Community members demand resignation of school board member who defended Lindsey Whiteside
The protest was spurred by Michele Henley’s social media post late Wednesday where she shared the character letter she submitted to the judge and attempted to clarify her role. (Brandon LaGrone II/The Daily Memphian)
Dozens of outraged parents and residents confronted the DeSoto County school board Thursday, Oct. 16, demanding the immediate resignation of board member Michele Henley.
The protest at the end of the board’s regular meeting comes as District Attorney Matthew Barton challenges the three-year house arrest sentence handed down to former youth pastor and high school basketball coach Lindsey Whiteside as “illegal.”
Whiteside pleaded guilty earlier this week to sexual battery with a minor. She was sentenced to three years of house arrest and seven years of probation, a punishment far short of Barton’s desire for a 30-year sentence. Barton contends the house arrest is not allowed for the offense to which Whiteside pleaded guilty.
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lindsey whiteside Michele Henley desoto county district attorney matthew barton Subscriber OnlyAre you enjoying your subscription?
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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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