A former DeSoto Central Elementary School teacher will spend nine years in prison for possessing child pornography.
Mitchell Cantrell, 37, is reported to have downloaded images and videos of children under the age of 12 engaging in sexually explicit conduct while simultaneously serving as a school teacher. According to court records, the content found on his electronic devices included sexual materials involving preteens, toddlers, and infants.
The Southaven Police Department confirmed receiving a tip during the week of March 10-14, 2025, which was spring break for DeSoto Central Elementary School, about an educator downloading inappropriate videos and images of children. After investigating, local officials identified Cantrell as the perpetrator, then worked with federal prosecutors to arrest him.
“As Americans we are unfortunately divided on so many issues. There are, however, certain issues upon which we should all agree. Foremost is society’s responsibility to protect children,” U.S. Attorney Scott Leary stated. “There is simply no room for child exploitation in our country. I thank the citizens of this great state for standing with federal and state law enforcement in combating these crimes. With the advent of advanced technology, investigating child exploitation is becoming more complex – we must remain vigilant.”
In addition to his prison term, Cantrell was sentenced to 10 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. Assistant U.S. Attorney Parker S. King prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.
