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.
