OLIVE BRANCH, Miss. (WMC) — Rakeem Woodley has been sentenced to 35 years in prison following his conviction for robbery and vehicle theft related to a 2024 incident at Olive Branch City Park, District Attorney Matthew Barton announced Tuesday.
Woodley, who had previously served time in Wisconsin and was out on active warrants, approached a senior citizen at the city park without a weapon but forcefully took her keys, according to officials.
“He did his time [in Wisconsin], it wasn’t much,” said Barton. “That’s why we went as hard as we could this time — he had his chance to learn and didn’t. So, he’ll have 35 years now.”
During a public safety press conference, Barton was joined by Mayor Ken Adams and Police Chief Bill Cox to discuss crime in the area and to reaffirm the city’s firm stance on public safety.
Barton also highlighted a trend: many felony crimes in DeSoto County are committed by individuals from outside the area. “Olive Branch has a reputation for no-nonsense,” he said. “If you come here from another place, we’re going to hit you just as hard as we possibly can — and we will change your address to the penal farm in Parchman, Mississippi.”
Officials praised the efforts of the Olive Branch Police Department and emphasized the city’s commitment to protecting its community spaces and residents.
