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Sign of the times: DA Barton warns Memphis criminals to turn around

By , Daily Memphian Updated: December 11, 2025 8:02 PM CT | Published: December 11, 2025 10:30 AM CT

DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton launched a strict anti-crime media campaign on billboards along Interstate 55 warning criminals to “turn back now” or face imprisonment.

The District Attorney’s Office officially announced the aggressive media strategy in a press release. The campaign targets individuals traveling from Memphis into DeSoto County with the intent to break the law.

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DeSoto County desoto county district attorney matthew barton crime Subscriber Only Shelby County

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Brandon LaGrone II

Brandon LaGrone II

Brandon LaGrone Jr. is a Bluff City native who has earned an undergraduate degree in journalism from LSU’s Manship School. He’s written for publications including The (Baton Rouge) Advocate and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

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