Lindsey Whiteside, a former youth pastor and basketball coach, has been federally indicted for transporting a minor across state lines to "engage in sexual activity." The charges cover incidents from May to November 2024, including transportation of a minor and coercion and enticement, according to WREG.
Whiteside pleaded not guilty in her first court appearance. If convicted, she could face 10 years to life in prison for each count and fines up to $250,000, with a detention hearing scheduled, as reported by Commercial Appeal.
DeSoto County Sheriff Thomas Tuggle told Action News 5, "Justice will always prevail, regardless if it doesn’t look that way, we’re going to continue to fight and fight for justice for Desoto County." A district attorney called the prior state case sentencing "an abomination of justice" and filed a motion to re-sentence Whiteside. DeSoto County Schools said Whiteside was never formally employed by the district.
