SOUTHAVEN, Miss — A former Southaven Police officer was arrested for stealing and conspiring to steal a car while he was still serving as police officer.
Tony Herring Jr., who is a former member of the Southaven Police Department’s SWAT Team, was arrested in Horn Lake on Wednesday, the DeSoto County DA's office confirmed to ABC24.
According to the DeSoto County DA Mathew Barton, Southaven Police discovered the scheme and terminated Herring, but he was arrested with the help of the DeSoto County Sheriff's office, as well as U.S. Marshalls and the MBI.
"Even the most magnificent garden will occasionally have a weed pop up that needs to be removed. This is nothing more than that. Southaven is a first-class department and city, with very high standards," said Barton. "This shows we apply those standards to everyone."
Barton said Herring was arrested on April 10, but says Herring was secretly indicted, after committing the crime in 2023. The investigation took place during the first few months of 2024.
A Facebook post by the Southaven Police Department from October 2023 congratulates Tony Herring for being one of the four newest members of the SWAT Team, saying its members need to meet "meet rigorous standards in physical fitness and weapons usage," as well being able to use specialized equipment and carrying out tactical operation plans.
Mayor Darren Musselwhite and Southaven Police Chief Brent Vickers released the following statement regarding Herring's indictment:
Upon becoming aware of the alleged activities of the former officer in question, the Southaven Police Department took appropriate action and vigorously investigated this matter, ultimately resulting in the termination of the former officer’s employment with the City. Upon completion of the investigation, the investigatory information was provided to the Desoto County District Attorney’s Office for review. The Southaven Police Department takes all crime seriously and will follow wherever the investigation leads without regard to whom the individual is.
The Southaven Police hold our officers to the highest standards of conduct, integrity, and professionalism. The actions of this one individual do not align with the values and principles that define the Southaven Police or the City.
As the Mayor and Chief of Police, we both understand the gravity of this situation and the impact it may have on public trust. Rest assured, we are committed to transparency, accountability, and upholding the trust bestowed upon us by the community.
We appreciate the efforts and tenacity of the Desoto County District Attorney, and, as this matter is now in the judicial process, defer all questions to the District Attorney.