The former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, is facing serious charges after being arrested for allegedly raping a juvenile.
Misty Dawn Clanton Roberts, 42, was taken into custody at the Beauregard Parish Detention Center on charges of third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of minors. The Louisiana State Police (LSP) announced the news on Thursday.
Roberts’ arrest follows her sudden resignation from the mayor’s office just days earlier. DeRidder is a small city with a population of about 10,000, located roughly 50 miles north of Lake Charles.
She was booked at around 10:13 a.m. and posted bail about an hour later, with the bond set at $75,000, as per the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation kicked off after a complaint was made to the sheriff’s office, prompting the Special Victims Unit to look into allegations of an inappropriate relationship between Roberts and a minor.
Louisiana State Police
As part of the investigation, LSP’s Special Victims Unit interviewed two juveniles, including the victim, both of whom confirmed that Roberts had sexual intercourse with one of them while she was in office.
Although a warrant was out for her arrest, Roberts voluntarily surrendered to authorities on Thursday.
Roberts’ attorney, Adam Johnson, stated to KPLC: “My client became aware of the warrant late last night. She has not been interviewed prior to its issuance. She maintains her innocence.”
Johnson also emphasized the importance of respecting Roberts’ presumption of innocence, which he described as a fundamental principle of justice. He noted the support she has received from her community and expressed hope that they can move past this troubling situation.
About Misty Roberts
Roberts, an independent politician, made history in 2018 by becoming the first female mayor of DeRidder and was currently serving her second term after winning reelection in 2022.
A lifelong resident of DeRidder, she graduated from DeRidder High School in 2000. In a recent interview, she discussed her personal experiences and the challenges of public scrutiny, stating she plans to run for a third term in 2026.
Roberts submitted her resignation on July 27, expressing gratitude for the relationships she built during her tenure and saying it was necessary to shift her focus.
She concluded her resignation letter with appreciation for the trust and support from her constituents: “My love for DeRidder will never waver,” she wrote.
Prior to her resignation, she informed Council Clerk Glenna Luther that she would be away from the city until August 10, appointing fire chief Ken Harlow as acting mayor in her absence.