More details have emerged regarding the arrest of an assistant district attorney in DeSoto County.
Thomas Waller, 56, was booked into the DeSoto County Jail just after 5 p.m. on Thursday and charged with contempt of court. He bonded out around 1 a.m. on Friday but no further details were disclosed to the public.
Late Friday morning, District Attorney Matthew Barton issued a statement on the matter, saying Waller was charged after appearing visibly intoxicated in court. Barton added that Waller has resigned, effective immediately.
“As of this morning, I have accepted the resignation of Mr. Waller, effective immediately. This is a regrettable situation that does not reflect the high standards for performance that are expected of this office,” Barton said. “And while I cannot comment on the physical, emotional, or mental health of a former employee, I do hope he receives the support he needs for his well-being during this difficult time.”
WREG out of Memphis reported that Waller had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath and made incoherent arguments in front of the judge, interfering with the conduct of court business. Waller has been ordered to spend 11 days in jail and pay a $100 fine.
