Judge who presided over Lindsey Whiteside case recuses himself, blasts DA
The recusal not only applies to the Lindsey Whiteside case but also extends to any other cases prosecuted by District Attorney Matthew Barton’s office in DeSoto County. (Brandon LaGrone II/The Daily Memphian)
Following the sentencing of convicted youth pastor Lindsey Whiteside, Special Circuit Court Judge Andrew Howorth has recused himself in the case and issued a scathing critique of DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton.
Howorth, who presided over the controversial Oct. 13 sentencing that resulted in three years of house arrest, filed an Order of Recusal on Tuesday, Oct. 21, stating his ability to be fair and impartial has been questioned and would likely continue to be questioned due to the extreme level of public sentiment.
The three-page order explicitly attributed the surge in public interest and pressure to the Barton’s actions following the sentencing.
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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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