Former Mississippi Youth Pastor Rearrested on Federal Child Sex Trafficking Charges

Lindsey Whiteside, a former Mississippi youth pastor and basketball coach, initially received a controversial sentence of three years of house arrest and seven years of probation after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a minor under her guardianship. The case sparked public outrage and condemnation from DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton, who had sought a maximum prison sentence of 30 years and criticized the leniency of the sentence. Following backlash, Special Circuit Court Judge Andrew Howorth recused himself from the case, citing conflicts with the District Attorney's office. Subsequently, Whiteside was rearrested on federal charges for transporting a minor across state lines to engage in sexual activity, with the investigation having been ongoing for over a year. DeSoto County Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle emphasized that crimes against children will not be tolerated and affirmed the commitment to holding offenders accountable. A federal judge will determine whether Whiteside will be detained until trial.