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As your District Attorney, I am privileged to provide you with an update this month on our ongoing efforts to uphold safety, justice, and the rule of law in our community.

Throughout June, our office remained steadfast in our mission to protect families, prioritize our goals, and ensure that violent offenders are behind bars. Below are some notable stories that highlight the successes resulting from our team’s work and collaboration with other agencies during the past few weeks.  

In addition to these key highlights in this edition of “The Briefing Room”, I encourage you to follow us on social media for additional updates and important announcements concerning public safety in our community.

Thank you for your ongoing trust and confidence in our office. It is a privilege to serve each and every one of you.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Memphis Juvenile Extradited for Armed Carjacking of DoorDash Driver in Olive Branch

Jul 6, 2024- The search continues for an adult suspect after two juveniles have been apprehended in an armed carjacking of a DoorDash driver back in May.  One of the juveniles was recently returned to DeSoto County from Memphis by extradition.  

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Joint operation leads to gangster arrest on gun charges

A known member of the Gangster Disciples from Southaven remains in jail after being arrested late last month in a joint operation, according to information from the DeSoto County District Attorney’s office. 

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Reward for Joshua Zimmerman Increased to $20,000

The initial reward from U.S. Marshals was set at $10,000 — that number has been matched by the DeSoto County District Attorney's office. DeSoto DA Matthew Barton said they're giving full support to the U.S. Marshals tracking the fugitive.

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Southaven man sentenced to 25 years in prison for attempted murder

Christopher Washington, 20, of Southaven was sentenced to 25 years in prison for attempted murder for his involvement in a drive-by shooting. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ben Weathers, with investigative assistance from the Southaven Police Department.

Southaven man sentenced to 20 years in prison for attempted murder

Tyler James, 17, of Southaven was sentenced to 20 years in prison for attempted murder for his involvement in a drive-by shooting. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ben Weathers, with investigative assistance from the Southaven Police Department.

DA Barton and Commissioner Sean Tindell hold public safety roundtable

Last month, District Attorney Barton and Commissioner Sean Tindell held a public safety roundtable with law enforcement leaders. The discussion focused on tackling criminal behavior, public safety funding, enhancing information sharing, and finding new ways to better protect the residents of DeSoto County. This collaborative effort underscores their commitment to ensuring a safer community for all.

Guilty Verdict: Horn Lake man sentenced to 30 years for armed robbery

HORN LAKE, Miss. (WMC) - A Horn Lake man will serve 30 years in state prison for a 2022 armed robbery at a Walmart, according to District Attorney Matthew Barton. A jury of 12 deliberated for 105 minutes before handing down a verdict, finding Marcus Fields, 34, guilty of armed robbery and aggravated assault.

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County Supervisors amend budget to give DA’s Office an additional prosecutor

The DeSoto County Board of Supervisors voted Monday, June 17, to amend its 2024 fiscal budget, adding funds for the district attorney’s office to hire an additional prosecutor. This split vote means the DeSoto County prosecutor’s office will employ seven assistant district attorneys as the office prepares to deliver more than 450 indictments to the grand jury, a total that would set a record for the county as well as the state, Barton said. 

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Special Agent Heath Farish recognized for helping catch ex-police officer

A captain with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) has been recognized by the DeSoto County District Attorney’s office for helping capture a former Southaven Police officer.  

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