Mayor Faces Child Sex Charges

Former Louisiana Mayor Arrested for Alleged Rape of a Juvenile

Misty Clanton Roberts, the former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, has been arrested and charged with third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. Roberts, 42, turned herself in to authorities on Thursday, according to the Louisiana State Police.

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The investigation was launched on July 26, after a complaint was filed with the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office alleging that Roberts had sexual relations with a juvenile. Police interviewed two juveniles, one of whom identified themselves as the victim and disclosed that Roberts had sexual intercourse with them while she was employed as mayor.

An arrest warrant was issued, and Roberts surrendered, later posting a $75,000 bond. This scandal comes just days after Roberts' abrupt resignation as mayor on July 27, citing a two-week absence and appointing Fire Chief Ken Harlow as acting mayor.

Roberts' attorney, Adam Johnson, strongly denied the allegations, stating:

“She has not been charged with a crime and/or convicted of any crime. And we trust the public will respect her constitutional presumption of innocence which is fundamental to our system of justice. Misty and her family are very grateful for the support they have received from their friends and neighbors and we look forward to putting this unfortunate situation behind them.”

Roberts made history in 2018 when she became DeRidder's first female mayor and the first independent to hold the office. She was reelected in 2022. Prior to her political career, Roberts served as the city's director of community service for nine years.