A former DeSoto County high school basketball coach and youth minister recently sentenced to house arrest for having a sexual relationship with a teenager is now facing federal charges after previously avoiding jail time on state charges.
Lindsey Whiteside, who previously coached basketball at DeSoto Central High School and acted as a minister at Getwell Church, has been indicted by a grand jury for allegedly transporting a minor across state lines for sexual activity. DeSoto County Sheriff Thomas made the announcement Thursday.
“I want to emphasize that crimes against children will not be tolerated in DeSoto County. We are committed to pursuing justice and protecting the most vulnerable members of our community — our children,” Tuggle said in a press conference. “The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office will continue to protect our citizens and ensure that those who prey on our children are held accountable.”
Whiteside’s recent house arrest sentence on state charges stemmed from a sexual relationship she had with a 14 to 15-year-old while serving as a youth minister at the Hernando church, a crime in which she pleaded guilty. Her lack of jail time sparked outcry from the community and DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton, who pursued a 30-year sentence against Whiteside.
Michele Henley, a District 2 representative on the DeSoto County School Board, sent a letter supporting Whiteside to the judge who oversaw the defendant’s trial. Barton argued that the board member used her position as an elected official to sway the judge’s view of Whiteside, while community members flooded a recent school board meeting demanding Henley’s resignation from her post.
“If you are wondering why a judge would feel comfortable giving house arrest to a predator, when the victim and State were requesting the maximum sentence…then you can look no further than people like Michele Henley,” Barton said in a statement.
Tuggle confirmed that Whiteside is currently in federal custody. A judge will determine whether or not she should remain detained pending trial.
