A DeSoto County judge on Wednesday sentenced 17-year-old Memphis resident Larry Scruggs to 15 years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections after prosecutors tied him to an armed carjacking in Southaven. Authorities said Scruggs tried to drive the stolen vehicle back to Memphis, and prosecutors noted that the punishment includes post-release supervision and reporting requirements once he is out of prison.
According to FOX13 Memphis, the DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office said Scruggs participated in the armed theft of a vehicle and tried to take it to Memphis. The outlet reports that a judge in Hernando handed down the 15-year term in the Mississippi Department of Corrections and detailed additional reporting requirements that will kick in after he serves his time.
Prosecutors Praise the Investigation
DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton credited investigators for quickly closing the loop on the case. Their work, he said, “helped ensure a dangerous offender was removed from our streets and brought to justice,” according to FOX13 Memphis. Barton’s office described the incident as an armed theft and said authorities moved fast to recover the vehicle and take the suspect into custody.
DeSoto’s Tougher Line on Cross-Border Crime
DeSoto County officials have signaled a tougher approach to crimes that start in Memphis but spill over the state line. As The Daily Memphian reported, Barton has warned he will not allow DeSoto County to be used as “a playground to commit crime,” and recent prosecutions have reflected that stance.
What Happens Next
The district attorney’s office said court paperwork will set the date Scruggs must report to the Mississippi Department of Corrections and will spell out the terms of supervision after his release. The DeSoto County press office posts news and case updates on its site for public review, according to the DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office.
Legal Notes
Armed carjacking and related weapon offenses carry stiff penalties when guns are involved and can include long periods of post-release supervision. This case will continue through DeSoto County Circuit Court for any appeals or additional filings, and public court records will reflect schedule changes and further details.
