Misty Clanton Roberts, the former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, was arrested on charges of third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. The arrest follows her unexpected resignation from office just a week prior. Louisiana State Police apprehended Roberts, 42, on Thursday, and she was later released from the Beauregard Parish jail after posting a $75,000 bond.
The charges stem from allegations that Roberts had sexual relations with a minor while serving as mayor. According to Sgt. Ross Brennan, a state police spokesman, the alleged juvenile victim, along with another juvenile, reported the incident to the state police’s Special Victims Unit. Brennan did not disclose the age, gender, or hometown of the alleged victims.
Roberts resigned on July 27, submitting a letter to the city council following a previous letter to Council Clerk Glenna Luther, in which she mentioned taking an unplanned two-week leave and appointing Fire Chief Ken Harlow as acting mayor during her absence.
Adam Johnson, Roberts’ attorney, stated to KPLC-TV that his client maintains her innocence.
“She has not been charged with a crime and/or convicted of any crime,” Johnson said. “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, an independent, made history as the first woman to become mayor of DeRidder in 2018. She was re-elected for a second term in 2022.
The charges stem from allegations that Roberts had sexual relations with a minor while serving as mayor. According to Sgt. Ross Brennan, a state police spokesman, the alleged juvenile victim, along with another juvenile, reported the incident to the state police’s Special Victims Unit. Brennan did not disclose the age, gender, or hometown of the alleged victims.
Roberts resigned on July 27, submitting a letter to the city council following a previous letter to Council Clerk Glenna Luther, in which she mentioned taking an unplanned two-week leave and appointing Fire Chief Ken Harlow as acting mayor during her absence.
Adam Johnson, Roberts’ attorney, stated to KPLC-TV that his client maintains her innocence.
“She has not been charged with a crime and/or convicted of any crime,” Johnson said. “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, an independent, made history as the first woman to become mayor of DeRidder in 2018. She was re-elected for a second term in 2022.
Source : Times of India
