DESOTO COUNTY, Miss. — A DeSoto County Schools board member is responding after the district attorney called for her resignation after a former youth minister was sentenced Monday for sexual battery.

Lindsey Whiteside, a former youth minister, pleaded guilty to sexual battery of a minor and managed to avoid prison on Monday.

Monday, a judge sentenced Whiteside to three years on house arrest and seven years of supervision.

Michele Henley said the following on social media:

“Over the past few days, there has been considerable discussion on social media regarding my character and involvement in a recent matter. I would like to take a moment to share the facts directly.

First, I wrote a letter describing a personal interaction I had with Lindsey Whiteside. In that letter, I mentioned that Lindsey had helped coach my daughter prior to basketball tryouts. At no point did I express support for her actions or endorse her behavior. For full transparency, I have attached a copy of my letter for you to review. Contrary to what has been claimed, I did not testify for the defense. I was subpoenaed by the District Attorney to appear in court.

While on the stand, I was asked whether I condoned Lindsey’s actions. My response was no. When asked about what her sentence should be, I stated that such a decision was for the judge to determine.

DeSoto County has been my home for nearly my entire life. I take great pride in our community and in the years of service I have dedicated to it. My integrity and commitment to the people of DeSoto County remain steadfast.”

“I want to reverse the roles. If this was a male, if this was a person of color, if this was anything other than a young white woman, we wouldn’t be standing here having this conversation today,” said Aubrie Johnson, a Hernando, MS resident.

Johnson has been following this case since the beginning and has used her TikTok to advocate for the victim.

“If the courts aren’t going to do what they, by law, should do, then the public will. And if, I need to lead that army, I will and I’m not going to stop,” said Johnson.

Johnson says she’s disturbed by the amount of support Whiteside has received from church and school leaders.

Thousands have signed an online petition that calls for school board member Michele Henley to resign.

“49 letters. We know that it has come from teachers, it has come from members of law enforcement. 49 letters to support. We need more people in this community to come forward and denounce it,” said Johnson.

Wednesday, Superintendent Cory Uselton addressed the matter in a letter to parents, saying in part, “Even when employees’ personal opinions do not align with the district’s values, school districts are bound by employment laws that protect due process and clearly define when and how disciplinary action can be taken.”

District Attorney Matthew Barton plans to file a motion to vacate Whiteside’s sentence to ensure the victim receives justice.

The D.A. said the sentence is illegal because the crime she committed is not eligible for house arrest.