In his first 100 days in office, DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton initiated the first phase of his grand jury restructuring plan, created a new task force to expedite the apprehension of violent criminals and created the agency’s first-ever Public Corruption Division.
Barton’s 100th day was marked Tuesday, April 9, with more than 900 felony charges and a commitment to publishing the office’s first annual report, which he says will offer a comprehensive overview of departmental activities, achievements and case statistics.
“DeSoto County’s success is no accident,” Barton said. “It’s a culmination of top-tier schools, committed public servants, strategic choices and the valorous efforts of law enforcement.
“The primary focus of my administration’s first 100 days was to establish a robust foundation that preserves this quality of life for this generation and the next.”
One of the first initiatives Barton spearheaded upon taking office was the grand jury restructuring. The goal was to create a more efficient system by assigning experienced prosecutors and support staff to grand juries, as well as specialized training for law enforcement.
“Since its implementation, we have been able to markedly increase the rate at which felony cases can be prosecuted, improve agency notice from 24 hours to two weeks, reduce the backlog of criminal cases and ensure violent criminals are given the harshest penalties under the law,” Barton said.
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