Former DeSoto County youth minister and high school basketball coach Lindsey Whiteside is once again looking to postpone her federal trial.
Whiteside, who previously coached basketball at DeSoto Central High School and was a minister at Getwell Church, was indicted by a grand jury in late October for allegedly transporting a minor across state lines for sexual activity. She was originally scheduled to appear in court in February, but has had the date moved back twice, with the trial now set to occur on June 1.
Now, the defendant’s legal team is saying June 1 is too soon for her to go to court, citing health concerns. In a Wednesday legal filing, Whiteside’s attorneys said she was recently hospitalized with complications stemming from a heart condition that she’s battled before being locked up.
“In addition to the reasons set forth above, the Defendant has recently been hospitalized while incarcerated with complications from a heart condition that predates her incarceration,” the court filing reads. “As a result of the hospitalization, the Defendant recently underwent a heart ablation to treat her heart rhythm disorders.”
Whiteside had previously been sentenced to house arrest on state charges, stemming from a sexual relationship she had with a 14 to 15-year-old while serving as a youth minister at the Hernando church, a crime in which she pleaded guilty. The crime occurred between May and November of 2024 when Whiteside reportedly engaged in a pattern of inappropriate behavior with the minor, including exchanging more than 60,000 messages.
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Whiteside was reportedly the church figure who assigned seating and sleeping arrangements for youth trips. She is accused of using her role for nefarious purposes, according to testimony from a family member of the victim.
Her lack of jail time on state charges sparked outcry from the community and DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton, who pursued a 30-year sentence against Whiteside.
As for the upcoming trial, Whiteside is represented by the Mississippi-based attorney Tony Farese and his team. Her legal counsel maintains that she was in a consensual relationship with the victim and does not pose a threat to the community. Whiteside is charged with transporting a minor across state lines for sexual activity. If convicted, she faces a minimum of 10 years behind bars.