash over the sentence, Barton sought a re-sentencing. However, a judge denied the request, ruling that the state could not legally pursue a new sentence simply because it was dissatisfied with the outcome.

“We as a community want to know why such a light sentence was imposed for such a serious crime by someone in the clergy and education system,” said local resident James Sawyer.

In addition to the state case, Whiteside is facing federal charges, including transporting a minor for sexual purposes and coercion and enticement of a minor. Her federal trial has been delayed after a judge granted her attorney additional time to prepare, citing disruptions caused by a recent winter storm.