The Briefing Room
DEFENDING DESOTO COUNTY

I remain deeply committed to shielding Mississippians from violent criminals and sending a clear message to anyone who thinks 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 summer, our office has delivered on that promise — from securing maximum sentences for those who threaten law enforcement, to taking dangerous offenders off our streets for decades, to dismantling fraud schemes that steal from hardworking taxpayers. We’ve pursued fugitives who thought they could outrun justice and brought them back to face full accountability.

These results are a direct reflection of our zero-tolerance approach to crime and our unwavering focus on protecting the people of DeSoto County. Thank you for trusting me with the responsibility to serve and safeguard you and your family.

Delivering Stiff Prison Sentences

Last week, Joshua Zimmerman was convicted of attempted murder and escape and was handed a half-century prison sentence, without the possibility of parole for attempted murder, plus 5 additional years for escape.

"Let me be clear: DeSoto County will never be a safe haven for criminals. If you threaten our community, we will find you, we will prosecute you, and you will serve a stiff jail sentence in the hot Mississippi Delta.” - D.A. Barton

Fighting Corruption, Protecting Taxpayers

DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton updated a pair high-profile of cases during a Monday, March 3, press conference dealing with a former Horn Lake alderman and an ex-Southaven police officer. Charles Roberts, the former alderman, and former Southaven officer Tony Herring Jr. have pleaded guilty to felony charges that abused taxpayer funds and trust.

Taking Down Violent Criminals

”We’re not going to let some out-of-town thug take these things away from us. If you come here from another place, we’re going to hit you just as hard as we possibly can, and we will change your address to the penal farm in Parchment.” - D.A. Barton

Operation Snap Trap

As part of Operation Snap Trap, agents from our office, the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS), and officers from the DeSoto County Fugitive Division successfully apprehended four individuals indicted on a total of 16 changes for fraudulently obtaining Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. These four collectively defrauded the state out of more than $131,000 in taxpayer-funded assistance funds.

Holding Sexual Predators Accountable

Two child predators were recently convicted. Javier Escamilla, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, pleaded guilty to sexual battery against a child, and Fernando Medina Rivero, also an illegal alien, was convicted of fondling and sexual battery of a minor following a two-day trial in DeSoto County Circuit Court.

Then, yesterday, Ricquan Thomas, a former MMA fighter, was found guilty by a DeSoto County Jury of felony child abuse following a three-day trial.

“The safety of our children is non-negotiable, and we will continue to work relentlessly to protect our families from anyone who seeks to harm them.” – D.A. Barton

Safety Update with Business Leaders

Earlier this summer, DA Barton met with Southaven business owners to discuss how our office is working to help keep DeSoto County safe - and economically attractive.

“A thriving business community starts with public safety. When crime is low and accountability is high, families invest, jobs grow, and businesses expand. That’s exactly what my staff and I are fighting for every day.” - D.A. Barton