The family of a convicted sex offender's victim called on a DeSoto County Schools board member to resign — and they did it face-to-face.

Calls for school board member Michele Henley's resignation began after the Oct. 13 sentencing of Lindsey Whiteside, a former youth pastor who pleaded guilty to sexual battery of a minor. Judge Andrew Howorth sentenced Whiteside to three years under house arrest and seven years of probation.

Henley has come under fire over a character letter written to the judge and testimony during Whiteside's sentencing.

About 25 community members attended the DeSoto County Schools board meeting on Nov. 6 in Hernando. During the public comments portion, Henley faced a direct call to step down from the victim's grandmother.

The Commercial Appeal does not identify v

See Full Page