Category: Press Releases

HERNANDO, Miss — Javier Escamilla, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, has been convicted after pleading guilty to the crime of sexual battery against a child. Escamilla was sentenced to five years in Mississippi State Prison, but due to his status as an illegal alien, he will not serve time in the United States. Instead, he will… Continue reading Illegal Alien Child Predator Convicted, Pending Deportation

HERNANDO, Miss – Today, District Attorney Matthew Barton introduced the newly proposed Mississippi Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program (House Bill 1484), a significant piece of legislation aimed at addressing illegal immigration and expediting the deportation of undocumented immigrants. The bill, authored by State Representative Justin Keen from DeSoto County, is designed to allow certified bounty… Continue reading DA’s Office Announces Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program

Hernando, Miss. – Today, the DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office released the results of its bi-annual public opinion poll, providing valuable insights into community views on public safety in our county. According to the results posted on our office’s website, the survey shows strong approval for the District Attorney’s Office in key areas such as… Continue reading DA Releases Public Safety Survey Results

Hernando, Miss. – The District Attorney’s Office invites the public to take part in a public opinion survey regarding safety and security, competency, overall agency performance, and concerns regarding crime.
The 2024 DeSoto County Public Opinion Survey on Public Safety is open now and runs until January 5th. Members of the public will find the survey… Continue reading D.A.’s Office Invites Public To Participate In Survey

Hernando, Miss. – Today, District Attorney Matthew Barton announced his legislative priorities for the upcoming 2025 session which focus on enhancing the state’s criminal justice system and ensuring that violent criminals are behind bars. “While I am not driving the bus on these changes, I understand the importance of being on the bus. These priorities… Continue reading D.A. Barton Unveils Legislative Priorities to Strengthen Public Safety in Mississippi for 2025 Legislative Session

Hernando, Miss. – DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton announced today that Stephen Russell Jr., 27, has been indicted by a DeSoto County Grand Jury for felony escape. This indictment follows Russell’s daring escape from deputies at the courthouse last week, shortly after being convicted for trafficking fentanyl. This indictment is the result of the… Continue reading DeSoto County Man Indicted for Felony Escape Following Courthouse Fleeing Incident

Hernando, Miss. – DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton announced today that John Riles, an inmate at the DeSoto County Adult Detention Center, has been indicted by a DeSoto County Grand Jury for assaulting a jailer last month. [1] On November 14, at approximately 10:45 a.m., Riles became involved in an altercation with a jailer.… Continue reading DeSoto County Inmate Indicted for Assaulting DeSoto County Jailer

HERNANDO, MISS — Today, Mark McDaniel was found guilty of second-degree murder after a three-day jury trial in connection with the December 2022 shooting death of Southaven native Christian Saulsberry. District Attorney Matthew Barton issued a strong statement following the verdict, saying, “This was not an accident. This was a reckless, cowardly act by a Memphis… Continue reading Mark McDaniel Found Guilty of Second-Degree Murder in the Shooting Death of Christian Saulsberry

HERNANDO, MISS – DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton announced today, that Truitt Neal, Jr., a 33-year old Southaven man, has been sentenced to 10 years in state prison for the possession of child pornography. He pleaded guilty to the possession of child pornography last Thursday. In addition to the 10 years in state prison,… Continue reading Southaven Man Convicted, Sentenced to 10 years for Possession of Child Pornography

HERNANDO, MISS – DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton announced today that JESSICA TABOR, 31, has been indicted by a DeSoto County Grand Jury for capital murder. The indictment alleges that on March 22, 2024, TABOR did “willfully and feloniously kill and murder her daughter.” [1] “I’d like to thank the Grand Jury for their… Continue reading District Attorney Announces Indictment of Southaven Woman for Capital Murder