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** The Briefing Room
DEFENDING DESOTO COUNTY
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As District Attorney, I am deeply committed to shielding Mississippians from violent criminals and sending a clear message to those who think they can bring crime into our community. My stance has not changed: if you commit a crime in DeSoto County, we will find you and prosecute you. Period. DeSoto will not be your criminal playground.

This commitment to justice is reflected in the recent strides we’ve made in holding offenders accountable. I am proud to share some of these key achievements, which highlight my office's ongoing efforts to protect and serve our community. Thank you for entrusting me with the responsibility to serve and safeguard you and your family.

Securing Accountability in Court

Mario Kirkwood was convicted for the cold-blooded shooting death of Keon Kirk on May 26, 2023. During court, Kirkwood decided to admit his guilt to second-degree murder and armed robbery and was sentenced to 40 years in prison for second-degree murder, with an additional 15 years for armed robbery, bringing his total sentence to 55 years to serve in Mississippi Prison.

"This criminal’s recklessness and disregard for human life will cost him the next 55 years of his life.” - D.A. Barton
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Apprehending Violent Criminals

The District Attorney’s newly formed Intercept and Intel Task Force successfully apprehended fugitive Edwin Wilson on January 23, in connection with an armed robbery that occurred in Olive Branch. The task force, composed of investigators from the District Attorney’s Office and detectives from Olive Branch Police Department, and City of Hernando Police Department, worked collaboratively with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department in this case to locate and safely apprehend this dangerous violent criminal.
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“If you commit a crime in DeSoto County, we will find you and prosecute you. DeSoto will not be your criminal playground,” D.A. Barton
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46 Convictions Secured In Early February

Earlier this month, my office secured 46 convictions through Operation Breaking Hearts and Laws “These 46 convictions serve as a powerful reminder of the steadfast commitment my office shares with our partners in law enforcement to seek and find justice.” - D.A. Barton
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Holding Sexual Predators Accountable

Brian Damron, a 62-year-old Southaven man, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to attempted murder and sexual battery. Following his sentence, he will face 10 years of post-release supervision and will be required to register as a sex offender for life. “For a man of his age and health, this sentence almost certainly means he will die in a Mississippi prison. As insurance, we have coordinated with Kentucky, where we expect they will tack on many years since this offense violates his parole for previous crimes there.” - D.A. Barton
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Tackling Illegal Immigration

The DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office assisted in a deportation operation that led to the detention of eight individuals pending removal from the U.S. These individuals, arrested for various criminal offenses, were being held at the DeSoto County Adult Detention Center as part of ongoing efforts to address illegal immigration and criminal activity.

Protecting Those Who Protect Us

“The sentence imposed against Tristan, the maximum allowed by law, reflects the seriousness of this crime and emphasizes the strong message that our office will not tolerate attacks on those who put their lives on the line every day to protect us.” - D.A. Barton
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Waging War Against Drugs and Dealers

James Clark Jr. has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for trafficking methamphetamine in Southaven, followed by 10 years of post-release supervision. This conviction sends a powerful warning in the ongoing war on drugs that drug traffickers will face severe consequences in DeSoto County.
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"We are shielding DeSoto County families from these toxic drugs, and this conviction is another significant step in that fight. This case should serve as a stark warning to anyone else trying to distribute dangerous substances in DeSoto County: if you are caught trafficking drugs, we will make you pay the price with no eligibility for parole or early release." - D.A. Barton

Thank You, School Resource Officers

Earlier this month, we celebrated National School Resource Officer (SRO) Appreciation Day! We’d like to extend a special thank you to all of our dedicated SROs for their hard work in guiding, protecting, and building positive relationships with students every day. Your commitment to their safety is truly appreciated!

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Copyright (C) 2025 DeSoto County District Attorney. All rights reserved.
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DeSoto County District Attorney
365 Losher Street, Suite 210
Hernando, MS 38632-2145
USA
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