Lindsey Whiteside Granted Another Continuance on Trial Start

Federal judge resets trial date for woman accused of transporting minor across state lines for sexual activity

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

U.S. District Judge Debra M. Brown has granted Lindsey Whiteside another continuance on the start of her federal trial, which was originally set to begin in February 2026. The judge has now reset the trial start date to April 20, 2026, citing Whiteside's attorney's workload and the recent weather-related power outages impacting the attorney's office.

Why it matters

The repeated delays in Whiteside's trial raise concerns about the judicial system's ability to efficiently handle cases involving the alleged exploitation of minors. The continuances also highlight the challenges faced by the court and legal teams in managing complex cases, especially when external factors like weather emergencies disrupt normal proceedings.

The details

Whiteside was initially set to stand trial on Feb. 9, 2026, for two counts of transporting a minor across state lines for sexual activity and one count of coercion and enticement of a minor. However, on Dec. 30, 2025, Judge Brown reset the trial start to March 16, 2026. Then, on Feb. 9, 2026, the judge granted Whiteside and her attorney another extension, this time until April 20, 2026.

  • Whiteside was set to start trial on Feb. 9, 2026.
  • On Dec. 30, 2025, the trial start was reset to March 16, 2026.
  • On Feb. 9, 2026, the trial start was further delayed to April 20, 2026.

The players

Lindsey Whiteside

A woman accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sexual activity and coercion and enticement of a minor.

Judge Debra M. Brown

The U.S. District Judge presiding over Whiteside's case and granting the continuances.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Because the Court concludes that the ends of justice served by continuing trial — to address Whiteside's counsel's conflict with the trial date and the storm's impact on her counsel's office — outweigh the best interest of the public and Whiteside in a speedy trial, the motion to continue is granted.”

— Judge Debra M. Brown, U.S. District Judge (localmemphis.com)

What’s next

The judge will preside over Whiteside's trial, which is now scheduled to begin on April 20, 2026.

The takeaway

The repeated delays in Whiteside's trial highlight the challenges the judicial system faces in balancing the need for a speedy trial with the practical realities of managing complex cases, especially when external factors like weather emergencies disrupt normal proceedings. This case underscores the importance of the courts maintaining efficiency and public trust in the face of such obstacles.