Former DeSoto County youth minister charged with sexual battery of child

Lindsey Whiteside, a former youth minister and high school basketball coach, faces up to 30 years in prison for the alleged sexual battery of a child. (DeSoto County Sheriff's Office)

A grand jury has indicted a former DeSoto County youth minister and basketball coach for having sex with an underage child in her care.

According to the indictment, Lindsey Aldy Whiteside, 26, intentionally and knowingly had sex with an underage girl between May 14 and November 6, 2024. The indictment charges Whiteside with one count of felony sexual battery of a minor.

Whiteside worked as a student and outreach coordinator at Getwell Church Hernando before she was indicted, along with working as an assistant basketball coach at DeSoto Central High School.

“We can confirm that the December Grand Jury of DeSoto County has indicted Lindsey Whiteside on the charge of sexual battery of a minor child by a person of trust or authority,” DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton said. “Sexual abuse and exploitation inflict lasting harm on victims, that often last for a lifetime.”

Whiteside was hired by Getwell Church Hernando in August 2022. According to a report from Action 5 News, church members say she was terminated after the allegations of sexual battery arose.

Whiteside faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

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By Ben Milam

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Ben Milam is a multimedia journalist for SuperTalk Mississippi News. Prior to joining the news team, he spent three years as a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster at the NCAA Division I, NJCAA, and high school levels – including time with William Carey, ESPN+, and most recently as the voice of the University of Louisiana Monroe women’s basketball team. He also is a staff writer for Big Gold Nation of the Rivals Network. Ben is a born-and-raised Mississippian and a graduate of Southern Miss. For inquiries or story tips, email [email protected].