SOUTHAVEN, Miss. — A former Southaven police officer was arrested and indicted on one count of conspiracy and one count of felony auto theft.

DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton addressed the media on Wednesday to announce the arrest of former officer, Tony Herring Jr.

These charges were handed down after a months-long investigation by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, US Marshalls, and DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department.

“While he was still employed, he was facilitating the theft of vehicles in our community and helping criminals who were coming here to break the law,” Barton said.

Barton says that car thefts lead to even bigger crimes, as seen in the case of Kyle Dodson.

Back in February, Dodson was found guilty of attempted murder after stealing cars in Southaven and firing shots at officers.

“These car thefts are turning into situations where criminals are accessing guns to do more violent crimes,” Barton said. “These car thefts are turning into situations where police go to intervene and end up getting shot at.”

Herring allegedly provided information to people who were stealing cars that would be helpful in their endeavors, serving as somewhat of a “lookout”.

He is accused of stealing a 2019 Infinity and while Barton said the DA’s office has reason to believe that this wasn’t his only offense, Barton picked what he felt was his strongest case.

“We have reason to believe that it wasn’t necessarily a one-off crime, but when I indict someone, I indict them on something I can prove without a reasonable doubt and I can take to court and feel good about it,” Barton said. “So, I did pick the strongest case I thought we would have against him.”

Barton added that the incident allegedly took place at the end of 2023.

Southaven PD discovered his scheme and terminated him. They are still investigating to see if there are any more incidents involving Herring.

“I think that Southaven Police Department has made the right choice and is sending the right message that even when things are not necessarily convenient, they are still going to do what’s right,” Barton said.

Herring remains at the DeSoto County Jail tonight. His bond has not been set yet.