DeRidder, Louisiana, Mayor Misty Roberts Clanton stepped down last week, likely in anticipation of her arrest this week for allegedly raping a juvenile.
JUST IN: Louisiana mayor Misty Roberts Clanton, who suddenly announced her resignation last week, has been charged with child r*pe.
The 42-year-old was the mayor of DeRidder before suddenly resigning.
This week, Clanton was arrested for allegedly having "s*xual intercourse with… pic.twitter.com/hNArScLOBD
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 2, 2024
The 42-year-old former Independent mayor reportedly had sex with a child while she was in office.
The age and sex of the minor is unknown.
The Louisiana State Police issued a statement, explaining, “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. Investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Roberts from the Beauregard Parish 36th Judicial District Court.”
Following her Thursday arrest, Clanton’s lawyer spoke to the press, saying, “My client maintains her innocence and, as it stands, she is in fact innocent… 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.”
The ex-mayor won her second term reelection with sixty percent of the vote in 2022.
Fire Chief Ken Harlow was named as Mayor Pro Tem by Clanton when she announced her departure.
After the Secretary of State’s office recognizes Clanton’s resignation, Council President Randy Larken will serve as mayor pro tem until next year’s election.
