News Summary
A local judge in Oxford, Mississippi, has recused himself from the sentencing of former youth pastor Lindsey Whiteside, convicted of sexual battery against a minor. Judge Andrew Howorth cited extensive media coverage and public sentiment as reasons for his withdrawal, amid criticism of Whiteside’s lenient sentence of house arrest and probation. The case has drawn outrage from community members and impacted school officials, leading to calls for accountability and a reevaluation of the support given to educators involved. The Mississippi Supreme Court will appoint a new judge to oversee proceedings.
Oxford, Mississippi – A local judge has recused himself from the sentencing case of former youth pastor and DeSoto County Schools assistant basketball coach, Lindsey Whiteside, who was convicted of sexual battery against a minor. Judge Andrew Howorth filed a motion to step down due to the extensive media coverage and public sentiment surrounding the case, raising concerns about his impartiality.
Following Whiteside’s conviction, Judge Howorth sentenced her to three years of house arrest and seven years of probation. In addition, Whiteside is required to register as a sex offender. This sentencing has sparked criticism from District Attorney Matthew Barton, who labeled it too lenient, stating that it was “selective and decidedly unnuanced.” Barton cited a similar case where an 18-year-old received a much harsher seven-year sentence for sexual battery. The district attorney further argued that the sentence violated Mississippi law, which prohibits house arrest for offenders convicted of violent crimes.
In response to the backlash, Judge Howorth expressed that while judges often face criticism, heightened public sentiment had led him to question his ability to remain fair and impartial in the case. He subsequently decided to recuse himself not only from Whiteside’s case but from all cases prosecuted by Barton and his office in DeSoto County. The Mississippi Supreme Court will now appoint a new judge to oversee the sentencing proceedings for Whiteside.
Controversy has also surrounded the support Whiteside received from members of the local educational community. Nine teachers and one vice principal submitted character references on her behalf, which triggered public outrage, particularly from the victim’s family and concerned parents. The victim’s grandmother, Pam Pegram, criticized a DeSoto County School Board member, Michele Henley, for her public support of Whiteside, asserting that an elected official should maintain a higher standard of ethical conduct.
Barton has called for Henley’s resignation, claiming her letter of support for Whiteside sends a harmful message to victims and children at risk, undermining their right to protection against predators. The outcry led to a protest organized by parents, who kept their children home from school to demand accountability from the school district concerning the educators who supported Whiteside. This initiative was spearheaded by the DeSoto County Parents for Accountability Facebook group, which explicitly communicated to school attendance offices that the children’s absences were part of a protest against the district’s failure to act responsibly in this circumstance.
The public sentiment within the community acknowledges the need for accountability and a reassessment of the values upheld by education officials. Many parents are pushing for a review of the support given to educators like Whiteside, believing that it jeopardizes the trust parents place in the school system to safeguard their children. The path forward for the Whiteside case remains uncertain pending the appointment of a new judge and further legal proceedings, but the actions taken by the community indicate a significant demand for justice and reform within the local educational framework.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Former Youth Minister Sentenced for Sexual Battery Against Minor
Additional Resources
- The Commercial Appeal
- Action News 5
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Local Memphis
- Magnolia Tribune
- Wikipedia: Sexual Battery
- Google Search: DeSoto County Mississippi
- Google Scholar: Lindsey Whiteside
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Judiciary
- Google News: DeSoto County District Attorney
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
