A former female mayor has been charged with rape five days after she abruptly resigned from office.
Former DeRidder mayor Misty Roberts Clanton, 42, has been accused of having “sexual intercourse with one juvenile victim while employed as mayor”.
She was charged with third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles after she was arrested by Louisiana State Police on Thursday morning.
Jail records show that Clanton was released on bail for £58,936 ($75,000 USD).
An investigation into Clanton, who also goes by Misty Roberts, was opened on July 26, after the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office requested the state police look into a complaint against the former mayor.
The police department’s Special Victim’s Unit said investigators spoke with two juveniles in a statement released to the public.
The statement read: ““As the investigation progressed, LSP SVU conducted interviews with two juveniles, one of which was the victim.
“Both juveniles confirmed Roberts had sexual intercourse with one juvenile victim while employed as mayor.”
Clanton’s attorney, Adam Johnson, has maintained her innocence.
In a statement, he said: “It is my honor to represent Misty Roberts.
“My client learned late last night of a warrant, despite not being contacted to be interviewed prior to investigators obtaining the warrant.
“My client maintains her innocence and, as it stands, she is in fact innocent.
“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.”
Clanton had previously released a statement on Friday, July 26 stating she would be away from the office for two weeks. Following the investigation, she resigned on July 27.
In her statement, she said: “For nearly 15 years, my love and passion for DeRidder has been by foundation while serving as mayor.
“I am humbled to have witnessed the hard work that took a community to come together and overcome unprecedented times.
“However, I must adjust my focus and priorities.
“Please accept this letter as my formal resignation, effective today.
“To the residents of this city: Thank you for your trust, love and support in me to lead our city into our future of greatness. My love for DeRidder will never waiver.”
Clanton was in the middle of he second term as the municipality’s mayor, winning reelection with sixty percent of the vote in 2022. Her marital status is unclear.
DeRidder, a city of just under 10,000 people, is situated on the west side of the state approximately 20 miles from the Texas-Louisiana border in America.
