Female Mayor who sexually assaulted minors is arrested

August 4, 2024 Gloria Shaw

The now-former mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, Misty Dawn Clanton Roberts, finds herself embroiled in serious legal trouble after be accused of sexually assaulting a minor whilein office.

Accused of third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, the 42-year-old maintains her innocence against the charges.

Roberts’ abrupt resignation on July 27 left the town in shock. Midway through her second term and having won re-election with a decisive 60% of the vote in 2022, her departure was unexpected.

Officially, her resignation has yet to be formalized as Louisiana’s election laws require a signed and notarized letter, which city officials confirm has not been submitted.

The initial indication of turmoil came on July 25 when Roberts informed the city council she would be away for two weeks, appointing Fire Chief Ken Harlow as acting mayor.

This announcement was soon followed by swirling rumors and subsequent action from the city council, which contemplated an investigation into Roberts’ conduct. However, this was preempted by an ongoing law enforcement probe.

The investigation, conducted by the Louisiana State Police Special Victim’s Unit, was initiated following a complaint to the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office on July 26. Interviews with two juveniles, one of whom was the alleged victim, led to an arrest warrant for Roberts, issued by the Beauregard Parish 36th Judicial District Court.

Roberts was arrested by Louisiana State Police and booked into the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office on Thursday.

Roberts maintains her innocence. Through her attorney, Adam Johnson, she emphasized her lack of prior notice about the warrant and insisted on her constitutional presumption of innocence. She expressed gratitude for the support from her community and a desire to move past the allegations.