Former DeRidder Mayor, Misty Roberts, Arrested and Charged with Rape of a Juvenile
The residents of DeRidder, Louisiana, a close-knit community of approximately 10,000, were shocked to learn that their former mayor, Misty Dawne Clanton Roberts, 42, has been arrested. She was charged with third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, according to a news release from the Louisiana State Police (LSP) on Thursday. This comes less than a week after her sudden resignation from office.
The Arrest and Charges
Roberts was taken into custody at 10:13 a.m. and bailed an hour later on a $75,000 bond. This was initiated from the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office following a request for the Special Victims Unit to look into a complaint alleging Roberts had sexual relations with a minor.
“As we carried the investigation further, interviews with two juveniles confirmed that Roberts had sexual intercourse with one juvenile victim while in office,” stated the LSP. An arrest warrant for Roberts was issued, leading her to voluntarily turn herself in on Thursday.
Roberts’ Response
Roberts’ attorney, Adam Johnson, issued a statement: “Despite not being contacted for an interview prior to the investigators obtaining the warrant, my client learned about it last night. She maintains her innocence and, as it stands, she is innocent.” Asserting the constitutional presumption of innocence, he added, “We trust the public will honor this basic principle of our justice system. Misty and her family are deeply thankful for the support received from friends and neighbors as we work towards resolving this unfortunate situation.”
About Misty Roberts
Independently elected, Roberts made history as the first female mayor of DeRidder in 2018 and served a second term after her reelection in 2022. A DeRidder native, Roberts completed her schooling at DeRidder High School in 2000. Earlier this year, in an interview, she denied rumors of any salacious reasons behind her recent divorce.
Further, she revealed her intention to run for a third mayoral term in 2026. However, on July 27, she departed from her role unexpectedly. In her resignation letter addressed to the DeRidder City Council, she expressed gratitude for the rewarding relationships she forged during her tenure and for the trust and support of the cities residents.
Just two days prior to her resignation, she wrote to Council Clerk Glenna Luther stating she would be unavailable from July 27 to August 10. During this period, Fire Chief Ken Harlow was set to serve as acting mayor.
Aftermath
The shocking revelations about Roberts have led to turmoil within the DeRidder community, with public reaction varying from disbelief to concern. The situation is still developing, and further comments from both the Louisiana State Police and Roberts’ attorney are awaited.
