Lindsey Whiteside will plead guilty in federal court next month. A federal grand jury indicted Whiteside for transporting a minor across state lines for sexual purposes in October. U.S. District Judge Debra Brown posted this notice:
NOTICE OF HEARING as to Lindsey Aldy Whiteside. Change of Plea Hearing set for 9/23/2026 01:00 PM in Greenville Courtroom 1 before District Judge Debra M. Brown.
Whiteside was a youth pastor at Getwell Church in Desoto County. The victim was a 16 year old girl who came to her for counseling. Whiteside groomed the victim and had sex with her for over six months. State prosecutors presented 64,000 text messages between the pair.
Whiteside pleaded guilty in Desoto County Circuit Court to Sexual Battery of a Minor in October. The victim testified against Whiteside at sentencing. However, Special Circuit Judge Andrew Howorth sentenced the defendant to three years of house arrest on October 13 even though the Mississippi Code expressly prohibits house arrest for sexual crimes. The sentence sparked much outrage across Mississippi.
The Justice Department stepped in and obtained the federal indictment on October 22. 2025. Magistrate Jane Virden set Whiteside's bond at $60,000 and denied the Justice Department's request for detention. Prosecutors appealed to Judge Brown, filing a motion for revocation. U.S. District Judge Debra Brown agreed with the prosecution and revoked Whiteside's bond on November 13, 2025. Earlier post with thorough coverage of hearing.
Whiteside currently resides at the Lafayette County Detention Center.
12 comments:
Virden and Howarth are disgraces to the bench and shouldn't see another court case.
Pretty bad when a judge can't follow the law.
Justice really is blind.
I am happy Howorth did not get his way. Also, the victim received some justice.
So, The statute includes the Mann Act and 18 U.S.C. § 2423, which prohibits moving any person under the age of 18 across state or national borders with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity or prostitution. A conviction carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, and can extend up to life in prison. Defendants face substantial financial penalties of up to $250,000 or more. Convictions require lifetime sex offender registration upon release from federal custody.
That’s a pretty good picture of the defendant in that black mock turtleneck sweater. Can’t you manage anything that makes her look worse?
She could have saved herself from going to prison by buying a vibrator.
Just a reminder that Whiteside received over 87 letters of support that were sealed. We know one was from a Desoto County school board member, Michele Henley. How many were from fellow educators? Whiteside is the perfect example of why we need school choice. You should not be forced to have to go to school with your rapist OR their supporters. ANY CHILD should be able to cross district lines.
I may be wrong, but am thinking it's unusual for a federal judge to reverse a federal magistrate (the issue of bond).
8:05am
To look worse? 1/2" long blue hair hard parted at side + nose ring + 'Pride' under a rainbow tat + cigarette pack rolled in tee shirt sleeve + ...
8:34am thanks for mentioning importance of Parental School Choice, to control public school quality, essential to tow MS outta the ditch.
Yet, other than one, you admit you have no idea who sent letters or you have no knowledge of their occupation. You might want to sit this one out.
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