The first female mayor of a town in Louisiana has resigned just days before being charged with sexual relations with a juvenile.
Mayor Misty Roberts Clanton, 42, stepped down as mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana just one week before the allegations came to light.
Clanton turned herself in to investigators from the Louisiana State Police Special Victim’s Unit at Beauregard Parish Detention Center on August 1.
According to the Louisiana State Police, the former mayor is charged with third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles.
Clanton reportedly intended to run for mayor of DeRidder once more in 2026.
“On July 26, 2024, the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office requested the Louisiana State Police Special Victim’s Unit (LSP SVU) to investigate a complaint against the former Mayor of DeRidder for allegations of sexual relations with a juvenile,” the Louisiana State Police in a statement.
“The investigation resulted in the arrest of 42-year-old Misty Roberts.”
“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,” the statement continued.
