HERNANDO, Miss. (WMC) - A former youth pastor in DeSoto County pleaded guilty to sex crimes against a child.

Lucy Whiteside was indicted late last year on felony sexual battery of a minor.

Following the guilty plea, a judge sentenced Whiteside to three years of house arrest and seven years of probation. She must also register as a sex offender.

District Attorney Matthew Barton says prosecutors sought a 30-year prison sentence. He lambasted the judge for the sentence, claiming there was a double standard to the sentencing because Whiteside is a woman.

Prior to the indictment, Whiteside worked at Getwell Church Hernando as a student and outreach coordinator, and also previously served as an assistant basketball coach at DeSoto Central High School.

Whiteside served as the assistant girls

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