Suburbs

You have to say this about DeSoto County prosecutor Matthew Barton – his actions draw attention.

Some like the idea of his tough-on-criminals approach, particularly against the supposed bad folks traveling from Shelby County/Memphis intruding in his county. Others view Barton’s rhetoric as grandstanding and selective targeting.

Or playing to his audience.

Whatever the view, Barton is hard to ignore.

This week, the DeSoto County district attorney unveiled his latest tactic against Memphis criminals with warnings for the bad guys to stay out of his jurisdiction. Or face severe consequences.

Billboards went up.

Press releases went out.

Warnings were articulated.

“Memphis Criminals: TURN BACK NOW” is the message. Spread across billboards along Interstate 55, a major traffic artery connecting Tennessee to Mississippi.

Subtle, huh? No one can say Barton isn’t direct with his directive.

Some will say that can be an irritating trait about Barton. Too much bombasic rhetoric. And to be clear, while the warning is directed at the criminals, the real audience is Barton’s constituency. The folks who will go to the polls at the next election for district attorney.

Or whatever office Barton is seeking.

Remember during the case of Lindsey Whiteside, who pleaded guilty to sexual battery with a minor? Barton disagreed with the sentence handed down by special Circuit Cout Judge Andrew Howorth. Criticized the judge of being too lenient, opting for a house-arrest sentence for the former youth pastor and assistant high school basketball coach.

Barton wanted jail time and made that clear in his post-sentencing remarks.

The belittling of Howorth’s decision was such that the judge recused himself from the case. Not only that, but as reporter Brandon LaGrone wrote when Howorth stepped down in October, his recusal extended to any case in DeSoto County prosecuted by Barton.

Howorth said Barton’s criticism put pressure on the judicial system. He added a severe warning that such tactics, “approximates the manner in which courts operate in authoritarian regimes, such as North Korea and Iran.”

I get the feeling the special judge is not a fan of Barton’s approach.

And that’s the perception of Barton. Some think he is a publicity-seeking politician/prosecutor. One who is looking for a microphone and a pulpit wherever possible. Is determined to keep his name before the public.

Some may think it is akin to the actions of Shelby County’s Brent Taylor, the state senator from Eads, and his criticism of the justice system in Memphis.

On the other hand, I would venture to say that a certain percentage of people in DeSoto County like Barton’s approach. Characterize the district attorney’s hardline tactics as the way to curb crime. Support his pointing the finger at the outsiders whom he says are responsible for the bad happenings in DeSoto.

All of that said, Barton is accomplishing a key factor for any politician. Name recognition. Keep his name out there. A strong stack of chips to have on your side of the table when running for office. - Suburbs editor, Clay Bailey

”I don’t care what they say about me as long as they spell my name right.” P. T. Barnum (showman and Connecticut politician)

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