DeSoto County prosecutors report 82 convictions in sex-offender registration cases

The DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office has secured 82 convictions involving 96 counts of failing to register since District Attorney Matthew Barton took office, according to figures from the office. The enforcement effort is being highlighted as Operation Predator Check.

The initiative focuses on prosecuting registered sex offenders who violate requirements intended to help law enforcement monitor their whereabouts and other identifying information. Mississippi law requires registrants to keep current information on matters including residence, employment, vehicles and other required details.

The office said the 96 convicted counts represent a 68 percent increase attributed to enhanced efforts by the district attorney’s office, prosecutors and law enforcement.

The District Attorney’s Office said enforcement of sex-offender registration laws has remained a public-safety priority since Barton took office in January 2024. In 2024, the office announced 58 felony indictments in an earlier registration-enforcement initiative, followed by continued prosecution efforts that have produced convictions.

Source: DeSoto County District Attorney's Office.