DeSoto assistant D.A. resigns, accused of being drunk in court

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Desoto County Assistant District Attorney is charged with contempt of court after appearing “visibly intoxicated” in court, documents state.

Thomas Waller, 56, was arrested and booked into the Desoto County Jail a little after 5 p.m. Thursday.

Waller resigned Friday, effective immediately.

“As of this morning, I have accepted the resignation of Mr. Waller, effective immediately,” DeSoto County D.A. Matthew Barton said. “This is a regrettable situation that does not reflect the high standards for performance that are expected of this office.  And while I cannot comment on the physical, emotional, or mental health of a former employee, I do hope he receives the support he needs for his well-being during this difficult time.”

Reports state that Waller had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath and made incoherent arguments to the court, interfering with the conduct of the court business.

The court ordered him to spend 11 days in jail and pay a $100 fine. He was released around 1 a.m. on Friday.

WREG is working to gather more details. We will update this story as they become available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.